Ireland in February: An Ideal Winter Destination

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Table of Contents

1 Is February a good time to visit Ireland?
2 Ireland in February Weather
3 What to do in Ireland in February?
4 Visiting Ireland in February

Is February a good time to visit Ireland?

Does it make sense to visit Ireland in February? Yes, if you don’t mind the mixed weather and shorter days at this time of year. As it is the low season, Ireland holidays in February are usually cheaper than during the other months and there are less tourists.

While February is not the best time to travel to Ireland if you plan an outdoor activity vacation, it is definitely possible to have an amazing trip with an itinerary packed full of the great indoor attractions, culture curiosities and not to mention superb traditional Irish music and food.

Ireland in February Weather

Bunratty Castle, County Clare, Ireland at dusk in winter. — *Not too warm and not too cold, Ireland’s weather in February is quite mild and allow for plenty of sightseeing. Bunratty Castle in County Clare is one of the country’s top tourist attractions.*

What is the weather like in Ireland in February? In Ireland weather in February is usually cool with the average temperatures being between 2-9 °C (36-48 °F). Usually the low temperature in Ireland in February does not drop below freezing very often, or stay that cold for very long.

Some years, there can be a limited snow in February, but most precipitation is likely to fall as rain. The weather forecast can often be rainy and windy too, with the occasional winter storm.

For detailed information about what the weather in Ireland is like in February, including travel tips and itinerary inspiration read our post on the weather in Ireland in February.

What to do in Ireland in February?

The Sacred Traditions Gallery in the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin, Ireland. — The Sacred Traditions Gallery in the Chester Beatty Library is a fascinating place to spend a few hours.
Photo copyright: The Trustees of the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin via Ireland’s Content Pool

The best Ireland travel itinerary for this time of year is one that includes plenty of indoor attractions. There are many options available in Dublin, some of which have free admission such as the National Gallery of Ireland, the Chester Beatty Library and the National Museum of Ireland for Archeology, all of which are well worth checking out.

From Dublin, it is easily possible to travel for a day trip to the nearby city of Belfast in Northern Ireland. When you are there, you should definitely visit the recently opened Titanic Belfast visitor attraction. This state of the art facility provides visitors with an unforgettable interactive experience and great detail about all of the facts related to the ill-fated liner.

The Titanica Sculpture outside the Titanic Belfast, Northern Ireland. — *Outside the Titanic Belfast is the Titanica sculpture of a female figure by the Irish sculptor Rowan Gillespie.*

Galway City is a great destination with special charm at any time of the year and February is no exception. Enjoy the streets of the Latin Quarter, soak up the lively street and restaurant culture and take part in traditional Irish music sessions well into the night.

The eastern coast of Ireland is famed for its rich history and there are several different routes along Ireland’s Ancient East historical trail that are well suited to this time of year.

Visit the prehistoric monument complex of Brú na Bóinne, home to the famous Newgrange burial tomb in County Meath or the many castles such as Cahir Castle (and the nearby cute Swiss Cottage) and Kilkenny Castle. (While in Kilkenny, stop by the Medieval Mile Museum and Roth House too!)

Road trips and longer day tours are generally better suited to the months from April to October when the days are longer and the weather is generally better. That said, it is of course still possible to drive the famous Wild Atlantic Way coastal drive in western Ireland at this time of year.

Just be prepared with plenty of water- and windproof clothes. As it is low season, some of the attractions and accommodation may be closed or have limited opening hours.

Visiting Ireland in February

Sunset at Downings Beach Count Donegal, Ireland — Winter sunsets can be really stunning in Ireland like this one at Downings Beach in County Donegal.
Photo by Chris Hill / Tourism Ireland via Ireland’s Content Pool

February is off season and there are distinct financial benefits to travelling to Ireland in winter. Flights are likely to be less expensive, especially the long-haul flights from the United States.

In Ireland, hotels sometimes offer good deals off season, so check in advance for the best offers and save some money (especially for luxury castle hotels and stately houses).

If you have other questions about Ireland and when the best time to visit Ireland is, read our longer article for some travel tips. We also have more information and useful content about the weather in Ireland in February, including a section about the weather in Dublin Ireland in February. Check out the post here.