Best time of the year to travel to Ireland

Best time for what? If t weather, that can be problematic at any time of the year, but you are more likely (but far from guaranteed) to get dry weather in June, July or August.

My preference would either be spring (April-May) or fall (Sept-Oct). Everything is just opening for the season (or still open), the weather can be gorgeous (or not), but there will be fewer crowds at the most popular spots. You will also have your pick of B&Bs and they are easy to book on the fly in the shoulder season. And in spring, things green up and start blooming surprisingly early.

I usually like to avoid traveling in the summer because of hot weather in crowds. However, my two trips to Ireland were in July and August and neither was a problem. The temperatures were great -- 60s. There were plenty of people, but not enough to cause any problems.

As others have implied, July and August are the most dependable for good weather, though also the most dependable for crowds. Shoulder season is good for lack of crowds, less dependable for weather. I've been to Ireland in spring, summer, and fall, but never winter. I've had great weather in all three seasons, and am going back this month (October). I look forward someday to a winter trip. I think the best time to go is whenever you have the tickets.

My wife and I spent two weeks in Ireland in late May 2008. The weather was great, crowds were more manageable than I suspect they are in the summer, and numerous locals told us that the weather is usually better then than in the summertime.

Don't know what variables you're considering, but it was great time for us to go there.

may/early june before it gets a bit summer season touristy and i also liked late sept/early october...but even in the middle of summer you'll be places where you feel like you are the only ones out and about...

Just returned from an 18 day trip in September. We had great weather although it was windy. Take a knitted cap that fits close to the head.

we went the first week of September back in 2007..weather was perfect. 70 and quite a lot of sun. A lday at a hotel in Wicklow said "the good Lord rewards the mothers with nice weather for having their kids home in the Summer." I have the weather for Dublin on my google start up page. I think every day it almost always says 60s and high 40s...from like May to now!

I really like May. The weather has a better chance of being good, the days are long, and they aren't tired of tourists yet.

We went the the last week of Sept in 2008 and only had 3 days of rain in 2 weeks. We heard that they had a very rainy summer. I think with Ireland no matter when you go you should plan for rain.

As long as the Guinness is flowing, it's a good time to go.