Am I crazy? Christmas in Ireland??
 

I have been to Ireland, but only over the summer months. I am trying to plan a trip for my parents anniversary and the only time all of our schedules work for a trip is Nov. (Thanksgiving) week or December (week before Christmas). Is the weather bitterly cold? What other positives/negatives can you think of for these dates of travel?

It never really gets too bitterly cold here - mind you, I guess it depends what you're used to. January & February are usually the coldest months and December can be quite mild. It doesn't often get below freezing in December. The main downfalls will probably be rain and the dark mornings and evenings - it gets dark at about 4.30pm in December, so it'll cut a lot out of your sightseeing time. That said, it can be nice to sit in front of a warm fire in a cosy pub for a bite to eat!

We've been to Ireland over both Christmas & Thanksgiving. If you are interested in sightseeing, stick to November (most attractions are closed between Christmas & New Year). If you click on my name you will see a few of my prior posts with trip reports and questions.

One other thing, Christmas in Ireland is defiantly special, but you would like to go out for dinner (or drinks) you will need to stay at a hotel or self catering. If you have any specific questions, you can email me at [email protected]

-eyps

I've never been to Ireland, but this actually sounds very appealing to me. I don't think people go to Ireland for the weather (or the food), and I imagine that it might have special qualities (and not too many crowds of fellow tourists) in very late fall.

In a single year, I was in Ireland in February, September and December. I love Ireland, but my December visit was my least favorite. The weather was cooler, but Ireland has a temperate climate so, as a general rule, it lacks the extremes that we experience in the States. So, from that standpoint, I found it bearable. Obviously, there's always a good chance of rain, no matter the time of year. As another poster indicated, the days are considerably shorter than the height of summer. It wore on my mood as I recall.

My biggest issue was with the crowds. Granted, there weren't a lot of tourists, but there were throngs of people nearly everywhere we went celebrating--often drunkenly--the holiday. Especially in Dublin (and I don't know if you're thinking of spending time there), the restaurants and pubs were full to capacity with office and school parties. It was difficult to get a table without a reservation. The shopping crowds during the day were equally intense. I have a high tolerance for such things, but I actually found it to be overwhelming. I would imagine that it wouldn't be nearly as bad in the smaller towns and villages, but you still might encounter some of what I experienced. As it was, we spent a few days in Kilkenny. It was not as crazy, but on my last night there, a group of college kids had rented the hotel room next to ours and made quite a disturbance.

Like I said, I found my December visit to be less enjoyable than my others. That's not to say that my experience was typical, but if and when I return, it won't be in December. I actually liked my stay in February quite a bit. The weather was decent and the crowds were smaller.

Whatever you do, have fun!

Kate

Hi meg,

I live in N Ireland and love November and December. OK, it is dark early and wet but it is a festive time and everyone in is great form (January & February are different - dark & wet and everyone depressed IMO).

I love the Giants Causeway area and the Mournes in NI at this time of year as I will have it to myself without the crowds and noise that one gets in the summer months (other areas of Ireland will be the same).

Decide where you want to go and pack appropriatly (scarf, good shoes & a raincoat).

I would go in November as opposed to December as all disticts can become very crowded with office parties etc during the run up to Christmas.

IMO you are not crazy, in fact you may even enjoy Ireland better at this time of year as you will be prepared for the weather and not be disappointed if it rains as some people can be in the summer months.
OH, and all hotels and B&B's will have heating which is necessary. If you were in Ireland during the past 2 weeks you would have had difficulty sleeping at night as it has been so warm and nowhere will you find A/C!!

Go for it!!

Helen

I've been to Ireland once, over Thanksgiving in '95. We stayed with my wife's parents, who were living there for a year, and had a great time. It was rainy but temperate, and I remember that on a Saturday whem the sun came out and the temperature went up, it seemed that all of Dublin poured out on the streets. They were having an enjoyable (but sober) time. One of the best features was the small number of tourists at places like the Book of Kells and Clanmacnoise. We were staying at the Jury's in Galway on Thanksgiving day, and they were serving a traditional American Thanksgiving dinner. However, we went to a local restaurant and a nice fish stew.

Hi Meg,

Indy & I posted at the same time and I have got to agree with her that December will be loud & noisy (everyone has their office party in December and it is often a drunken occasion - not only in cities)

Go in November and you will have a ball before the mayhem begins.

Helen