Cork, on Ireland’s south coast, receives around 1,150 mm (about 45 inches) of rain a year, considerably more than Dublin given its more direct exposure to Atlantic weather systems arriving from the southwest. The River Lee, which splits to flow through the city center on two channels, has a documented history of flooding during periods of heavy, sustained rain, prompting significant flood-defense investment in the city center in recent years. Rain here tends to fall as frequent, moderate showers rather than sudden violent downpours, consistent with Ireland’s broader Atlantic-influenced climate. Because prolonged rain combined with the river’s flow matters here, radar helps track exactly how intense an approaching band is. Met Éireann operates the national radar network.
Learn more: How Does Rain Radar Work? · Open the full Rain Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in Cork right now?
The live radar map above shows precipitation over Cork, Munster in real time. Blue shades indicate light rain, while yellow, orange, and red mark heavier downpours. If no colored echoes appear over Cork, no significant rain is currently being detected.
How often does the Cork rain radar update?
The radar refreshes continuously, typically every few minutes, so the map reflects current conditions rather than an hours-old forecast. Press play to animate the most recent frames.
Can I see if a storm is heading toward Cork?
Yes. Press play on the radar to animate the last few hours of rainfall and watch which way rain cells over Munster are moving – the clearest way to judge whether a shower will reach Cork or pass by.
Is this Cork rain radar free to use?
Yes, completely free – no account, app download, or sign-up required. It works in any browser on desktop and mobile.