19 min
Cool Facts about Ireland Winter Vacations Traveling in Ireland
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- Places & Travel
When fewer tourists are in Ireland you can actually get more vacation!
Airfare to Ireland begins to fall in September, and by October rates are as low as you will likely see them. (Read my tips for finding great airfare to Ireland!)
The package deals on Ireland winter vacations are often incredible- airfare, car and lodging- for one low price. (See 4 Steps to Choosing the Best Ireland Vacation Package for You).
But why would anyone want to visit Ireland during the “darker half” of the year? Can you really have a fabulous vacation in Ireland when the days are shorter, the nights are longer and the air is chillier?
The short answer? YES!
The Burren, in County Clare, is filled with surprises. Like this colt, its fuzzy winter coat keeping it warm as chilly fall winds blow in from the Atlantic. Photo was taken in Late October as the days became shorter and the weather much cooler.
5 Reasons to Travel to Ireland in Fall and Winter
Great Deals
Mid-October marks the beginning of the “off-season” in Ireland, which runs through the end of April. With the exception of Christmas and St. Patrick's Day, this is the slow tourism season for Ireland- which means your money will go further!
Even if you don't snag a package deal, you'll see that prices on everything from Ireland hotels, B&Bs, and even car rentals drop in the off-season.
Everything you need to know about car rental in Ireland
Fewer Crowds
Or no crowds at all!
While some attractions close during the off-season, many do stay open through mid-December, closing or limiting their hours in January and February. This is a great time to tour popular sites without hoards of people around.
When we visited Cahir Castle in November my family explored the grounds without another tourist in site. With fewer tourists, the guides at Bunratty Castle have time to share little known facts. And the Cliffs of Moher seem even larger when not swarming with visitors.
The Holy Mountain of Croagh Patrick after a snow storm
More Craic at the Pub
While traditional music may not play nightly in the off-season you'll still find plenty of craic at the pubs.
A pub is not a bar, though you will find plenty of pints being lifted, but a public house; a gathering place for people to come together, young and old. And when the weather turns sour and darkness falls early people tend to congregate near a crackling fire and conversation. Join them, enjoy the stories, buy a pint or two for the interesting characters, and share your own tales. There is no better way to enjoy Ireland.
Ireland in October
Halloween in Ireland
Even the church at Bunratty Folk Park isn't safe from Zombies at Halloween.
Halloween derived from an old Celtic festival known as Samhain (sow-en) and Ireland is an ideal location to celebrate the Eve of All Hallows and explore the traditions that have stretched through the centuries!
From haunted castles to stone circles,
When fewer tourists are in Ireland you can actually get more vacation!
Airfare to Ireland begins to fall in September, and by October rates are as low as you will likely see them. (Read my tips for finding great airfare to Ireland!)
The package deals on Ireland winter vacations are often incredible- airfare, car and lodging- for one low price. (See 4 Steps to Choosing the Best Ireland Vacation Package for You).
But why would anyone want to visit Ireland during the “darker half” of the year? Can you really have a fabulous vacation in Ireland when the days are shorter, the nights are longer and the air is chillier?
The short answer? YES!
The Burren, in County Clare, is filled with surprises. Like this colt, its fuzzy winter coat keeping it warm as chilly fall winds blow in from the Atlantic. Photo was taken in Late October as the days became shorter and the weather much cooler.
5 Reasons to Travel to Ireland in Fall and Winter
Great Deals
Mid-October marks the beginning of the “off-season” in Ireland, which runs through the end of April. With the exception of Christmas and St. Patrick's Day, this is the slow tourism season for Ireland- which means your money will go further!
Even if you don't snag a package deal, you'll see that prices on everything from Ireland hotels, B&Bs, and even car rentals drop in the off-season.
Everything you need to know about car rental in Ireland
Fewer Crowds
Or no crowds at all!
While some attractions close during the off-season, many do stay open through mid-December, closing or limiting their hours in January and February. This is a great time to tour popular sites without hoards of people around.
When we visited Cahir Castle in November my family explored the grounds without another tourist in site. With fewer tourists, the guides at Bunratty Castle have time to share little known facts. And the Cliffs of Moher seem even larger when not swarming with visitors.
The Holy Mountain of Croagh Patrick after a snow storm
More Craic at the Pub
While traditional music may not play nightly in the off-season you'll still find plenty of craic at the pubs.
A pub is not a bar, though you will find plenty of pints being lifted, but a public house; a gathering place for people to come together, young and old. And when the weather turns sour and darkness falls early people tend to congregate near a crackling fire and conversation. Join them, enjoy the stories, buy a pint or two for the interesting characters, and share your own tales. There is no better way to enjoy Ireland.
Ireland in October
Halloween in Ireland
Even the church at Bunratty Folk Park isn't safe from Zombies at Halloween.
Halloween derived from an old Celtic festival known as Samhain (sow-en) and Ireland is an ideal location to celebrate the Eve of All Hallows and explore the traditions that have stretched through the centuries!
From haunted castles to stone circles,
19 min