BootsnAll Travel Community

Hey Folks

I am planning a backpacking trip to Ireland about the first week of May ideally staying the whole month. I know it gets rainy there (less so in May I am told) but is it cold what kind of clothes would you recommend? Second I see there are plenty of hostels. What kind of ground transportation can be gotten between cities/town I figured I start in Dublin.

These pieces of advice are given on guidebook info and previous experiences on other rainy countries, not actual experiences in Ireland. Next summer will be my first time in there too so you maybe should treat them with a hint of suspiscion.

First of all, they say it always rains in Ireland I guess there's gotta be a hint of truth in it. Since you're going to stay that long, you should definitely pack some waterproof gear with you. GoreTex or equivalent garment is expensive but really worth the money, I think. I bought a very simple jacket a couple of years ago and haven't regretted it for a moment. Cover your backpack too to prevent your change clothes from getting wet.

Getting around is propably easiest by bus. The train network isn't nearly as good as for example in UK and it's also more expensive. Here's some more info on getting around in Ireland. It also seems that hitchhiking should be safe and easy there too. I'm sure you'll find this useful. (I just picked the link, is it allright? My personal thanks for those who contributed to this thread and every other as well!)

Hopefully you'll have great time there!

Good info thanks.

Hi,
I have been to Ireland in Nov, Feb and March. While it did rain on a lot of days I was there, it didn't tend to last that long. You could get four or five changes of weather each day. Probably being an island and all.
One way to get around is the bus.
Check out Bus Eireann

It goes everywhere and is usually a lot cheaper than the train. You will love it there.

the weather here is usually quite changeable - but for may you should get decent/dry weather for most of the month. Temps will be late teens during the day and about 8-10 celcius at night - depending on where you come from and what you are used to thats pretty mild - no need for a big bulky jacket, something light and rainproof will do the trick.

As for transport the bus services between the cities is quite good, usually one every half an hour or so - it gets a little sketchier when you go to the smaller towns and villages - but you can usually sort something out if you get stranded, which I doubt will happen. Tis a good time to visit, enjoy your stay and the pints