Visiting Ireland in May

Experiencing Ireland in May offers a taste of what you would expect during the summer months, albeit slightly cooler temperatures. While Ireland boasts beautiful beaches, the water will be too cold for swimming, so just admire the beauty of the countryside instead. The top attractions remain open, potentially allowing for savings on accommodations. Although most boat tours operate during May, inclement weather or rough sea conditions can lead to cancellations, as we experienced with the Skellig Michael Landing Tour due to turbulent seas on our planned day. However, apart from this setback, all other attractions remained accessible.

I’d suggest arriving at Shannon airport (SNN) and exploring the southwestern regions of the island, with a focus on Counties Clare, Limerick, and Kerry.

Including the Cliffs of Moher on your itinerary is a must. These Majestic sea cliffs are truly mesmerizing. Rather than simply driving to the site, I highly encourage you to embark on the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk from Doolin which links the villages of Liscannor and Doolin. This experience was one of the most memorable highlights of my trip to Ireland in May. Along this scenic five-mile path, you'll have the opportunity to join local guide Pat Sweeney, who dedicated 10 years of effort to collaborating with farmers and establishing this trail. Throughout the journey, Pat shares interesting stories and historical insights. The walk typically takes around 4-5 hours. You can then spend time admiring the Cliffs of Moher and visit the Visitor Centre. Afterwards, you can either take the same hike back independently or opt for the shuttle bus service to return to Doolin. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a puffin as they flock to Ireland in May and June.

The charming 13th Century village of Adare stands out as an ideal destination as it’s the best place to see thatched-roof cottages. It’s strikingly beautiful and quintessential Irish. Take time to enjoy a delightful Irish dinner and indulge in leisurely shopping. If cycling or casual bike riding appeals to you, rent a bike and explore the surrounding countryside and/or nearby attractions to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

The Dingle Peninsula, part of Kerry's renowned Wild Atlantic Way, offers an iconic driving experience amidst towering cliffs and breathtaking scenery. You've likely come across images of the famous curving cliff-side road with the majestic Skellig Islands gracing the backdrop; this is Dunquin Pier, a must-visit spot for stunning photographs. Stop at Inch Beach, where you can drive onto the sandy shores. While the waters may be chilly in May in Ireland, the beach provides an idyllic setting to witness the sunset unfold.

The Ring of Kerry is a captivating circular route that is an essential experience that typically spans three to four hours. However, to fully relish the area and make memorable stops along the way to enjoy the beauty, stunning coastal towns, and scenic viewpoints, you’ll probably want to plan a full day. Utilize Killarney as your base for exploration. Take advantage of the opportunity to engage in hiking adventures within Killarney National Park where attractions such as Torc Waterfall and Ross Castle await exploration. I highly recommend visiting charming towns Portmagee, Sneem and Kenmare, each offering their unique allure. Another highlight not to be missed is the Gap of Dunloe, a narrow mountain pass boasting absolutely stunning vistas. You can choose to hike, bike, or hire a jaunting car (horse-drawn carriage) to travel through the pass. You’ll hire the jaunty at Kate Kearney’s Cottage or Lord Brandon’s Cottage. If driving through the pass, just be aware there is a possibility of encountering hikers/cyclists on the narrow road (hopefully not too many as this is Ireland in May) and there is potential for delays behind jaunting cars as you may not have room to pass.

While journeying along the Ring of Kerry, a visit to the Skellig Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is highly recommended. One of the two small, steep, rocky islands can be accessed via boat. The seas are known to be somewhat rough around this area and it’s not uncommon for tours to be canceled due to unfavorable conditions. If you’re prone to seasickness or vertigo, you might want to reconsider this activity, as navigating the very steep stairs and rugged island can prove challenging upon arrival.

While there’s some driving involved, there’s ample opportunity for adventure amidst the rugged outdoors, including hiking and biking. Alternatively, if you prefer to simply soak in the scenic vistas, you’re more than welcome to do so. Ireland in May allows you to be as adventurous as you’d like.

Ireland in May would be ideal for a couples trip, friend trip or for families that enjoy the outdoors, appreciates natural beauty, exploring coastal landscapes, and has an interest in history and culture. If you are somewhat flexible, have an adventurous spirit, and enjoy the atmosphere of charming Irish villages and castles, you would find this part of the world to be particularly rewarding.

Notes: Some roads in Ireland are very narrow passages. Stray and fallen rocks can swiftly puncture a tire. It’s not uncommon to encounter tractors, farm animals, and wildlife along these routes, requiring constant vigilance. Anticipate times that you’ll need to yield to oncoming traffic as the roads narrow. Remember to drive on the left side of the road. Since manual transmissions are common in Europe, if you’re uneasy with such driving conditions, consider opting for guided tours instead.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Ireland. In need of further inspiration? Check out my trip report, My Stay at Arenas Resort Victoria-Lauberhorn in Wengen, Switzerland, or Fora Advisor Kat Galoski's guide, The ULTIMATE Must-See Guide in Ireland.