Ireland’s sunniest counties revealed in new research

A new study has revealed the top five sunniest counties in Ireland, with Co Wexford topping the list.

Energia, a leading provider of renewable energy solutions, recently conducted an extensive analysis of sunlight hours across the 26 counties in Ireland to find the optimal locations for solar energy.

Researchers conducted a thorough analysis, gathering information from various weather websites to compile the total number of sunlight hours for each county over the course of 12 months. 

The study discovered that Co Wexford shines brightest in Ireland, soaking up an impressive 1358.76 hours of sunlight annually. January, April, May, and August combined is when the sun shines the most compared to the other counties. 

 
Taking the second spot, Co Waterford hits the jackpot with an impressive annual total of 1349.88 sunlight hours. The sunniest months in Waterford are February and March.

Co Wicklow known as the “Garden of Ireland” grabs the third spot, with a yearly total of 1345.44 sunlight hours. September and December are when the sun shines the brightest compared to other counties.

Co Cork ranks in fourth place, with an annual total of 1325.88 sunlight hours. Cork receives the most sunshine in October (210.8 hours) and November (182.4 hours).

Co Sligo rounds off the top five, with its total of 1304.28 sunlight hours annually, with July having the highest sunlight concentration of 407.03 hours.

Meanwhile, Co Kerry was revealed to have the least amount of sunshine. Compared to other counties, Kerry only receives 1231.68 hours of sunlight per year. The months with the least amount of daylight are March, April, May, August, September, and November.

Co Laois is ranked second since it only receives 1255.08 hours of sunlight annually.

Co Kildare is not far behind, with only 1259.76 hours of sunshine annually.

The top five counties in Ireland with the highest average number of sunlight hours:

1. Wexford
2. Waterford
3. Wicklow
4. Cork
5. Sligo