We are thinking of traveling to Ireland during the week leading up to Easter. Our question is whether a lot of attractions and shops will be closed part of that time for Holy Week. Does anyone have any experience with this?
Posted by
Waterville, Ireland
409 posts
ooooh, yes!
Good Friday is a HUGE holiday. For 90 years there was a ban on selling alcohol on that day. It was JUST repealed, but you can be sure many places will continue the practice.... Hotels served, anyway - but pubs were closed and locked!
Now - I would suggest that the Irish celebrate Easter the way Americans celebrate Thanksgiving - but without the shopping. It's a big family weekend. It's a "Bank Holiday Weekend" at that. Rental cars will be more expensive; families will be on holiday. So book your accommodation and rental car, early! Like Thanksgiving, it's also a open-hearted time of year! So it is, indeed, a great time. Keep an eye out for beautiful pageants and parades relating to the holiday, too!
Susan
ExPat living in Waterville