The days will be short. Seems like it is light around 9, dark before 5 , and the weather is likely to be in the 40s. As always, trying to guess the weather there is a toss up! What parts are you planning to be in? The main thing to consider when planning is that many things will be closed during this time, and trying to find B&Bs might be really challenging, as many owners are either gone for the holidays during this time or using their homes for family and friends who are in for this time.

It can be a wonderful time of the year to experience, but know that your travel time in day hours will be short and that many thing will be closed during this time. Knowing this ahead of time at least let's you plan some things, as I certainly would not toss away a chance to go to Ireland just because of these things. Probably consider hotel-type stays, however. Surprisingly, it is not an inexpensive time to go over there, since many travel to see family there during this period. Hotels in fact can be real high around these periods. Do some detective work and see what rates you can get on line. 



-- Edited by Sidz at 14:27, 2007-08-08

That is one of my choices of times to travel -- prices are low, B&Bs easy to find, and I love being over there around St. Patrick's Day.  I like to travel when the crowds are down, and March and October are my picks of the best times to be in Ireland (for the price) and not have to battle hordes of people who flock there in the summer.  Simply my personal preference, but March is a good choice to me, and in fact is when I was there this year.  

If you are like me and like seeing the "real" Ireland, I like to avoid the crowds and stay on the west coast.  Simply the best area in my travels there.  With that in mind, would suggest flying into Shannon instead of Dublin if you can -- and would certainly point to that as your airport if you are going to be renting a car.  Getting in and out of Dublin, if you are not used to driving over there, is a real challenge and something few enjoy.  Shannon area is laid back and easy to get used to things.

skelley,

I would opt for March over the week after Christmas. There are lots of closings around the holidays plus you have to contend with New Years too. If I only had a week I would skip Dublin. However, others would spend the whole time there. It depends on if you are a "city person" or not.

Michele