Coolest Places in Ireland for a Summer Road Trip

20/02/2026

⬛ QUICK ANSWER (READ FIRST)
The coolest places in Ireland for a summer road trip are along the Atlantic coast and the far north.
These areas stay mild, windy, and fresh even in July and August.
You get dramatic scenery, quiet roads, and long daylight without summer heat.

Why Ireland works so well for summer road trips

Ireland doesn’t do extreme heat.

Even in peak summer, temperatures stay comfortable. The breeze off the Atlantic keeps days cool, and evenings feel crisp. That’s why the coolest places in Ireland for a summer road trip are perfect if you want to drive, stop often, and explore without feeling tired.

You can walk cliffs, beaches, and villages all day without needing shade breaks.

Start with the Wild Atlantic Way

The Wild Atlantic Way is the backbone of any cool Irish road trip.

It runs along the west coast and connects many of the coolest regions in the country. You don’t need to drive it all—just pick sections and move slowly.

This route alone explains why the coolest places in Ireland for a summer road trip are mostly on the Atlantic side.

Connemara – Windy, Wild, and Quiet

Connemara feels untouched.

You’ll drive past:

Open boglands
Lakes and mountains
Empty roads and small villages

The wind keeps temperatures low, even on sunny days. Walking here never feels heavy or humid.

Connemara is one of the coolest places in Ireland for a summer road trip if you want space and silence.

Dingle Peninsula – Coastal Cool with Character

Dingle combines scenery and life.

You’ll find:

Ocean-facing roads
Small beaches
Local pubs and music

The sea air keeps the peninsula cool all summer. Even in July, you may want a light jacket.

Driving the Dingle Peninsula is relaxed, scenic, and never feels hot.

Donegal – The Coolest County of All

Donegal is often overlooked, which is good.

This is where Ireland feels raw:

Strong Atlantic winds
Empty beaches
Tall cliffs

The northern position makes it cooler than most of the country. It’s easily one of the coolest places in Ireland for a summer road trip, especially if you want fewer tourists.

Slieve League – High, Cold, and Dramatic

These cliffs are higher than many famous ones.

Up top, it’s often windy and cool, even on sunny days. The views are wide and the air feels clean and sharp.

Park, walk a little, and enjoy the chill.

The Burren – Cool Air, Strange Beauty

The Burren looks warm but feels cool.

Why?

Limestone reflects light
Constant coastal breeze
Open land with no trapped heat

It’s great for slow drives, short walks, and quiet stops. Even in summer, it never feels stuffy.

Ring of Kerry – Cool Even at Peak Season

Yes, it’s popular—but it’s still cool.

The Ring of Kerry stays comfortable because:

The route hugs the coast
Weather changes fast
Wind keeps temperatures down

Start early or late in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy the cool air.

Achill Island – Wind, Beaches, and Big Skies

Achill Island feels open and breezy.

You’ll notice:

Strong wind most days
Wide beaches
Cool evenings

It’s ideal if you want coastal drives without heat or humidity.

Best time for an Irish summer road trip

For cool weather:

June: Fresh, green, and quiet
July: Mild, longest daylight
August: Slightly busier, still cool

Ireland rarely gets heatwaves, especially in these regions.

What to pack (simple list)

For the coolest places in Ireland for a summer road trip, bring:

Light jacket or windbreaker
Comfortable walking shoes
Layers (t-shirt + fleece)
Rain shell

Shorts are optional. Layers matter more.

Driving tips for staying relaxed

Drive slower than planned
Stop often for views
Avoid tight schedules
Let weather guide your day

Cool weather makes road trips easier, not slower.

Final takeaway from real travel experience

Ireland shines in summer because it stays calm and cool.

The west and north offer wind, space, and scenery without heat or exhaustion. If you enjoy driving, walking, and exploring without sweating through the day, these are the coolest places in Ireland for a summer road trip.

Take it slow, follow the coast, and let the weather work in your favor.

FAQ – Ireland Summer Road Trips

Question	Answer
Is Ireland cool in summer?	Yes, especially along the coast.
Do I need AC in a car?	Not really, weather stays mild.
Is Donegal colder than Kerry?	Usually yes, it’s further north.
Will it rain a lot?	Light rain is common, heavy rain is short.
Are coastal winds strong?	Yes, that’s what keeps it cool.
Is summer crowded everywhere?	Not in the north and west.