Influenced by the Gulf Stream and with the prevailing winds predominantly
from the south-west, the climate is equable and temperatures are fairly uniform
over the whole country.
The coldest months are January and February with mean
daily air temperatures of between 4C and 7C. July and August are normally the
warmest (14C to 16C) of the year. May and June are the sunniest months, averaging 5 to 7
hours of sunshine per day. Since this is the time students are supposed to be studying for final exams beautiful weather is almost guaranteed
In low-lying areas average annual rainfall is mostly
between 800 and 1200mm (31" to 47") but ranges from less than 750mm (30") in
some eastern areas to 1500mm (59") in parts of the west. In mountainous areas
annual rainfall may exceed 2000mm (79"). The rains are responsible for the
brilliant green grass of the "Emerald Isle," and for the large stretches of
peat bog, a source of valuable fuel.
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