Ireland in March: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for March
Average temperature across Ireland in March.
City Weather in March
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin | 11° | 4° | 53 mm | low | Cold |
| Cork (city) | 11° | 4° | 86 mm | low | Cold |
| Limerick | 11° | 4° | 78 mm | low | Cold |
| Galway | 10° | 4° | 80 mm | low | Cold |
| Tallaght | 10° | 3° | 59 mm | low | Cold |
| Waterford | 11° | 4° | 69 mm | low | Cold |
| Swords, County Dublin | 10° | 3° | 57 mm | low | Cold |
High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.
Eastern & Dublin (Leinster and East Coast)
Late-winter days with longer light make early March a good time for city sightseeing before the crowds; St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on March 17th make Dublin very busy, and trains and hotels fill fast. Mountain slopes in Wicklow start to show spring green but trails can still be muddy. Bring a rain jacket even if forecasts promise sunshine, and if you want quieter walks, head out on weekdays rather than the holiday weekend.
The Midlands & Shannon Basin (Central Plains)
March sees the first signs of spring across boglands and small towns like Tullamore; daytime brightness returns unevenly and river levels can still be elevated from winter rain. The country lanes begin showing lambing activity and tiny roadside primroses, but sudden showers and chilly gusts remain likely. Travelers should time walks for midday warmth and avoid low-lying walks after prolonged rain because rivers and drains take time to drop.
Southwest (Cork, Kerry, Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula)
March starts to show more frequent fair interludes and longer daylight that make the Skellig Michael boat season tentatively begin, though trip cancellations due to swell are common. Dingle’s music scene is lively as locals prepare for summer; fields fill with new lambs and the landscape gains colour. If you want to attempt a Skellig visit, allow flexible days and keep an eye on sea conditions.
West Coast & Connemara / Galway / Clare (Aran Islands, Cliffs of Moher)
March provides early hints of spring with longer daylight and sporadic calmer days suitable for coastal walks around Salthill or whale-watching departures from Galway Bay. Puffin season begins to ramp up on the Aran Islands and cliffs, though boat trips can be canceled with little notice. For photographers, stormier skies make for dramatic imagery, but hikers should expect muddy tracks and bring strong outer layers.
Northern & Northwest (Antrim Coast, Derry, Donegal)
March brings lengthening daylight and the first strong hints of spring across Lough Foyle and the Inishowen Peninsula, with lambing visible on many farms. Festivities around St. Patrick’s Day swell city centers; coastal trails become more inviting when there’s a dry day. However, sudden gales and rainy interludes remain likely, so schedule outdoor plans flexibly and have waterproofs for coastal walking.