By some measures it is the wettest summer in Ireland since 1909 and real records began.
I wish I was there.
I spoke to my brother in Drogheda, County Louth, thirty miles north of Dublin on Friday night.
“Three months worth of rain fell in a week “ he told me in that Irish way that mixes resignation with a perverse pride in being able to endure it.
Of course I just got back from there and know somewhat of what he is talking about.
But I’d still prefer it there to the weather here at the moment.
There is something about my Irish skin that overheats like an expanding boiler when the temperatures move north of about 80 degrees.
Here in the Northeast we have had as high as 97 and 98 degrees in this past week.
Personally it is insufferable. Give me wet and rainy Ireland anytime, and a grey dawn breaking no matter how depressing it seems.
Sun burns me up, mosquitoes tee off to attack that nice white Irish skin they treat like a caviar feast. I feel irritable and miserable and like a snapping turtle when people annoy me.
Give me Ireland. The days I was there it was not constant rain, the really depressing kind. It was rain sunshine, rain, sunshine. It stayed bright until 11 o’clock dear reader.
I felt right at home.
The Irish Times forecast for four days in advance was hilarious. Everyday was Groundhog Day. It was early morning fog followed by rain, followed by patches of sun followed by rain again. If this was a movie Ireland was on its tenth sequel by this point in its summer.
Actually, the best place I ever lived was San Francisco where I parked myself in the fog-shrouded Sunset district for about six years. The cool all enveloping fog, keeping temperatures in the mid fifties to sixty was invigorating,
If I wanted sun -- which I didn’t -- I only had to drive a few miles.
In winter if I wanted snow I only had to drive to Tahoe on the Nevada border. Of course, I ended up unhappy there --- too perfect for an Irish Catholic boy.
So I took myself off to New York, land of white hot summers and deep freeze winters.
Every year I ask the same question --- what did people do before air conditioning especially on humid high summer days like now?
I don’t know but they were better men and women than me to survive it.
Which is why I want the grey mist and the sky and the wind’s whip, and an invigorating walk on a beach, not this soulless, humid, huff and puff, helter swelter summer we have here.
Irish weather? -- perfect for me.
Bring it on.
51 Comments
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.IrishFella | Jul 24, 2012, 08:06 AM EDT
i love Irish weather. Anything more than 3 days of sun makes me a sad panda. Ya cant beat a bit of overcast or a nice rain shower :)
Saoirse9 | Jul 19, 2012, 07:34 PM EDT
Couldn't agree more, Mr. O'Dowd! My summers were spent as a wain in Letterkenny, and I truly miss that cycle of rain, sun, rain. Cool walks on the beach...class stuff! Sure beats the heatwaves we're having now in NYC.
Nicoletta | Jul 16, 2012, 02:36 PM EDT
Agreed! It's going to 100 again today and for the rest of the week. Definitely not the weather for Irish skin.
rachheals | Jul 09, 2012, 04:50 PM EDT
I disagree - the biggest difference is that you only like Irish weather if you're not from there! I'm from the east coast, a place called Dundalk just 20 minutes from Drogheda, and it seems to rain every other day. However, I went to uni on the west coast where it honestly felt it rained EVERY day! I've lived abroad for 3 years and it's so refreshing to have definitive seasons where you know what to expect. You can put up with the heat or cold, etc. as long as there's light at the end of the tunnel that's not shrouded in fog and drizzle!!!!
gcwfromcanada | Jul 09, 2012, 12:29 PM EDT
I have to agree! I don't do well in heat and would be happy if the temps stayed between -9 and 15 celcius. I'd take Ireland weather anytime.
jamieLM | Jul 09, 2012, 10:14 AM EDT
I'm no fan of high heat & humidity, but I know it's just something to be endured because in the Midwest these are just the "dog days of summer." It'll get cooler. If I really couldn't take it, instead of complaining, I'd move to San Diego or to one of the northern states. No place is perfect, though. If it isn't the weather, it's something else. So I'm staying where I'm at in the AC with my iced tea.
plstg67 | Jul 08, 2012, 07:32 PM EDT
It has been very hot & sticky here in Milwaukee,Wis.It finally cooled off.Now all we need across the country is some good rain.Can u spare some.lol
Searlit | Jul 08, 2012, 03:59 PM EDT
I wouldn't want to be in any of the major cities with so many skyscrapers locking in the already too hot air & humidity. I love Ireland's weather, too.
EphraimKibbey | Jul 08, 2012, 02:47 PM EDT
This morning's news in the good ole' US of A: over 5,000 daily records broken, over 800 monthly records broken and over 200 all time highs broken in the last week, 63 dead and thousands still without power. Its been some heat wave but we are relieved to hear that it will be back to normal tomorrow. What's that you say, there is another wave of heat starting in the north west? Ouch!
LynnDK | Jul 08, 2012, 01:31 PM EDT
Loved it! I too love the cooling summer fogs and later in the morning sunshine. The fog bank hanging over the water with a slight breeze inland makes for the best natural air-conditioning on earth! I live in Santa Cruz, California
BrianO | Jul 08, 2012, 10:27 AM EDT
Wah, Wah, Wah.
bogsidebunny | Jul 08, 2012, 09:11 AM EDT
Big deal, Niall. You get one stinkin week of warm sunny weather and whine. Try living 20 years in the 365 day damp, cold, cloudy, drizzle crap known as the Hibernian climate and we'll see your attitute do a 180!
jacersagain | Jul 08, 2012, 07:35 AM EDT
Will Al Gore please step out of his shadows and, in his exquisite presidential manner, explain why rain fell incessantly on my (Ireland’s) part of the world on Friday, why the sun shone gloriously in a clear blue sky all day yesterday (Saturday) for the Skerries 100 noisy unslippery motor bike races and why, this Sunday morning, rain drops keep falling on my head out of the sky to quietly drench us again? Ah, shure Al won’t… when you’ve nothing better to talk about then talking about the weather will always fill in. Like Niall, Al and us all here (heh heh).
781690 | Jul 08, 2012, 05:07 AM EDT
O'Dowd needs to get a grip of himself. If he loves the weather in Irl. so much, let him move back there.He has what he has due to his actions, so he should stop moaning and get on with it, or do something about it.
Mickey Ryan | Jul 08, 2012, 02:51 AM EDT
Nope, I'm loving the brutal Jersey heatwave. Hotter it gets, the less females wear.
boydshield | Jul 08, 2012, 12:54 AM EDT
The weather in Ireland is super-would trade it for where I live in the US anytime!
irishpjk | Jul 07, 2012, 11:23 PM EDT
I think all the flood victims in Cork and the Southwest would dissagree with you. Or did you know about all the flooding over here.
lyoness555 | Jul 07, 2012, 10:24 PM EDT
This must be an Irish thing cause Im Irish and when the sun comes out I feel disorented and depressed . I hate the sun as does all of my family we love the rain fog snow cold anything But the sun. I live in NY so its ok in summer I close the black drapes and hide till fall when all is brisk and lovely again!
ellenred | Jul 07, 2012, 09:14 PM EDT
Oh, Niall, I hear you. Just got back to Florida after almost 10 days in south west Ireland, and the summer is killing me. I long to have a fleecy on, or a wool sweater wity winds hitting me. My Irish American red-head's skin also does not like temps about 85 F . Without the cool afternoon sea breeze, I woud never leave the house in the summer. Of course we have AC, but I want fresh air. Ellen
Therearedays | Jul 07, 2012, 09:12 PM EDT
I worked and lived in the States for two Summers, one full blown Winter and one and a half 'Falls'. It can never compare. A windless Winter sunny day in Massachusetts, when the ice crystals gleam in all their glory! would nearly make you forget the bitter biting Arctic-like wind and blizzard that preceded it. Same as a Winter sunny day would make you forget the gales and rain here in Ireland, we've had some comparable ones recently. I have a clear recollection of going down to my uncles basement, removing the shelves in the fridge, positioning the fan, trying to get as far in as possible and dreaming of a fine mist of rain before my brain melted. Summers don't compare. You get more Sun but huge fluctuations in temperature(in the Northeast) but some cracking days between. I never really give out about the weather consequently. Hail, sun, wind, rain or snow it's all an experience to be enjoyed.
weebobbi | Jul 07, 2012, 07:21 PM EDT
I was born in Glasgow, Scotland I and the summers nice, warm and pleasant. Ken. Uch. Noo, the winters...Oh, I remember the winters, Coold, at times freezing. Going to sleep at night. Na fire. we where poor. I remember those day I now live in Florida. The last 30 years. Yes it's HOT in the summer, but we have air-con. All the shop's have air-con,ing.It only last for 4 month's "What heat" But then comes the winter. Christmas day. ABOUT. NORMAL. It's 78%, or 28C. for six months. I have the best of two word's. Hot and warm.
michaelidaho | Jul 07, 2012, 07:06 PM EDT
East of Rockies = Humidity = Yuck. Northeast is the worst ... hot, humid, summers with freezing cold winters. Irish weather gets the edge ...never too hot, rarely ever too cold, but a bit too much rain and cloudiness. However, the West is the best. Sunny, dry, warm weather. Really can not beat coastal California; southern Idaho is a close second.
aloistmartin | Jul 07, 2012, 06:19 PM EDT
Climate here in Pasadena, have been uncommonly mild this Season; But Trends in Climate Change, and Unpleasant* tendency of Season to linger well into Winter, is cause for little excitement. * Unless you are Blind, and live long the Coast. Pasadena is 3/4 Arbor and Garden. Spicy Iced Tea, Kettle Chips, and Club Sandwiches !
jacersagain | Jul 07, 2012, 05:13 PM EDT
heh heh seamusdenais – you should really call yourself ‘shamusdenies’. A good Irish summer is frequent. In fact, by weather statistics, the month of June is notoriously showery (tho' not as bad as we've had this June), no thanks to what’s happening weather-wise in the USA – weather which eventually makes its way to our beautiful land of Ireland. What happens weather-wise in the USA will make its mark on Ireland some week or two later. Mid-July can be sunny, late July rainy but dithering on letting the sun shine through; fickle weather indeed. In 1995, we had the driest 3-months of summer on record. In fact, it was so dry, that it caused a lot of structural damage to many homes when the autumn rain fell – there are so many family houses in Ireland with tell-tale cracks around the window and door openings that prove that, what with the ground shifts and swelling from dry to wet again. I think we are in for some glorious late July & early August sunny weather, with lots of breeze thrown in. I always advise my American friends to visit in late May or early Sept when, for some odd reason, the sun always shines on balmy days. Late May this year proved that; I wait our coming early September’s Indian summer with expectant delight. I wonder what that Donegal postman, famous for predicting the weather, thinks. Anyone checked with him lately??? In the middle of all this, spare a trhought for Irish farmers who provide food for us... it's been such a wet few weeks that they can't bring in the food crop and it's dying a drowning death. Let's hope we don't starve this coming winter.
Mousemess | Jul 07, 2012, 04:56 PM EDT
Eire. Tir iontach, glas smaragaide, alainn. Eire. Wonder country, emerald green, beautiful.
seamusdenais | Jul 07, 2012, 04:26 PM EDT
A typical Irish real summer with good decent sun lasts a max of 2 weeks.
Mousemess | Jul 07, 2012, 03:44 PM EDT
Whenever it rains hard here during the normally horribly hot and intensely humid DC summers, I don't complain. Cooling off feels good and we very badly need the rain to raise our reservoirs and ground water and for our local crops and farm animals in the MidAtlantic region. It's quite normal to have lengthy hot spells and high humidity and either no or too little rain in July in the DC area along with over 100F degree temps. On some days like a hot steam bath not helped by burning hot black asphalt roads. Today in the DC area it's 104-106 F. Worse than NY State at 98F.
oaklongan | Jul 07, 2012, 03:29 PM EDT
dinodbl, judiron...U.S. mercifuly has better areas to live in...The Pacific Northwest...Magnificent and Magical HUGE forests. Mount Shasta, Big Sur, No. Calif. Even Spectacular Red-Rock Sedona, AZ is cooler
oaklongan | Jul 07, 2012, 03:20 PM EDT
Had so add...Maureen, my friend, Irish through-and-through (orig. from Boston) and husband, sons have lived in Phoenix, AZ since the late 70's. Just talked with her Thursday...more people, roads, buildings, exponentially since the 90's. I can remember that by mid 80's ASU-Tempe, AZ was doing heat-island studies for all areas over Phoenix, alone! 'Cadillac desert' can't give out, residents can only hope? So. Calif. was/is the same...water had to be canal'ed in since the 1930's.
oaklongan | Jul 07, 2012, 03:05 PM EDT
Growing up, right-off Lake Michigan (in Michigan, NOT Chicago) it rains like in Ireland, however it gets humid (80-degrees Fahr to 80-degree humidity!) Maricopa County, Arizona (Phoenix, Scottsdale, etc.--NOT Tucson) can and has been 122-degrees Fahr. for 3-4 days some summers (and they aren't getting the beautiful, cooling Moonsoons like the 1980's). Skyharbor Airport Phoenix, AZ outgoing-incoming flights were grounded I can remember, about 20 years ago.
TisEyerish | Jul 07, 2012, 03:01 PM EDT
I agree...I'd rather have the cooler temps and rain than the 100 degrees we experience here. Besides, everything is better when you're in Ireland and the weather doesn't put a damper on your fun! @Helen Ferone...just to be on the safe side, let me know the next time you are going...I'll book the same timeframe, LOL.
Helen Ferone | Jul 07, 2012, 02:22 PM EDT
I've been to beautiful Ireland many times, and have always gone in Nov. when the weather is supposed to be "bad", but I never had a problem. I even went in Jan. the year of their bad winter several yeara ago, and had a beautiful week, (the only one they had in Jan) so I guess I've been really lucky, and I hope my luck continues.l
joan1954 | Jul 07, 2012, 02:03 PM EDT
I have had great fun reading all these comments. I live in an area that has heat, which by the way was cooler than NYC which has its concrete jungle, and it was mild because the heat was dry. We are anticipating rain all next week and we need it because of the drought. You can't beat our winters with no snow and mild weather. I like Irish weather but would love for it to pass on the rain from time to time.
dinodbl | Jul 07, 2012, 01:57 PM EDT
This an abnormal heat wave that occurs only every 65 years or so in the Chicago area. As a former lifeguard I remember alot of downright cool and wet summers. As for the south, when I traveled there on business, I would arrange my plans to visit only up to May and get back up north.Ireland is but a speck of land whereas AMERICA has many climates and areas that are enjoyable year round. The media plays up this wierd weather pattern for ratings. Those unfortunate to be in the midddle of it unfortunately have truly suffered and I wish them relief with cool,rain and the saving of their crops and homes.
MegK311 | Jul 07, 2012, 01:41 PM EDT
I grew up in N.I. and the weather didn't bother me as a young person. However now that I am much older I find it cold when I visit there in the summer. I live in N. California and it does get hot in the summer but it is a dry heat and I am so glad we don't have the humidity. California has dry heat because there is a current of cold water which flows from Alasks down along the California coast. A trip to Ireland is worth the rain and colder weather and anyway I go because I enjoy getting together with family and friends.
EphraimKibbey | Jul 07, 2012, 01:02 PM EDT
Cincinnati's normal is mid 80's (F) but in honor of the World Choir Games we had 104 yesterday (with HUMIDITY) breaking a record from the 1870's. We are scheduled for 105 today and the third broken record in a row. The highest temperature ever recorded here was 108 so we aren't that far away. Lots of cities HAVE broken all time records here in the midwest. We were VERY lucky only to have been without power for an hour and one half as there are many still without power from the "once in a century" storms of Thursday/Friday before last. Let me see if I have this right - burning fossil fuels creates greenhouse gases, greenhouse gases cause higher temperatures, higher temperatures mean running the air conditioners more, running the air conditioners more means the need to burn more fossil fuels. Oh, Oh!
judiron | Jul 07, 2012, 12:31 PM EDT
I agree, Ireland is better, but don'[t forget the smokey mountains, our weather is beautiful.
bear022013 | Jul 07, 2012, 12:05 PM EDT
I love Eire but thee weather is not for those who like the sunshine.
irishcoffeekid | Jul 07, 2012, 12:02 PM EDT
Sorry folks but i just can't agree with you on that! I was home for 3 weeks to take care of my sister after surgery - it was 32C when i left DC and it was 13C when i got to Ireland! I was frozen!!! The whole time i was there it was no more than 16C and wet, windy and more like November!! I love home but i hate the weather. When i got back to DC on sunday it was 102F and I was in heaven - its been hot, sweltering and dead heat since i got back and I love every minute of it!! If Ireland could just get a decent summer, it would be fantastic but I wont give up this blistering heat for anything - beats cold miserable depressing weather where you cant even let the kids out without gearing them up for the weather. DC Rocks - i'm loving it!!!
RD | Jul 07, 2012, 12:00 PM EDT
Wuss. Give me a break. It's the first heat wave of the year. My dermatologist once told me my ancestors should never have left the mists of Ireland but with an SPF of about 1000, you can survive this. Go to the mall, take in a movie, check out the beach. I'm afraid it's too late for me to appreciate Irish weather. The frequent cloud cover and chilly temperatures would drive me crazy. Give me a cloudless sunny day with a temperature of 85 degrees F and low humidity and I will be happy forever. You guys need to invest in a tube of self tanner and some shorts.
jamthecat | Jul 07, 2012, 12:00 PM EDT
I like Irish weather, myself. Would love to live there.
JHShanahan | Jul 07, 2012, 11:17 AM EDT
Amen, Niall. Brother Michael and I were standing on West Street, out in front of St. Peter's Church last Sunday, enjoying the lovely bright evening and cool breezes. I'm convinced that both our skin and our temperament were made for the Irish weather. I'm to be in New York City tomorrow and I'm dreading the prospect of the heat just shimmering off the concrete. Thank God for lovely Irish weather!
CelticQueenUSA | Jul 07, 2012, 11:00 AM EDT
There is nothing more delightful that having goose bumps in August in Ireland!! It is 103 degrees here today. A trip to Ireland would be fantastic just now.
ronshapley | Jul 07, 2012, 10:54 AM EDT
From NYC, a hearty AMEN !!!
Rebelforce | Jul 07, 2012, 10:51 AM EDT
If you've got a pool you wait all year for heat waves like this.
christilcaugh | Jul 07, 2012, 10:01 AM EDT
Niall, I am with you. Haven't come out much into the heat because I've been hiding out in my cold cave. I hate that, but I cannot take the heat and humidity. Give me the mists and soft rain of Ireland over this ANY day.
hooligan6a | Jul 07, 2012, 09:58 AM EDT
I have lived all over the world and you just can't beat the weather in San Diego, California. the average temperature is 72% year round, and it rains very little, No humidity, and a cool sea breeze at night. Also the food is great. The best produce in the world Can you say that Niall?
jacersagain | Jul 07, 2012, 09:38 AM EDT
Nah Niall, you’re better off in white heat(hen) NYC. As I posted elsewhere on ICentral yesterday, this unrelenting rainy weather we’re having here in Ireland is a portent for the conversion of Ireland to Islam. Our weather forecasters constantly tell us that Ireland will be partly Sunni, mostly Shi’ite.
michaelidaho | Jul 07, 2012, 09:13 AM EDT
A strange article. Ireland's weather - damp, dark, rainy - arguably the worst in Europe. New York, like many Eastern cities, has the worst weather in the USA. San Francisco has the worst weather in California. Niall, you certainly have not been lucky with your living arrangements in regards to weather. Niall, try Southern France for Europe, forget about anything east of the Rockies, and try San Diego and Idaho - Virginia without the humidity.
like2tweet | Jul 07, 2012, 08:52 AM EDT
I agree when its hot its too much 101 degrees in new York this week
BrianO | Jul 07, 2012, 08:35 AM EDT
Insufferable weather or insufferable reporters of weather?