Ireland at Christmas?

wckc · Guru

Ireland at Christmas?

Sidz · Guru

Many of the rural areas will have attractions closed down, but if you stay in some larger towns like Killarney, Galway and such there will be things to see and do. If you are planning on using B&Bs I would suggest trying to book early, as many close during this time of the year since the owners are either travelling to see family, or sometimes family is coming to their place and thus using the B&B for the holidays. I hear it can be a wonderful experience being over there during that time of the year, although I have never tried that myself. My advice is based on what some friends told us when they returned a few years ago. If you plan accordingly, you should do fine and enjoy a special trip. smile

If you can swing it, staying in a hotel is a great option during this time. They stayed at Sheen Falls Lodge in Kenmare (http://www.sheenfallslodge.ie/christmas.html), and said it was tremendous.

Here is also a nice article from the NY Times that deals with this situation.

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=travel&res=950DEEDC163DF937A15751C1A96F948260

Have a great trip.

-- Edited by Sidz at 09:50, 2007-09-28

Michele Erdvig · Host

wckc,

Sidz has provided some very good info. I enjoyed the article link he posted. Mostly you will find hotels open but they will not be cheap as many will have special holiday programs going on. I like the idea of self-catering but book a rental cottage as far in advance as possible. They do fill up at the holidays.

As for Sheen Falls Lodge - it would be fantastic at any time of year!

Michele

wckc · Guru

Wendy here,

Thank-you for your responses. We are changing plans-again, and will be coming in the Spring after all.

We think it would be amazing to be in Ireland for Christmas, but we can do so much more in the Spring; so we decided to wait.

Thanks again,

Wendy

TxDevil · Veteran Member

I liked being in Ireland for St. Pat's. It really is beautiful in March ... still cold ... but beautiful. Plus, it's right before tourist season starts - so, booking a b&b isn't hard. Plus, celebrating St. Patty's with the Irish in Ireland is great.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Wendy,

Spring is my all time favorite season in Ireland. I like mid-April through May. Let me know if I can help as your trip progresses.

Michele

Anchoress · Veteran Member

TX; "St Patty's" is a big NO NO here these days.. Saint Patrick's please... anything else is tourist talk.... I heard this preached strongly in mass one March 17th... And I agree..

It is the traditional day for lambs to start arriving - and to plant potatoes also.
Often Ireland's own mid-Lent refreshment day..

Blessings this wet, wet Sunday

Michele Erdvig · Host

Anchoress,

We Americans tend to abbreviate everything, even the esteemed saint of Ireland! wink

I understand St. Patrick's Day has been moved from March 17th in 2008 by the church as it is too close to Easter.

Michele

TxDevil · Veteran Member

Anchoress wrote:

TX; "St Patty's" is a big NO NO here these days.. Saint Patrick's please... anything else is tourist talk.... I heard this preached strongly in mass one March 17th... And I agree..

It is the traditional day for lambs to start arriving - and to plant potatoes also.
Often Ireland's own mid-Lent refreshment day..

Blessings this wet, wet Sunday

I understand. And, usually on ACTUAL St. Patrick's day - I say "Happy St. Patrick's Day" ... and I would never say 'St. Pat's' or 'St. Patty's' to the Irish in Ireland. But, I am American and by default, I abbreviate. aww