I am planning a first trip to Ireland over the upcoming holidays traveling solo. Flying into and out of Dublin, and planning to rent a car at some point to see the western & southern parts of the Republic - Dingle, Cohm, Waterford. I have read that almost everything is closed Christmas Day and the 26th. Biggest question right now is whether it would be better to be in Dublin or in one of the smaller cities at a B&B on those days. I am not trying to see everything in Ireland in the 10 days I have there. Looking for a more relaxed trip to escape the family craziness of the holidays, but concerned about availability of restaurants etc on the 25th and 26th outside of Dublin, which I figure would at least have hotel restaurants open. All suggestions appreciated.
Posted by
Sunnyside, New York, United States
439 posts
I think you have a better bet in Dublin. I know all government offices will be closed. There is more of a cultural diversity in Dublin.
Posted by
1172 posts
I agree with Mary. I would aim to be in Dublin for the 25th and 26th.
Posted by
Waterville, Ireland
409 posts
Well..... I totally disagree with the other two comments. Small villages at Christmas are fantastic.
First - when you say "everything is closed on christmas" know that pubs may be closed by hotel bars/dining rooms are allow to serve. So certainly in the villages I've been to (4 Christmases now) we were able to eat out on Christmas.
Second - let me share a typical Christmas day. ALL OVER Ireland - Dublin, Galway, Inch, Derrynane, - anywhere that there is water - crazy people (er, I mean charity minded people) jump into the sea to raise funds for cancer charities. No wetsuits. It's a right of passage for many. So almost ALL the small villages show up at the seashore to either jump in or support those that do! As I walked down the road from one such event, a total stranger stopped his car and said "do you have plans right now? would you like to come to the house for a hot whisky?" and we did. He asked about 25 people, too. So it was quite an unexpected treat and a wonderful, truly irish Christmas.
I'm guessing in Dublin you might just be, well..... another tourist.....
:-)