Our family is arriving December 21st after our daughter finishes a semester at Trinity College. We will be driving around for two weeks, and have pre-booked hotels and B & B's. I am curious if we will find a lot of things closed in the smaller towns, and especially places to eat. We will be in Dublin on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Any suggestions on what to do and where/what to eat? Thanks!
Posted by
Waterville, Ireland
409 posts
I have found (living here 4 years) that many of the resort - style hotels are booked or at their most expensive the week between Christmas and NYE. Our favorite resort is Kerry, for example, has families that have been vacationing there for DECADES that week. So..... you've done well to book ahead of time (I'm a believer of winging it, but not that week!).
There are many tourist areas that restaurants are closed "off season" but certainly not all - the locals eat out, too! My village, for example, has 7 restaurants in summer, and 2 in winter (though pubs will certainly serve food mid winter!).
Many restaurants (even in Dublin) will close Christmas Eve and Day, but certainly your hotel will be able to direct you in advance to alternatives if they're closed.
One thing that is FABULOUS about Christmas Day is that all over Ireland - ALL OVER - people jump into the sea to raise money for charity!! It's crazy fun to watch! No matter the weather, no matter the seas! Check where you are - if in Dublin the "40 foot" is a famous spot - and be sure to join in the craic!
Susan
in Waterville
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Thank you so much for your response! It is very helpful!!! Our family would love to do the "40 Foot" plunge on Christmas Day. I have looked at a map, and we won't have a car in Dublin. Any suggestions how to get there on Christmas Day? We are staying south of Stephen's Green in an Airbnb. Our other stops are Howth, Kinsale, Kenmare, Doolin and Trim. I appreciate any insight. Kind regards!!!
Posted by
Waterville, Ireland
409 posts
I'll ask around but i'd say see if there's a FaceBook page for the swim, and see if anyone can give you a lift! The irish are generous that way!
Also - how do you plan to get to Kenmare? I assume you're training to Killarney....? Make sure if you're looking at any Bus Eireann timetables that you're looking at winter times/schedules and not summer!
Susan
in Waterville
Posted by
Portland, OR
80 posts
Christmas Eve services are wonderful! Many years ago we went to the midnight service in Dublin at Christ Church Cathedral, and it's one of my fondest memories. The carols were stunning!
I would recommend double checking hours for anything you want to do, such as museums or historic homes, etc. We found many of the sights were closed, some from Christmas to New Year's. I'm not sure when you are leaving, but January 6, Epiphany, is a bigger deal in Ireland than in the US.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Thanks! We have been told St. Patrick's Cathedral is a must for Christmas Eve, and we are staying near there. We leave on New Year's Day. I have been searching many of the places we are visiting, and many things are closed. I am hoping the Cliffs of Moher are open, as it looked as though they might be closed. Is that possible? I thought you just drove there. Have looked into the Christmas Day swim and hope to figure out a way to do that with our family in Dublin. We will have a car after we leave Dublin. Just didn't want to drive in the city.