The influence of ocean variations on the climate of Ireland

The influence of the ocean circulation on the climate of Ireland is more subtle than it first appears. Temperatures in Ireland are warmer than similar Pacific maritime climates. It is heat ‐ carried primarily in the Atlantic overturning circulation ‐ released over the Atlantic that provides this additional warmth. We investigate variations in Irish climate using long‐term station‐based time series. The Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO) explains over 90% of the pronounced decadal temperature and summer precipitation variation. Understanding the impact of these ocean variations when interpreting long climate records, particularly in the context of a changing climate, is crucial.