When Is the Full Moon? 2026 Calendar & Phases (Dublin)

Anyone who’s glanced up at a Dublin night sky and wondered when the next full moon will appear knows the quiet fascination of the lunar cycle. With 13 full moons in 2026, including a Blue Moon in May and a supermoon in October, this guide provides exact dates and times for Dublin, answers common questions, and explores what makes certain moons special.

Next full moon: 30 June 2026 (12:57 AM UTC) ·
Last full moon: 31 May 2026 (9:45 AM UTC) ·
Full moon frequency: Every 29.5 days ·
Number of full moons in 2026: 13 (includes Blue Moon on May 31) ·
Next full moon name: Strawberry Moon

Six key dates and details for the 2026 full moon season in Ireland:

When is the next full moon?

Next full moon date and time (Dublin, Ireland)

The next full moon takes place on 30 June 2026 at 12:57 AM UTC. For Dublin, that’s 01:57 AM Irish Summer Time. Known as the Strawberry Moon, it arrives about 29.5 days after the previous full moon, as the Royal Observatory Greenwich (UK’s national astronomy institution) explains. This marks the seventh full moon of 2026.

The last full moon before June was the Flower Moon on 31 May 2026, which also happened to be a Blue Moon – the third full moon in a season with four, as noted by the Outdoor Swimming Society.

• 30 June 2026 – Strawberry Moon (Royal Observatory Greenwich)
• 31 May 2026 – Flower Moon / Blue Moon (Outdoor Swimming Society)

The implication: missing the exact minute doesn’t mean missing the show – the moon stays virtually full for a full night either side.

Is it a full moon right now?

How to check the current moon phase

As of June 2026, the moon is in a Waning Gibbous phase – almost full but not quite. According to the Royal Observatory Greenwich, a full moon occurs only when the Moon is exactly opposite the Sun, fully illuminating the near side. That alignment lasts just a moment, though the moon appears full for roughly 1–2 days.

To check the current phase from Ireland, you can use online resources like timeanddate.com or the Irish Astronomical Society’s website. The phase updates daily, so if you’re reading this after June 30, the phase will have moved into Waning Gibbous again.

The implication: if you’re wondering “is it a full moon tonight?”, check the phase for your date. Only the 13 specific dates in 2026 will be true full moons.

What is the full moon in March?

Full moon names and meanings by month

March’s full moon is widely called the Worm Moon, a name rooted in Native American and European traditions. According to the Royal Observatory Greenwich, full moon names historically helped communities track seasons. March’s name signals the thawing ground and the return of earthworms, a sign of spring.

Here are the traditional names for 2026’s full moons, based on listings from RTÉ and Outdoor Swimming Society:

• 3 January – Wolf Moon (supermoon)
• 1 February – Snow Moon
• 3 March – Worm Moon
• 2 April – Pink Moon
• 1 May – Flower Moon
• 31 May – Blue Moon / Flower Moon (seasonal blue moon)
• 30 June – Strawberry Moon
• 29 July – Buck Moon
• 28 August – Sturgeon Moon
• 26 September – Harvest Moon
• 26 October – Hunter’s Moon (supermoon)
• 24 November – Frost Moon (supermoon)
• 24 December – Cold Moon (supermoon)

The pattern: each name reflects a seasonal cue – from wolves howling in January to the harvest in September.

Why is October full moon special?

October full moon as the first supermoon of the year

The October 2026 full moon – the Hunter’s Moon – is the first supermoon of the year. According to RTÉ, a supermoon occurs when the full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth (perigee). The result: the moon appears about 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon.

For Dublin observers, the supermoon on 26 October will offer a noticeably more luminous night sky. The Hunter’s Moon gets its name from the tradition of hunting after the Harvest Moon, when fields are cleared and game is fat.

Harvest Moon and Hunter’s Moon

September’s full moon is the Harvest Moon (26 September 2026), traditionally the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox. It rises shortly after sunset for several nights, giving farmers extra light to harvest. The Hunter’s Moon follows in October, serving a similar purpose for hunters. The Royal Observatory Greenwich notes that these names are among the most enduring in the lunar calendar.

In 2026, the sequence is extra special because the Hunter’s Moon is also a supermoon, making it the brightest full moon of the year.

What full moon is in October?

October 2026 full moon date and name

The October full moon in 2026 falls on 26 October and is called the Hunter’s Moon. As confirmed by RTÉ, it is also a supermoon – the first of three supermoons in 2026, followed by the Frost Moon on 24 November and the Cold Moon on 24 December.

If you’re planning a night out around Dublin (Phoenix Park, Killiney Hill, or the coast at Howth), mark 26 October 2026 for the best lunar view all year.

Full moon timeline 2026 (Dublin local times)

Eight upcoming full moons span the rest of the year. All times are given for Dublin (IST).

The pattern: three supermoons close the year, making the final quarter especially bright for Dubliners who venture out.

The catch: even with perfect data, Irish weather and individual perception add real uncertainty to any lunar observation plan.

Perspectives on the full moon

“A full moon occurs when the Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun and the near side is fully lit. It happens roughly every 29.5 days.”

— Royal Observatory Greenwich (UK’s official astronomical authority)

“The Blue Moon on 31 May 2026 is a seasonal blue moon – the third full moon in a season with four.”

— Outdoor Swimming Society (swimming community lunar calendar)

“Full moons generally rise around sunset and set around sunrise, making them visible all night.”

— Sky at Night Magazine (BBC Sky at Night’s publishing arm)

For Dubliners, the full moon is a reliable celestial appointment. Whether you’re watching from a balcony in Rathmines or the deck at Howth Harbour, the dates above give you every chance to catch the Moon at its fullest. The difference between a normal full moon and a supermoon is subtle but real – and October’s Hunter’s Moon is the one to circle on your calendar. For those who track tides or simply love a bright night, 2026 delivers a rich lunar lineup. No telescope needed, just clear skies – and a bit of luck with the Irish weather.

For a comprehensive overview of all lunar events in Ireland, check the 2026 full moon calendar which includes supermoon and Blue Moon dates.

Frequently asked questions