My husband and will be in Ireland from April 2-16, this includes Easter and all surrounding holidays. Does any one know if most things are closed, most importantly food(restaurant/pubs/groceries) and lodging(B&B), during all surrounding holidays? i.e. Palm Sunday, Passover, Good Friday, Easter and Easter Monday. Is this a better time for country or city journey? What is more likely to be accessible on these days?
Posted by
Hendersonvlle, NC
486 posts
I will also be staying there during that period and would like to know. In addition, are there any festivals (do they have an Easter Sheep Egg Hunt?) or other special activities besides the Easter church services?
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
A good guidebook will have a listing of festivals through the year, and should answer your questions. It will also tell you what to expect to be closed because of the holidays during that week.
Posted by
New York, New York, USA
40 posts
Hi
The pubs will be closed on Good Friday. You could go up to Belfast (or really anywhere in NI) for the day because the pubs are open up there. I've done that - otherwise I would have hung out in one of our friends' houses in Dublin all day. If you are in Dublin on Easter, head over to the GPO and for the Easter Rising commemoration.
The pubs are open on Easter, I am just not sure if they open late. I was definitely in the pub after Easter dinner this year, though!
Posted by
Yorkshire, UK
264 posts
We made a loop of Ireland last year during the Easter weekend. We did not have any issues with closures during that time other than being told alcohol would not be served. Maybe we just got lucky on the right days - I can't say for sure, but a guidebook/website would let you know.
Posted by
Adelaide, SA, Australia
977 posts
Hi,
My daughter and I were in Ireland during Easter Holidays 2004. We were in Wicklow on Good Friday. Had a bit of trouble finding somewhere to eat. Rang several restuarants from our B & B and booked a table. Also we were advised by the owner of our B & B that we couldn't get an alcoholic drink. When we arrivied at the restaurant there was no shortage of alcohol. Just depends on the individual owner, I guess.