Ireland is known for its unpredictable weather. One minute it’s sunny, and the next, you’re soaked to the bone. In a country where the phrase “four seasons in one day” is more reality than a cliché, it’s no surprise that Ireland has experienced some truly remarkable and bizarre weather events.

Here’s a look back at some of the craziest Irish weather events ever recorded, proving that Mother Nature has a special sense of humour when it comes to the Emerald Isle.

1. The Night of the Big Wind (1839)

No list of Irish weather oddities would be complete without mentioning “The Night of the Big Wind.” On the night of January 6, 1839, a violent storm swept across Ireland, unleashing hurricane-force winds and causing widespread destruction. The storm came out of nowhere, and many people, believing it was the end of the world, rushed to their local churches to pray. Wind speeds reportedly reached over 100 miles per hour, ripping roofs off houses, toppling trees, and leaving a trail of devastation across the country.

This storm left a lasting mark on Irish history, becoming a reference point for years to come. Even decades later, people referred to events as happening “before” or “after” the Night of the Big Wind. In fact, the event was so memorable that it was used by the Irish government in the early 20th century to determine pension eligibility. Anyone who could recall details of that night was considered old enough to qualify for a pension!

2. The Great Snow of 1947

Irish winters are usually mild, with snow being more of a rarity than a regular occurrence. But in 1947, Ireland experienced one of its harshest winters on record, and it became known as the “Great Snow.” Beginning in late January and lasting well into March, Ireland was hit by relentless blizzards and freezing temperatures. Snowdrifts reportedly reached up to 15 feet in some areas, cutting off entire villages from the rest of the country.

For over seven weeks, people struggled with food shortages, frozen pipes, and immobilised transport. The government even launched emergency food drops to isolated rural communities. Farmers faced a huge challenge, as livestock struggled to survive, and essential supplies couldn’t get through. The Great Snow of 1947 remains one of the most severe winters in living memory and is a reminder of how tough Irish winters can be when Mother Nature decides to turn the island into an icebox.

3. The Heatwave of 1995

Ireland isn’t known for its hot, sunny weather, but the summer of 1995 proved that the Emerald Isle is capable of getting scorched. During July and August of that year, temperatures soared above 30°C (86°F), an unusual phenomenon for Ireland. Many places went weeks without rain, and the relentless sun turned green pastures into yellowed fields, which seemed like something out of the Mediterranean rather than County Mayo or Kerry.

People flocked to beaches in droves, with many sunburns to show for their efforts. Water restrictions were put in place as rivers and reservoirs began to dry up, leading to a near-drought situation in several areas. Irish homes, typically built to withstand rain and cold, felt like saunas, and air conditioning became the fantasy of every overheated Irish resident. The summer of 1995 still holds a special place in Irish memory as the season that made everyone feel like they’d taken a holiday to Spain without leaving the country.

4. Storm Ophelia (2017)

Storm Ophelia was another extreme weather event that had Ireland bracing itself. Making landfall on October 16, 2017, Ophelia was the most intense storm Ireland had seen in half a century. The storm brought winds of up to 191 km/h (119 mph) in some areas, leading to widespread damage, power outages, and even fatalities. Schools, businesses, and government offices across the country were closed, with public transport severely disrupted.

Ophelia was so intense that the entire country was placed under a “Status Red” warning, the highest weather alert in Ireland. Coastal areas saw waves over 10 metres high, causing significant flooding and erosion. By the time Ophelia moved on, it had left thousands of homes without power and caused millions in damages. It was a stark reminder of the power of nature and how even a storm originating in the Atlantic could have a profound impact on Ireland.

5. The Beast from the East (2018)

Barely a year after Ophelia, Ireland was hit by another extreme weather event: the “Beast from the East.” This cold wave, which swept across Europe in late February and early March of 2018, brought some of the heaviest snowfalls Ireland had seen in decades. Blizzards, sub-zero temperatures, and strong winds resulted in widespread disruptions, with schools and workplaces closed, transport halted, and people advised to stay indoors.

Snowdrifts up to seven feet high blocked roads and trapped people in their homes. Supermarket shelves were cleared out as people stocked up on essentials, and social media was full of images of snow-covered landscapes that looked more like Siberia than Dublin. The Beast from the East lasted for about a week, but its impact was felt for much longer as the country dug itself out from under a thick blanket of snow.