WHEN TO TRAVEL to Ireland

Location

Climate

The Irish climate: sun, rain and clouds

The climate in Ireland is of the oceanicThe region's climate is characterized by mild, wet winters and cool, relatively dry summers. Average temperatures vary between 4 and 7 degrees Celsius in winter and between 14 and 20 degrees in summer. Rainfall is abundant throughout the year, with an average of 200 rainy days per year. Although the weather can be fickle and changeable in Ireland, don't let the rain and clouds put you off. Indeed, the lush green landscapes for which the country is famous are precisely the result of this wet climate. What's more, showers are often short-lived and can be followed by clear spells of sunshine.

The best times to visit Ireland

To choose the best time to visit Ireland, you need to take into account a number of factors, such as the weather, cultural events and high and low season.

Spring and autumn: ideal seasons to discover Ireland

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are often considered the best times to visit Ireland. Temperatures are pleasant, days are longer and rainfall is generally lower than in winter. What's more, these seasons offer a magnificent palette of colors, from the burst of flowers in spring to the golden hues of autumn. It's also the low tourist season, so you can enjoy the sites and attractions without the crowds. Accommodation and transport fares are also lower during this period. Note, however, that some sites and attractions may have reduced opening hours out of season, so it's a good idea to check before planning your trip.

Summer: high season in Ireland

Summer (July and August) is the most popular time for tourists to come to Ireland, due to higher temperatures and more hours of sunshine. This is also the period when most festivals and cultural events take place. However, high season also means high tourist numbers and higher prices for accommodation and transport. What's more, the weather remains relatively unpredictable in summer, and it's not uncommon to experience a few showers even during this period.

Not-to-be-missed cultural events in Ireland

Throughout the year, Ireland offers a multitude of cultural and festive events, providing an authentic opportunity to discover the country's rich heritage.

• St. Patrick's Day: Ireland's world-famous national holiday takes place on March 17, and is marked by parades, concerts and entertainment in towns and villages across the country.
• Galway Festival: This multi-disciplinary festival, usually held in July, is one of Ireland's biggest cultural events, featuring music, theater, dance, film and the visual arts.
• Bloomsday: celebrated on June 16 in Dublin, this event pays tribute to the Irish writer James Joyce and his famous novel Ulysses, with readings, lectures and other activities.
• La Fleadh Cheoil: This major gathering of traditional Irish music takes place every August and features concerts, dance and instrument workshops and competitions.
• Cork Film Festival: held in November, this international festival showcases independent and contemporary cinema through screenings, meetings and debates.

Public holidays in Ireland: to take into account when planning your trip

In addition to cultural events, it's important to take Irish public holidays into account when planning your stay. The main public holidays in Ireland are as follows:

• January 1: New Year
• March 17: St. Patrick's Day
• Easter Monday (varies from year to year)
• First Monday in May: Labour Day
• Last Monday in October: National Day of Commemoration
• December 25: Christmas
• December 26: Saint-Étienne

Immigration trends in Ireland

In 2020, the number of immigrants arriving in Ireland reached around 80,000, down on the previous year due to the global pandemic. However, Ireland's attractiveness as an emigration destination remains strong, not least because of its quality of life and job opportunities. The distribution of nationalities among these immigrants is diverse, with a predominance of European nationals, mainly from the United Kingdom and Ireland. United Kingdomthe Poland and France. There is also a growing number of immigrants from non-European countries, such as the United States.India, THE Pakistan and the Nigeria.

Reasons for immigration to Ireland

Ireland's appeal to immigrants can be attributed to a number of factors:

• The job market : With a relatively low unemployment rate and a growing economy, Ireland offers many job opportunities, particularly in the technology, finance and healthcare sectors.
• Quality of life: Ireland is renowned for its natural beauty, vibrant cities and warm welcome. What's more, the country boasts a high-quality education system and an accessible healthcare system.
• Cultural and historical links : Thanks to its diaspora, Ireland maintains close ties with many countries, including the United States, Canada and Australia. These connections facilitate the integration of immigrants and promote cultural exchange.

The most popular visas in Ireland

Several types of visa are available for people wishing to visit Ireland, whether for tourism, business or family reasons. The most commonly requested visas are :

• Short-stay visa : intended for visitors who wish to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days, it mainly concerns tourists and people visiting family or friends.
• Long-stay visa : Granted for more than 90 days, it enables workers, students and people joining their families to settle in Ireland.
• Work permit : compulsory for non-European nationals wishing to work in Ireland, this document can be obtained from the Irish company employing the applicant.

Steps to take

To obtain a visa or work permit in Ireland, certain conditions must be met and specific documents provided. Applicants must generally demonstrate their intention to leave the country when their visa expires, and have sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay. In addition, there is an application fee which varies according to the type of visa.

Key figures for international tourism in Ireland

Ireland welcomes almost 10 million international visitors every year, generating significant economic benefits for the country. Here are some key figures for tourism in Ireland:

• Main nationalities : Tourists visiting Ireland are mainly British, American, French, German and Spanish.
• Expenses : In 2019, revenues from international tourism in Ireland reached almost €6 billion, representing around 4% of national GDP.
• Tourist attractions : Ireland's most visited sites are the Giant's Causeway, Killarney National Park, the Cliff of Moher and Dublin City.