Any experience in where to see the NL and best date range? I have read there is a decent possibility to see them from County Donegal or Malin head. This is our first time to Ireland and if possible I would like to allow some time for this, even knowing its hit or miss. If anyone has been successful especially last fall, would like your thoughts. Thanks...
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
6918 posts
As far north as possible and as far away from any light sources as possible. And with an unobstructed view to the north and a clear sky.
But, when it comes to the Northern lights, Ireland is pretty far south so your chances of seeing the lights are very small.
Posted by
Freedonia
16172 posts
Are you sure you're not confusing Ireland with Iceland?
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
2681 posts
No experience, but according to this page November to March is your best bet. https://www.letsgoireland.com/northern-lights-ireland-best-tips/
Posted by
Vancouver, Washington
292 posts
Seeing the Northern Lights from Ireland is refreshingly optimistic but who am I to be a naysayer? The University of Alaska has a good website for NL predictions including European sightings. The link is https://www.gi.alaska.edu/monitors/aurora-forecast
Good luck adventurer!
Posted by
OP
2 posts
That is the website I had read. I was hoping to get someones experience seeing them though. We are going to try when we go this fall...:)
Posted by
Paris
7291 posts
At that latitude, it can happen every now and then: I have a friend from Northumberland who has seen them a few times over the years. A few times over the years. Last month, there was a period of exceptional solar activity with lights visible as far south as northern France : you would have to be in Ireland during a similar event... and hope for clear, dark skies, which aren't the norm in coastal Ireland.
A colleague was in the Orkney islands during that event and saw them, but that's much further north than Ireland, and the lights were still relatively faint (they couldn't get decent pictures).
So, I would not build my schedule around this minor probability. Sorry. In Northern Scotland perhaps, but not in Ireland.
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
6918 posts
We are going to try when we go this fall...:)
I don't know what your full itinerary looks like, but given the small chance of success I think there are better ways to spend your time in Ireland. But if you still decide to try to see them, make sure you follow both the weather forecast and the aurora forecast.