My sister and I want to visit my daughter in Galway, Ireland, but she'll only be there mid-January through mid-February. We've gotten mixed advice as far as whether we should go in winter, so I'm looking for an unbiased suggestion. I've been told (by a Brit whose mom grew up in Galway) that we should go no matter what because it's that beautiful and my sister was told (by her friend from Ireland) not to bother because it just rains non-stop. If we're mentally prepared and have proper rain gear for the soggy weather, is it worth it? Are there enough things to do besides visit pubs (suggestions welcome)? Anything you have to offer would be helpful.
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2561 posts
Just looked up weather averages and it shows mid forty for high and low of mid thirty. Short days and some really gray days for January. If you layer clothing and have scarf and gloves etc. You should be fine. The great news is there are fewer visitors and prices including airfare and hotels are usually cheaper and to us there is no month that is not a good time to visit. We have been there for every month of the year and each month has a positive and a negative side. Honestly the weather is a hit and miss just !ike every place all over. i do not ever remember the weather holding us back. Please do not let the weather keep you at home. Go and enjoy!
Posted by
Washington, DC
911 posts
If your daughter is there, and you are game, then I say go. Averages will be in the 40s, and that is doable in my opinion. It is absolutely beautiful, and lots to do despite the weather. Pick up Rick Steves’ Ireland book that will give you a broader idea of things to do, and here is what we did and enjoyed: Connemara hike/drive, visiting Cong, falconry school at Ashford Castle, flight to Inishmore with walk, and Cliffs of Moher. And of course, pubs and music are great ways to end the day. Daylight hours will be short, so go early enough to get the most of it.
Posted by
Citizen of the World
2560 posts
I went to Dublin in early February a few years ago, expecting cold, rainy days and packed accordingly. But Mother Nature had dry weather with temperatures in the 60’s in store during every day but one. I never needed the gloves or thermal clothes I had carefully packed and had a fantastic time!
Posted by
164 posts
we just returned (had been told it could be awful weather too), Belfast, Antrim Coast, Derry, Donegal, Dublin (sorry, not galway this trip).
Frankly, we had some extreme moments but only for the wind in Belfast (for one four hour period) it was NOT colder than it's been in the northeast. I felt like we did all four seasons in one afternoon multiple times. we were cold, hot, wet and wind-blown in short intervals...it was both sunny and it was teeming rain. we visited the giant's causeway in significant rain -- it stopped once we walked down to the stones - and was gorgeous. we were sweating walking through Dublin castle grounds (over dressed) and chilly on a walking tour of Fitzwilliam square an hour later.
I say go - no bad weather, just bad clothing (be prepared)
I threw a small canvas tote in my purse. when it got warmer I threw hats, gloves, and scarves in it and they were handy when I put them back on an hour later. if there's wind in forecast layers are key...leggings under jeans saved me.
Posted by
35 posts
We were there from Dec 11-15. It was quite cold and gray and honestly really didn't enjoy it all that much. However, the people are super friendly and helpful and we had fun at the Kings Head. Galway Bay sunset is gorgeous out in Salthill. If you're using transit, be sure to check with the driver as routes change during the day, same bus number different route. Either way, ireland is just amazing, so have fun!