Christmas in Ireland

GlindaGlenna · Newbie

Christmas in Ireland

Michele Erdvig · Host

Glinda,

Welcome to the forum. Christmas is a popular time to visit Ireland because many relatives and family members that live abroad return to Ireland to visit for the holidays. Your plan to visit Dingle and Galway sounds good. I think that Galway would be a fun place to spend New Years.

I don't have any personal recommendations for self-catering in either Dingle or Galway. Only suggestions for B&Bs, guesthouses and hotels. Go to my "Links" page where you will find links to self-catering accommodations. Also call Tourism Ireland for your free Self-catering Guide. The info should tell you where the places are located and whether they are within walking distance of the towns. I suggest booking a 4-star self-catering accommodation. You will want to see if any are available for short breaks, mid-week breaks or weekend breaks. Otherwise mostly they rent from Saturday to Saturday.

It is good that you are starting your planning well in advance. As soon as you have decided on a firm itinerary you may want to book your accommodation.

Michele

kathy · Veteran Member

Just thought i would add my two-bits in on this one.

My husband had to spend Christmas alone in Galway last year since i was still moving our effects over here. He said that the whole town was locked and shuttered from midnight on Christmas Eve til the morning of the 27th.

I find it hard to believe it was THAT uneventful, but i will have a better report after this holiday season.

BTW Michelle, we gave up looking for a christmas holiday package - the rates really were outrageous, the Ashford was 1800Euro per person for 3 nights.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Kathy,

Sorry to hear you didn't find a package for your holiday getaway. You are absolutely right that they are outrageously expensive. Perhaps you should go once all the celebrations are over with. There should be some winter rates or last minute deals.

Michele

GlindaGlenna · Newbie

I have read many places that Ireland is shut up from Christmas Eve to the morning of the 27th, that is why we want to do Dingle during that time as they celebrate St. Stephen's Day, the 26th. I have read they celebrate Wren’s Day, a celebration the whole town participates in. We also think Christmas might be a good day for a long drive around Dingle Peninsula, it shouldn't be crowded.

We have to travel during the holidays because of our children's schedule and our work schedule so again any help will be appreciated.

Anyone out there who has been in Dingle for Wren’s Day?

Glinda

Michele Erdvig · Host

Glinda,

A lot of Ireland shuts up tight as a clam around Christmas holidays. Many hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses close also. You will want to make your plans well in advance for accommodations.

I have not been in Dingle during Wren Day. Take a look at the following links for info about it:

http://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/wren.html

http://www.ireland-fun-facts.com/wren-day-in-dingle.html

Michele