December and Christmas in Ireland

Been there in November and another time December and yes can be very damp and dreary but can also have some great sunny days like DC!! P!us side is fewer crowds. Plan to dress accordingly. You do not need or want a car in Dublin and you can go to Belfast for a day by train saving another day for car rental. A Black Cab tour in Belfast was fantastic.The absolute coldest we ever were then was on the tour of Kilmainhaim Gaol. We were truly bone cold. Also we went to Guinness Storehouse and the view from the top was minimal due to the dreary weather. If you want to go there try to go on a sunny day. Also quite a few B and B's close down in those months but you can still find some good ones if you plan ahead. It is Ireland one of our absolute favorite places and the lack of crowds is wonderful. You will enjoy no matter what you do. Believe me you did not make a mistake at all.

You did not make a mistake.

Erie and NI are both worth exploring.

IMHO 3 full days and night in Dublin would be more than enough.

DUBLIN:
If weather is good enjoy people watching in St Stephen’s Green. Grab a bench and enjoy a coffee. Same can be said for the nearby and usually quieter Iveagh Gardens.

Trinity Library/Book of Kells/the Long Room
Ages ago 2 friends and I were visiting Ireland and Northern Ireland. Attempting Europe on $5 a day travel. Book of Kells was far more exposed than it is now and not that well known. On our visit we were the only people in the room. Thus plenty of time to enjoy the brilliance of the masterpiece.
When we climb the stairs up to the Long Room my friend was lagged behind. At the top of the stairs het sister and I turned right to enter the Long Room. We froze. My friend half a stair case below asked
“ whats wrong?” “Nothing. Thought we’d wait for you.” She arrived at the top and we let her go in first. She jerked to a stop, turned and announced
“I want you to bury me here.”

She’s an avid reader and the Library Long Room is a site to behold! A favorite travel memory!!

Speaking of reading the independently owned Winding Stair bookshop is worth a peek.

Walk along the River Liffey path. Take your pics on Ha’Penny Bridge.

Visit Merrion Park and the Oscar Wilde statue.

The mummy’s in the unassuming St Michan’s church.

BELFAST:

Titanic Museum
Seafood chowder and/mussels at Mournes next door to Kelly’s Pub
Crumblin Gaol
Black Cab Tour
The Capital Building
Bobby Sands Mural

Weather is always a challenge in the Winter months in the Northern Hemisphere but so what. There is a reason its called the Emerald Isle.

Wow!

Beautiful ideas! Thank you!

We we’re just sitting here throwing around the idea of maybe doing Dublin —-> Edinburgh ——> London and then return to Dublin to fly back to the US.

Particularly excited about seeing all those books!

In my opinion don't do Dublin to Edinburgh to London to Dublin to home. Yoh are wasting a half a day every time you change locations. I calculate you have ten days on the ground. You can cover most of the Republic and Northern Island in that time and not be rushed. If you feel you really want to visit another place just do one other. I assume you have bought your tickets already. If not can you just go to say Dublin to either Edinburgh or London to home? It saves half a day backtracking.

Unfortunately, I did book Dublin flights already.

I have to give a caveat here: I have two teenagers who are rather bored by the prospect of sitting in a car seeing the countryside. Perhaps at a later date my husband and I can properly see Ireland and enjoy it peacefully. This is the only reason I thought maybe we could add Edinburgh and London.

Understand the bored teenagers part only too well on trips oh wow does that bring back not so fond memories. They are still living but I do not know why!!!! I guess I didn't want to end up in a European jail. That said I would probably just add London there is so much to see there you could probably keep them entertained even if you had to add a day trip or two. If you do add another city don't try to go back to Dublin the day before your return flight to US too much can go wrong. Also try to engage them in the planning to see what their interests are.. Happy travels!

Having just returned from Europe with them, I, too, could have strangled them! Painful! One day they’ll be grateful for the incredible sights I showed them, I just know it.

I’ll seek their input as we put this plan together. Unfortunately, I have to fly into and out of Dublin from Philly, so there’s no avoiding a return flight. We’ve been to London for a quick day trip from Paris and we all loved it. The thought of spending Christmas in London, is kind of exciting! Maybe we’ll skip Edinburgh this time.

Appreciate the thoughts on this.

There is no public transport in London in Christmas day. No Underground, Overground or busses or Black Cabs. All major attractions will be closed.

The UK takes the concept of spending the holiday with family seriously.

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/london-public-transport-holidays-tube-trains-overground-buses-christmas-b972078.html?amp

If not staying in an accommodation where you can cook, research what restaurant or pub nearby will be serving Christmas dinner and make reservations.

The ethnic diversity of London means that some non Christian owned restaurants and cafes will be open and serving.

Have spent 1/2 dozen Christmases. For me, the quiet is to be appreciated. As are the Royal Parks. Great and lengthy 2019 walk in Richmond Park.

If you are in Dublin one spot to drive to is Glendalough. Its South. Going North visit Newgrange.

Lastly if you get to Belfast see the Titanic Museum. If you like mussels and or sea food chowder Mournes by Kelly Cellars pub is worth it. Make reservations