by MCM

Created on: May 25, 2009

To pick the best time for visiting Ireland really is something of a challenge. One thing and one thing only is for certain - decisions should not be based the expected weather. Irish weather has considerable disdain for traditional seasonal constraints upon its behaviour. The summer certainly should be the mildest season of all, however this is not always the case. In 2007 and 2008 Ireland experienced its two wettest summers on record in the majority of the country, with 48 consecutive days of rain recorded in some parts during summer 2007. The lesson to be taken from this is to bring plenty of changes of clothes and shoes, pack an umbrella and jacket, and do not rely on outdoor activities for the entire trip. This is not to say that the weather cannot be glorious for your trip, but take good weather as an added bonus rather than relying on it.

The clever traveller will plan their trip to Ireland around festivals and special events, which generally happen throughout the summer months. It is also at this time of year that tourist attractions and tours will have their longest opening hours. Many will be closed completely during the winter months. Bank holiday weekends will always have a wide variety of entertainment options happening nationwide. From large music festivals to vintage rallies, there is something for everyone. My advise is to travel during the summer months, particularly over the last weekend of each summer month when there seems to be a bank holiday festival in every town and village. The following are some of the festival highlights of the summer months in Ireland;

1. Galway Arts Festival

The Galway Arts Festival is Ireland's largest annual arts festival, taking place each July in the city of Galway. Now running for 31 years, the Festival collaborates with artists and companies from around the globe to present an amazing and innovative programme of visual arts, music, theatre, spectacle, dance, literature & comedy with hundreds of performers involved. This year it will run from 13th until the 26th July 2009.

2. Calsburg Cat Laughs Comedy Festival

The beautiful little city of Kilkenny is taken over by the Carlsburg Cat Laughs Comedy Festival for the last weekend in May, which is a bank holiday weekend. This internationally renowned festival sells out well in advance so make sure to keep an eye on the Cat Laughs website for the release of tickets. There is a huge demand for accommodation as the city is

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