ann atkinson

Message: My family (6 adults) from Birmingham Ala, USA are considering traveling to Ireland from December 27-Jan 3 due to some very low airfare, car rental, and b&b packages. However, we have never been to Ireland and are concerned about the time of year--weather, road conditions, closings. I would appreciate any feedback or recommendations from persons who are familiar with Ireland or have travelled there this time of year.<BR>We would be flying into Shannon.<BR>Thanks<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<BR><BR> <BR> <BR><BR><BR><BR><BR> <BR>

cait

The public holidays around that time are 25th and 26th of December (which will not affect you) and 1st of January. Most places will be closed. <BR><BR>The weather is not great in late december - january (being the coldest month). Usually 5-8 degrees celsius. It's almost always overcast over here. I'd expect rain but that could clear up after morning, just bring a sweater cause it will definately be cold ;o)

Snoopy

I was there in early December 4 years ago. It was cold and we found it a little tough to find B&B that were open. Not impossible, just a little fewer and further in between. About half those we found had the windows thrown open and there was virtually no difference between the inside and outside temperatures. The heat would be turned on AFTER we checked in. Our saving grace was long underwear, I brought silk and cotton pairs. It was also quite damp making walking sometimes slippery, so take shoes that have good grip and wont be uncomfortable if they get wet.<BR><BR><BR>We stayed in hotels a couple of nights just because we wanted a bathroom in the room. We were cutting costs as low as possible . . . Again we were there in early December . . . around Christmas there may even be fewer B&Bs open. You'll find something, though.<BR><BR>Have fun.

Ann

As far as road conditions go, the main thing to look out for is ice, particularly black ice. They don't get very much snow in Ireland (so you don't have to worry too much about that. But be extremely careful it does snow, as they don't really plow or treat the roads at all, except to throw sand on top of the snow, which doesn't do anything at all.<BR><BR>It will likely be pretty cold, but that's just a good excuse to spend lots of time in pubs, preferably those with peat fires.<BR><BR>I would try to book your B&B ahead of time, as many are closed the week between Christmas and New Year's Eve.

todd

Hey Ann....my wife and I are going from Atlanta at the same time. Good to know some other southerners will be in the country at the time.<BR><BR>From what I've read - yes, it will be cold and overcast, but seems like high 40's to low 50's will be the norm. Hopefully it's just not raining the whole time.<BR><BR>We found a lot of lodging options through www.irelandhotels.com, and www.bedandbreakfastireland.net.<BR><BR>We'll be Dublin over NYE, so maybe we'll see you down at Christchurch for the ringing of the bells, or for the morning after, for the ringing in my head.<BR><BR>

bill

Weather in Ireland is unpredictable. That time of year tends to be pretty moist, but you never know. It never gets terribly cold (rarely fdrops much below freezing.) The days are VERY short in December. Sunrise at about 8:30, sunset around 4:00.<BR><BR>Many B&Bs are closed at that time of year and many others take an unannounced holiday. Just because the Town and Country book says that they are open, don't count on it. It would not be a terrible idea to make reservations, though it would make you less flexible. The advantage is that you wouldn't spend a lot of time going from door to door trying to find a place open. I experienced a bit of that in November once. <BR><BR>From what I understand, road conditions are either fine, or impassable. Impassable is somewhat rare from what I know.<BR><BR>Many tourist sites close for the winter, but not all. That doesn't mean you won't have fun. My favorite tourist sites, the pubs, tend to stay open. The Heritage of Ireland website list the closure dates and times of it's sites.<BR>http://www.heritageireland.ie/<BR><BR>There is a reason you are getting the great deals. It as not as popular to travel to Ireland at that time. I've been to Ireland in November and had a great time, so I'm sure you would be able to do the same. The plus side is that you won't experience the crowds.<BR><BR>Bill

margaret

Dear Ann,<BR>Just a quick note to say, I was in Ireland over Christmas 2 years ago and it was fantastic! Very festive and just a fun experience.(If you like cities, Cork City is great!) I have been to Ireland 10 times and being honest, the weather is very similar all year! It will, of course, be cooler in Dec./Jan, however I always bring WARM clothes no matter when Im going! Just pack the sweaters and have a ball!

Steve

I am hoping to go around the same time. Would you mind sharing the company you are booking with if they fly from the west coast(L.A.) I have one good deal, but you stay in one cottage and make day trips. I would like more flexibility. Thanks