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May is one of the best months to explore Ireland. The mild weather and pleasant temperature makes Ireland one of the best places with longer days giving you plenty of time to explore its iconic landscapes and vibrant towns. Ireland during this time is a perfect balance of manageable crowds and warm onset of summers, along with exciting festivals. Whether you’re visiting the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney National Park, or enjoying a stroll in Galway, these places to visit in Ireland in May will make it an unforgettable experience for you.
10 Places To Visit In Ireland In May
Let’s explore some of the best places to visit in Ireland and get some unforgettable memories:
1. Dublin
Photo: Luciann Photography / Pexels
Dublin is one of the best places to go in May. The Dublin Dance Festival brings exciting performances and the Feast of May celebrates old traditions. Ireland’s capital-city is a blend of historic charm and new energy. On the east coast at River Liffey, the Georgian architecture of the city is iconic with landmarks encompassing St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Ha’penny Bridge. May is the best time to travel here as the weather is warm without being too hot which is perfect for exploring, going on brewery tours and enjoying the lively atmosphere from Temple Bar.
Major Attractions: St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Phoenix Park, Ha’penny Bridge, Temple Bar, Dublin Zoo
Best Time To Visit: May to August for pleasant weather
Nearest Airport: Dublin Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Connolly Railway Station
2. Cliffs Of Moher
Photo: Lukas Kloeppel / Pexels
The Cliffs of Moher is one of the amazing tourist attractions to visit in May. Counted in the list of Ireland’s natural wonders, the cliffs offer stunning views of the Aran Islands and the dramatic coastline which is surrounded by extensive green meadows. With pleasant weather and fewer crowds, the month of May is the perfect time to explore this 320-million-year-old marvel and experience its wild, rugged charm. Whether you are exploring the verdant meadows or enjoying the coastal views, May is the perfect month to visit the Cliffs of Moher.
Major Attractions: Verdant meadows, dramatic coastal views, Aran Islands, geological strata, Galway Bay
Best Time To Visit: May to September for pleasant weather
Nearest Airport: Shannon Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Ennis Railway Station
3. Galway
Photo: Chan Hyuk Moon / Unsplash
Galway is amongst the most vibrant places to visit in May. A lively town with colorful streets, and youthful energy, Galway is the largest city in western Ireland. The weather is not too harsh in May and is therefore a great time to walk around Eyre Square, lined with shops, pubs with live Irish folk music, and cozy cafes. When here, explore the Latin Quarter’s winding streets, which are lined with boutiques and art galleries. You can enjoy the rich history and coastal beauty of the city without the crowds that come with summer.
Major Attractions: St. Nicholas Church, Lynch’s Castle, Salthill Promenade, Clarinbridge Village, Galway City Museum
Best Time To Visit: May to October for mild weather and lively festivals
Nearest Airport: Shannon Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Galway Railway Station
4. Dingle Peninsula
Dingle Peninsula is one of the best places to visit in May, offering a beautiful combination of natural beauty and rich Irish culture. Surrounded by sandy beaches, rolling hills, and dramatic cliffs, it is perfect for exploring in the mild May weather. You can enjoy panoramic views at Conor Pass, discover ancient stone huts, and experience Gaelic traditions, when travelling here. The famous Dingle Dolphin Tour of the Dingle Peninsula, makes this a must-visit destination for history and nature enthusiasts alike.
Major Attractions: Conor Pass, Dunmore Head, ancient stone huts, Dingle Dolphin Tour, sandy beaches, craggy cliffs
Best Time To Visit: May to September for pleasant weather and scenic views
Nearest Airport: Kerry Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Tralee Railway Station
5. Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle is one of the top places to travel in May, combining history, adventure, and beautiful scenery. This 600-year-old Irish landmark is most famous for the Blarney Stone, which promises the “gift of the gab” to those brave enough to kiss these stones. May is the perfect time to visit this castle, as the expansive gardens bloom, offering a serene and colourful backdrop to all the tourists. You can explore its towers, dungeons, and secret corners for an unforgettable experience of Ireland’s rich heritage.
Major Attractions: Blarney Stone, lush gardens, dungeons, castle towers, secret corners
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Nearest Airport: Cork Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Cork Kent Railway Station
6. Giant’s Causeway And Causeway Coast
The Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast are ranked among the best places to visit in May, with their astounding landscapes and the colourful experiences they offer. The 40,000 basalt columns rising from the sea create this UNESCO World Heritage Site. During May, nearby attractions like The Dark Hedges, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle can be easily explored as this month promises less crowds. With its Game of Thrones fame and stunning coastline, makes for an exquisite destination for any traveller.
Major Attractions: Hexagonal basalt columns, Giant’s Boot, Wishing Chair, The Dark Hedges, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Nearest Airport: City of Derry Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Coleraine Railway Station
7. Kilkenny
Photo: K. Mitch Hodge / Unsplash
Kilkenny is one of the perfect places to visit in May month in Ireland as the weather here is pleasant and many famous festivals take place around this month. The city combines history, culture, and outdoor adventure like walking and cycling activities, making May the ideal time to discover the charm of Kilkenny and its beautiful parks and heritage sites. Visit the 12th-century Kilkenny Castle, St Canice’s Cathedral and stroll along the Medieval Mile to experience the lively arts festivals that bring the city to life.
Major Attractions: Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice’s Cathedral, Medieval Mile, Smithwick’s Experience, Rothe House & Gardens
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Nearest Airport: Dublin Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Kilkenny Railway Station
8. Ring Of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is one of the best things to see in May, featuring stunning landscapes and clear skies ideal for photography. It is one of the most popular routes in Ireland, with a combination of Atlantic beaches, rugged mountains, and charming villages. May is an excellent month to explore Ireland’s pristine shores, indulge in activities like water sports, cycling, or fishing. The history lovers can also trace ancient monasteries, Iron Age forts, and Ogham stones, appreciating the historic beauty Ireland has to offer.
Major Attractions: Rugged mountains, pristine Atlantic beaches, Skellig Michael Island, ancient monasteries, Iron Age forts, Ogham stones, picturesque villages
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Nearest Airport: Kerry Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Killarney Railway Station
9. Newgrange
Photo: Griffin Quinn / Unsplash
Newgrange is one of the most iconic ancient wonders and among the top places to visit in May for history enthusiasts. Older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian Pyramids, this tomb features impressive ancient art, including the famous triple spiral carvings and the megalithic art. A 20-meter passage leads to a cross-shaped chamber under a 6-metre stone roof, travelling which will transport you to the ancient times. May’s mild weather is perfect for exploring the nearby Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre and uncovering the rich Boyne Valley heritage.
Major Attractions: Megalithic art, triple spiral carvings, ancient passage tomb, Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Nearest Airport: Dublin Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Drogheda Railway Station
10. Connemara National Park
One of the most magical places to visit in May in Ireland would have been Connemara National Park, with its magnificent landscapes and a beautiful calm. A wonderland of glistening lakes and rugged mountain vistas combined with areas known as boglands is quite spellbound. The pleasing atmosphere brings out the vibrant colourful character of each village, perfect to let loose and take the surroundings amidst nature’s rich tapestry within. Connemara takes one through untouched serenity towards an unforgettable Ireland during those months.
Major Attractions: Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey, Twelve Bens Mountain Range, Sky Road, Roundstone Village
Best Time To Visit: April to October
Nearest Airport: Galway Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Galway Railway Station
Visiting Ireland will be a delightful experience, offering mild weather, longer daylight hours, and plenty of places to visit in May without the peak summer crowds. Festivals like the International Literature Festival Dublin add to the excitement of tourists as the country brims with energy. Plan your journey with TripXL today and discover the best places to visit in Ireland in May.
Cover Photo: Jason Murphy / Unsplash
