Ireland Ranked One of the Gloomiest Places on Earth – And Here’s the Proof
Ireland has officially been ranked as one of the least sunny countries in the world, and while that might not come as a shock to anyone living here, the actual numbers make for grim reading. According to data from Current Results, Ireland is the fourth least sunny country on the planet, making our grey skies an unfortunate fact of life.
How Does Dublin Compare?
If you’re in the capital and wondering why you barely see the sun, there’s a reason for that. Dublin scrapes by with just 1,424 hours of sunshine per year. That might not sound too bad—until you compare it with other European cities:
- Amsterdam: 1,662 hours of sunshine per year
- Copenhagen: 1,780 hours of sunshine per year
- Dikson, Russia (located in the Arctic Circle, where winter brings months of total darkness): 1,164 hours of sunshine per year
Yes, you read that right—Dublin only gets 260 more sunshine hours than a Russian town that spends part of the year in pitch-black winter.
Why Is Ireland So Grey?
Ireland’s famously dull weather can be blamed on a combination of factors:
- Its location on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean – frequent storms and cloud cover keep things grey.
- The Gulf Stream – while it keeps temperatures mild, it also contributes to unpredictable weather.
- Frequent rain – Ireland’s nickname, the ‘Emerald Isle,’ comes at a cost: near-constant moisture in the air.
Is There Any Hope for Sun Seekers?
While the lack of sunshine might be frustrating, there are still some brighter spots (literally) around the country. The sunniest place in Ireland is County Wexford, which can receive over 1,600 hours of sunshine per year—still less than Amsterdam but better than Dublin. If you’re in search of sunshine, heading to the southeast of the country might be your best bet.
For those craving more sunlight, your best option might be booking a flight to Spain—because let’s face it, Irish summers aren’t exactly reliable!
Final Thoughts
Ireland’s weather might not be winning any awards for sunshine, but it’s part of what makes the country unique. The lush green landscapes, the cosy pubs, and the dramatic coastlines wouldn’t be the same without the drizzle and overcast skies. Still, a few more hours of sunshine wouldn’t hurt, would it?
Let us know—how do you feel about Ireland’s gloomy weather? Are you embracing the grey or dreaming of sunnier shores?
Stay informed with itson.ie.
Share this content:
