I stumbled upon a cheap deal for a 8 days in Ireland in and around Adare. And of course its so cheap because its in January and based on 4 people. 2 of us are ready, finding 2 more won't be hard but as first timers to Ireland, would we be better off to wait until a different time of year?
Thanks!
I loved Ireland and went the end of June in 2011. It rained, it was sunny, it was cold, it was chilly, it was not warm only at the end in Dublin. I wore a rain jacket, long sleeves, hoodie, blazer, jeans the whole time. We were outside the whole time, as the museums are in Dublin. Of course were were in pubs too. Ireland is not like other countries where you are visiting museums, churches and indoor sites. You not doing that. There are no big cities except Dublin in the Republic of Ireland. It is all land and nature and mountains and the sea. The whole point of Ireland is being outside and seeing the land and nature and mountains and sky and sheep and sea. Going hiking and enjoying the scenery. It is a beautiful country to see in the summer, maybe late spring, early fall. But no, I would not travel in January to be outside in a country that even in the summer I would wear an Irish sweater. Others may say it is fine, but I would wait until the summer to see this beautiful country and going hiking and visit the sites. It also is very windy as you are surrounded by water when you are traveling around the coast.
We went to Ireland in February 2011 for the first time. We had a fabulous time. I invested in a nice new parka (a snowboarder's coat actually) and some thermal underwear. I didn't need it everyday. The only time I was really cold and needed so much layering was at the Cliffs of Moher where it is very windy. We didn't have to wait in line anywhere we went. It was great. I say go for it.
We've been twice, February both times. Would go back again in a heartbeat. Yes, it was chilly and rainy, but you're liable to get that anytime of year in Ireland. The great thing about this time of year is you won't be mobbed by other tourists! There may be some things that are closed or with abbreviated hours, but the pubs are always welcoming. :)
While I can't address what the weather is like in January I can tell you that the village is just charming. We stayed at the Dunraven Arms for a week in May and had a wonderful time. If your deal doesn't include a rental car I suggest you add that yourself to the trip. While Adare is lovely you will definitely want to get out and see what the rest of the region has to offer. By the way, we were there on an equestrian holiday, riding everyday at the nearby Clonshire Stables. If you are an equestrian I highly recommend the facility, the owners/trainers were fabulous, we had so much fun and greatly improved our riding skills.
There really isn't a bad season for exploring Ireland. While January is a time of shorter days, overcast skies and maybe a little more rain, going in the off-season would see cheaper prices, fewer crowds, and more excuses to end your days at a cozy pub enjoying a pint of the Black Stuff next to a warming peat fire.
I'd say pack your Goretex and some waterproof boots and go for it.
Thank you! We're going to do it. I may end up taking a couple days to visit the area around Donegal. We're excited!
