The island has an unusually temperate climate. Average air
temperatures range from 15°C in July to 6°C in January. The soil temperature
does not usually drop below 6°C (end 2010 recorded a prolonged period of snow,
the first in living memory). Since grass will grow once the temperature rises
above 6°C, this means that the island (like the neighbouring Burren) has one of the longest growing
seasons in Ireland or Britain, and supports diverse and rich
