My husband and I are spending our honeymoon in Ireland from 11/1 - 11/10 and just wanted to know if there are certain things we should avoid/do that time of year?
If you have gone, what was the weather like? We are renting a car and driving around still planning the details as to where. I know it's not light as long, but has anyone gone at that time of year. Any tips? Thanks!
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
You might find limited days/hours for some attractions after 11-1. A Michelin Green Guide (you can get them here at Barnes and Noble or online) will have a list of the hours of most places. You might also find fewer B&Bs to choose from, since many still close for the winter after 11-1. There should still be some open anywhere you are, so you won't be sleeping in your car. You might look at the B&B listings at the Irish Tourism website, www.discoverireland.com to pre-book at least your first night's B&B.
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2457 posts
We were there in late November, early December, just very damp, suggest layers. Really must try to get your B&B before dark as it is much easier that way. We did not have a problem with finding ones that were open.
Posted by
Goleen, Co Cork, Ireland
69 posts
Hi, the first part of your holiday is during mid term break for kids so most places will be open. It was gorgeous here for the last few days so you might get lucky with weather!! Congrats and enjoy Ireland!
Sherri
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
I visited Ireland once in late November. The weather was typical of NW Europe- damp and cool without being especially cold. I have no reference to compare the country to the summertime, but I was able to see and do everything I wanted. Mind you, other than one daytrip to Glendalough, Dun Laoghaire and the Wicklow mountains, I stayed in Dublin the entire time. I couldn't comment what it would be like deeper in the interior of the country.
Posted by
Land of La
9265 posts
Congratulations!! Have visited Eire in November. Recall mostly grey days, one day of torrential rain while I was in Cork and a few days of sunshine but no clear blue skies. Dress in layers. Things to know: Get into a town, village, city before night fall to find an accommodation. B and B's are plentiful, simply look for the brown signs outside homes. You may want to ask for an ensuite room which means the bathroom is in your room instead of down the hall. Prices for B and B's almost always include breakfast. Rates should be lower because you are traveling off season. The rural roads are small and often filled with sheep. Drive slower than normal and learn to calculate miles in kilometers. Pubs are wonderful places for food, conversation and music. Don't ignore parking signs. You must drive the Sally Gap and see Glendalough. Try to see a hurling or rugby match. Know that a proper pint of Guinness takes time to pour. Nearly an art. Let it settle, then enjoy. Colcannon is filling and cheap. Coddle is yummy. Boxty as well. Black pudding, not so much. Loads of fresh seafood options. Soda bread the best. Still water is non carbonated water. Lastly, don't rush. Take your time to enjoy the land and the people.
Posted by
Lexington
49 posts
My son and I traveled in Ireland in November and had a wonderful time. The days will be short so get up and get moving early. It will be cold and damp much of the time. We had to visit Newgrange in pouring rain. The suggestion about getting to your B and B early is a good one as it gets very difficult to see when it gets dark early. The driving can be a bit difficult as many of the roads/streets are narrow and not as well marked as what you may be used to. The people are the most friendly of any of the countries I have visited.