Rainfall is a fact of life in Ireland. Because of the climate and the proximity to Atlantic Ocean currents, there tends to be some rain falling on a fairly frequent basis. Different areas of the country receive different amounts of rainfall. In the eastern half of the country, the rain totals between 750 and 1000mm annually. The western half of the country tends to have more rain, and receives between 1000 and 1250mm each year.

May and June are the sunniest months in the year. Although the daily amount of sunshine during these months tend to average out at between five and six hours a day, the area in the extreme southeast of the country tends to get the most. This area can get, on average, more than 7 hours of sunshine a day during the early summer.

The temperature in Ireland is rather moderate as compared to other countries that are located at the same latitude. This temperature pattern is primarily due to the moderating effect of the Atlantic Ocean. Although the entire country is affected by this moderating effect, you may notice that coastal areas are more directly influenced and so therefore have a more consistent temperature.

The Atlantic Ocean exerts a considerable influence on the climate of Ireland and this can be seen in the fact that Ireland enjoys a rather moderate climate, which is much unlike other countries that lie at similar latitudes.  However, although the overall temperature tends to be moderate, the eastern and central areas of the country do tend to experience more climactic extremes..