Ireland during the christmas holidays? Can anyone give me an idea of what to expect, is the country worth a trip during the christmas/new year holiday?<BR>Thanks

While I love Ireland at any time, Christmas really isn't a great time to go if it's your first time. Firstly, the days are *really* short--it's dark by 4.0pm. Also a lot of attractions & accomidations are closed for the holidays/winter. And the weather can be pretty cold & rainy. <BR><BR>But I expect Dublin, Galway or Cork would be fun to hang out in the pubs, so it really depends on what you expect to see/do...

I suspect it would be miserable as far as weather.

Christmas is not a good time to visit Ireland.Almost everything closes down from Dec 24 to Jan 2.It is a time for families to get together.

not wishing to sound too negative <BR>but the weather is likely to be wet & cold. There would be a great pub scene but if you do not have family in Ireland you will not feel part of it. Days will also be very short. There would be good shopping opportunities however paticularily in the bigger cities. If it was your first visit to Ireland I would recommend late spring or summer. Winter is ideal for a short break/weekend

Also, you don't want to be driving there when they get one of their infrequent snow falls!