Climate

• this region experiences a Cool Temperate Oceanic Climate with mild temperatures (6 -16 degrees).
• The climate is very wet especially on the mountains where averages of 2,000mm per year are common.
• The wet climate impacts on soil fertility due to leaching and waterlogging and prevents the growth of crops.
• Only .5% of land is used for growing cereals. . 
• Some parts of this region experience more than 250 days of rain per year.  This limits the  types of agriculture possible.
• The region also gets less sunshine than the rest of Ireland with  only 3.5 hours per day. This  leads to a shorter growing season.
• The growing season is 20 days shorter than GDA.
• Cattle must be housed for longer periods and large amounts of silage and other feeds must be given to the animals for many months of the year. This adds to the farmer's expenses and reduces their income