So I am planning on going to Ireland from December 29- January 9 and was wondering if anyone had ever been there in the winter? How is the weather/sites/accommodations, ect? Please give any and all input you have. Thanks!
Reply to this Definitely! As long as you're prepared for the weather, it can be a great time to visit. Not only in centres of civilization - we spent a very memorable New Year on Inismore, one of the offshore islands (near Galway). We did book accommodation in advance since some B&Bs do close for Christmas/New Year. If you intend to stay in one of the cities there will be no problem, but you will get much cheaper deals if you book in advance. Remember that public transport is limited over the holiday period - on New Year's eve it tends to stop around 9-10pm, on New Year's day it is a Sunday service for buses and everything starts quite late.
I'm Dublin-born and would usually ring in the New Year outside Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin city. The atmosphere is fantastic - the cathedral bells sound glorious and good craic will be had by all! Please see my profile for details of my Dublin guide.
You can expect any type of weather during this period, although it tends not to fall much below freezing in Ireland. Typically, it will be a few degree C; if you're on the Atlantic side of Ireland it will probably be a bit wet and wild at some point (although our Inismore stay featured total sunshine and calm throughout). Bring a reasonable rain jacket and some fleece layres and you'll be grand!
Reply to this Hello Corkie 😊
I think Winter is the best time to visit Ireland, despite the weather. Fewer tourists.
I would however avoid shopping as much as possible in December. Christmas is a big deal in Ireland and the shops are crowded and the staff grumpy. Go to lots of restaurants and cafes. Those become cosy at Christmas time because lots of people are out treating themselves.
Some accomodation will close for Christmas so be sure to phone if you are going there in December or early January to make sure they are open.
The weather can be windy and rainy or moderately cold and sunny. It never gets very cold. Google Ireland, average temperatures and you will get a number of sites giving the average temperature and rainfall for every month in Ireland.
Mel
Reply to this You will also get great deals at Hotels that time of year. Check out www.hotelsinone.ie
Reply to this Hey everyone,
I'm bringing this thread back up because it's similar to the question I have.
I'm flying into Dublin December 20th, and need to be in Cork December 27th. Can anyone recommend:
-places to go/see
-nice hostels to stay in (I don't want to stay in any holes, I'm on a budget, but not so tight that I'll sacrifice comfort!)
-where I should be for Christmas (I'm not religious but I imagine some places will be more interesting than others on that day)
I enjoy everything from cities to the countryside, hiking to art galleries, the theatre to the pub, so whatever you think is great to do in the winter in Ireland - I'm all ears.
Thanks!!
-Dafne
Reply to this hi, i would recommend Guinness Storehouse and Dublin Castle, the vibrant Temple Bar district, which offers a selection of bars, restaurants, cafes and galleries. there are lots to see in Dublin.
The rooms normally available for 100 to 2000 euros depends on your needs. you may check the prices in this site http://www.extendedstaybooker.com/ireland/ and even you can book online
Reply to this weather - Its Ireland. The weather could be better then the summer? Ireland does not get that cold.
sites - Tourist sites? If you are in the Cities most would still be open. These days most tourist sites are open all year but not all. Depends on what you are looking for.
accommodations - Best time of the year for lowest prices. There is currently an over supply of Hotels in Ireland and prices are very keen.
Reply to this For Cork hostel I recommend Cork Guest house hostel in front of the train station
Visiting Ireland at this time of the year is amazing. When I was a kid me and my dad were coming every 4 or 5 years. I simply love it. Mell is right Christmas is a big deal in Ireland. You will love it.
I will be Ireland for the 5 time in the last two year in February. Great place.
Reply to this Hi everyone,
I have a similar question about ireland. I was planning on going to Ireland on May or maybe June but now i was thinking to go on that trip on October or November. Do you think it's a good period..??
And i was wondering if you could help me with the places and sites i can visit then.
Thank you very much
Antzy
Reply to this Yes that time is definitely good. I think you should visit Guinness Storehouse and Dublin Castle, and also Temple Bar district which houses many pubs.
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