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Ireland travel guide: Dublin, Cork and Galway routes, rail vs car and Atlantic weather

Ireland’s east coast around Dublin, south-west coast around Cork and Atlantic west coast around Galway share mild temperatures and year-round rain potential. Stay car-free in Dublin, rent a car only when leaving for coastal peninsulas, and keep indoor options ready every day.

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Climate reference locations

These markers show locations with historical climate estimates for the surrounding area. Choose a location to see its climate table.

Dot: one place · Number: multiple places

On the mapApproximate locationDublinClimate reference locationView climate table

Map data: Natural Earth

Map markers are for orientation.

3 climate reference locations

All climate reference locations
  1. Dublin (Climate reference location)
  2. Cork (Climate reference location)
  3. Galway (Climate reference location)

Location coordinates: Dublin, Cork, Galway (Wikidata, CC0).

Compare Dublin, Cork and Galway as two- or three-night bases

In the 2001-2025 NASA POWER series on this page, mean temperatures across Dublin, Cork and Galway move within a compact maritime band (around 5 to 6 °C in January, 15 °C in July and 10 to 11 °C in October), while precipitation remains slightly lower on the eastern coast at Dublin than at Cork and Galway.

Because narrow rural roads and coastal headlands take longer to drive than motorway distances suggest, anchor a week-long trip in two bases rather than changing B&Bs every evening.

  • Dublin (east coast): walkable historic core, museums, parks and direct rail links to Cork and Galway without needing a rental car.
  • Cork (south-west): gateway to harbour towns, Kinsale and south-western peninsulas.
  • Galway (Atlantic west): base for Connemara, the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher when clear weather windows open.

Sources: Dublin coordinate record, Cork coordinate record, Galway coordinate record

Pick up a rental car only after finishing your Dublin stay

Driving and parking in central Dublin adds cost without saving time. Explore Dublin on foot and by public transport first, then either take the intercity train to Cork or Galway or collect a rental car at the edge of the city when starting your rural loop.

From October through March, shorter daylight hours mean coastal cliff walks and mountain passes should be completed before mid-afternoon.

  • Keep waterproof outer layers and windproof jackets accessible in your daypack rather than packed in the boot.
  • Pair exposed cliff or headland walks with nearby historic houses, distilleries, libraries or covered markets on the same day.
  • Check local wind and visibility conditions before driving high coastal passes or booking island ferries.

Put the route first

Write down your stops and trip length first. Then use the available local climate comparisons and photo guides for those places. Check missing practical details directly with your accommodation and transport operator.

Guides for your planning

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Sources