We are going to arrive in Dublin on Tuesday morning, March 19 and head home Tuesday March 26. The plan is to spend 2 nights in Dublin but we are deciding between doing that at the start versus end of the trip. We plan to use the train to get from Dublin to Galway then rent a car for our few days on the western coast. My main question is whether the restaurants and pubs are open on weeknights and in shoulder season in western Ireland? From looking online most show their regular hours, closed Mondays, etc. but do not specify if they are open year round. Thanks!
Posted by
Mountains of S. Oregon
741 posts
I think you'll find bars & pubs open, since most serve the locals as well as tourists. Music will be fewer days of the week or not at all. Most activities (museums, castles, etc.) will update their websites/facebook more diligently. The views, water falls, Neolithic ruins etc. are mostly 24/7.
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2449 posts
Been in Doolin in March and four times in March in Dingle and everything was open and no problem with finding music. Enjoy!
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7937 posts
Galway’s a fairly big city, and it doesn’t shut down. You’ll find plenty that’s open along the western side of Ireland.
For our 2018 trip (late September/early October, so not March), we saved Dublin for the end. As soon as we landed at Dublin airport, we caught the bus there bound for Galway. We rented a car there (from Enterprise), and eventually drove it around to Dublin, turning it in close to the airport. Last 3 days were in Dublin, and that’s how I’d do it again.