Hi, I am new at this forum. My husband and I will be travelling to Ireland the first week in December.
Is this a good time to visit Ireland or will it be extremely cold. Also, we read it was difficult to drive there.Since it
is our first time there, is it better use their transportation(bus,cabs( or being first timers is it advisable for us to drive.Please
any help is greatly appreciated. We will be there 2 weeks. Thank you so much.
Posted by
Colorado
82 posts
Sounds like great pub weather to me! I have driven in Ireland and it takes a little getting used to driving on the opposite side of the road but it is not difficult. Public transport is excellent especially in the larger cities. I got around Dublin and Cork with little trouble using public transportation. I have not been there in December but was there in early February....the weather was rainy from time to time but not unpleasant at all. I walked around town in a sweater and light rain jacket and felt just fine. I can't imagine what it would be like around Christmas time...sounds like you are going to have a great trip. Best thing is that the Irish are helpful folks so if you are having trouble getting around, just ask for advice. Enjoy!
Posted by
Sunnyside, New York, United States
439 posts
Hi,
Not sure of your exact plans, it does make a difference. It will get dark pretty early, about 4pm. If you are in Dublin, you don't want a car. In the cities, I don't think you will have a problem finding hotels or the tourist attractions closing. Grafton St is beautiful at Xmas.
If you are traveling the country, you will need a car. I have to think a bit more when driving, especially turns or when driving out of Dublin Airport, signs are on the left side. You get used to it. The cold weather is different than here, more of a wet cold. The temps may drop into the low 30's at night, there may be black ice, usually no snow. Check to make sure any sightseeing activities you may want to do are open and the hours. B&B's also shut down during the winter months in some areas.
Christmas is a great time in Ireland. Great atmosphere in the pubs.
Mary
Posted by
Seattle
191 posts
The weather can vary, sometimes it is dry and moderate or it can be wet (but usually no snow). December is a festive time in Ireland. Just bring a good coat, scarf, and gloves.
Dublin will be open and bustling, the countryside will be more sedate. As others said, don't get a car for Dublin as it is not necessary. Since you'll be there for a couple weeks, you have time to go out and explore the country so I would definitely recommend getting a rental car from the airport rather than a city centre location (even after living there for a couple years, I didn't feel comfortable driving in the Dublin City Centre since I only rented cars once and awhile).
Also, the closer it gets to Christmas, you may witness the "12 Pubs of Christmas"....it is exactly what it sounds like as groups go to 12 pubs in one night usually dressed in horrible Christmas sweaters.
Have a great time!
Posted by
Dublin
2 posts
December is Christmas party time and a great time to visit Ireland. It is generally cold and gets dark quite early. We usually don't get snow but be prepared at the wether can (and does) change hourly.
If you're staying in a city centre, you can pretty much walk everywhere regardless of the city. If you plan to travel any further you would probably need a car and the road network between the main cities has vastly improved in recent years. Public transport (especially in Dublin) during the winter is not fun. Buses and trams are well packed with commuters.
As I said, it's party month so if you have a particular restaurant you would like to visit, be sure to book it now to be sure but Grafton Street in Dublin is a must see in December.