This region experiences a Cool Temperate Oceanic Climate however it is drier than the North and Western region due to the rainshadow effect of the western mountains.
Annual precipitation is 750 mm which is less than half of the North and West’s average. \
This region is also protected from rain by the presence of the Dublin and Wicklow mountains.
These conditions suit the growing of crops such as wheat and market gardening of crops such as potatoes.
15% of Ireland’s wheat is grown in this region and sold mainly to local bakeries for the Dublin market.
20% of the national potato crop is grown here as the lower rainfall levels reduce the risk of potato blight.
Some of the potato crop is sold to Largo foods who manufacture Tayto crisps in this region.
This region is also sunnier, which means a longer growing season.
The growing season here is on average 280 days per year which is about 20 days longer than the North and West.
This region receives 4 hours of sunshine per day.
Temperatures average 16 degrees in Summer and 5 degrees in Winter.
Frost is rare which favours crop growth and reduces the risk of damage to salad, flower and root crops.
These conditions allow cereal growth e.g. malting barley for the brewing industry and protein rich barley for animal feeds.