Christmas & New Year Tours in Ireland
Spending the holidays in Ireland is a dream come true! You’ll experience true warmth in Dublin's iconic pubs, visit Christmas markets, discover the countryside's winter beauty, tour castles decorated festively, and experience New Year in Temple Bar. Devour Irish stew and whiskey, hear live music, and see Ireland when it's truly festive and cozy. An Irish Christmas beats tropical holidays for genuine holiday spirit.
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Very good communication; loved the excursions and the choice of hotels!
Ireland’s Ancient EastThe best was our tour guide Allie and driver Steve!
Irish HighlightsIt was a fantastic way to see Ireland. Our tour guide Norm was incredible!! He was so knowledgeable about all the history that took place around the sites we drove by and was very helpful, friendly and humorous.
Blarney Castle, Ring of Kerry & Cliffs of Moher
10 best Christmas & New Year Ireland tour packages
Compiled by
SteffIreland travel expert at TourRadar
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Six days of Ireland's heritage from Dublin unfolds during the holidays. Kiss the legendary Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle and walk through the 13th-century Cahir Castle on the River Suir. The Wicklow Mountains lead to the 6th-century Glendalough Monastery and Powerscourt Waterfall during the festive season.
Duration 6 days Destinations Dublin, Blarney, Cahir, Wicklow, Glendalough, Powerscourt Mountain Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From $1,357
30% off- US$950
Wild Atlantic Way | Ireland
“The scenery was stunning, was well planned, and everything ran smoothly. I liked having the main highlights organised while still having time to explore on my own.”
kemal, traveled in December
Irish B&Bs from Dublin to Donegal welcome holiday visitors. Temple Bar radiates Christmas atmosphere, Slieve League cliffs provide winter vistas, and traditional pubs host New Year celebrations. Suitable for ages 18+.
Duration 10 days Destinations Dublin, Enniskillen, Glencolumbkille, Slieve League Mountain, Kilcar, Donegal, Malin, Sligo, Mayo, WestportSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator BTOURS From $1,706
20% off- US$1,364
Duration 5 days Destinations Dublin, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Blarney, Cahir, Cashel Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator East Gate Tours LTD From $1,879
35% off- US$1,221
Celebrate the holidays with Dublin's festive Temple Bar district and Trinity College's winter ambiance. Enjoy Christmas markets in Galway's Latin Quarter and seasonal seafood by the harbor. Visit the frost-covered Cliffs of Moher and experience traditional Irish Christmas festivities.
Duration 7 days Destinations Dublin, Galway Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From $2,243
30% off- US$1,570
Culinary Indulgence | Ireland
“The itinerary gives food lovers plenty to look forward to while still leaving space to experience the character of Ireland beyond the tasting rooms.”
Peter, traveled in June
Winter in Ireland brings festive tastings at Dublin's Temple Bar and medieval Kilkenny. Holiday markets buzz with activity, while Foynes Museum serves warm Irish Coffee. Cork's English Market offers seasonal specialties, and evening festivities continue at Guinness Storehouse's Gravity Bar.
Duration 8 days Destinations Dublin, Kilkenny, Cork, Kinsale, Foynes, Limerick, Bunratty, Cliffs of Moher, Burren Age Range Ages 18+ Operator BTOURS From $1,610
20% off- US$1,288
Duration 5 days Destinations Dublin, Howth Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Worldee From
20% off- US$341+$767 upfront costs
Duration 9 days Destinations Dublin, Giants Causeway, Belfast, Cliffs of Moher, Burren, Galway, Blarney, Kilkenny, Wicklow, GlendaloughSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator East Gate Tours LTD From $2,277
35% off- US$1,480
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What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours in Ireland
What are the typical Christmas & New Year activities included in Ireland tours?
Ireland's holiday tours blend traditional celebrations with modern festivities. You'll find musical pub crawls through Dublin's Temple Bar and Celtic Nights dinner shows featuring Irish dancing. The Guinness Storehouse adds holiday flair with seasonal tastings while Muckross House in Killarney recreates Victorian Christmas traditions. Hotels across Ireland like Brooks Hotel in Dublin put on special holiday events. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The evening entertainment and festive atmosphere was absolutely wonderful especially the live music in Killarney's pubs during the holiday season."
What is the weather like in Ireland during Christmas & New Year?
Winter in Ireland brings cool wet conditions with temperatures between 4-8°C (39-46°F). The coastal areas around Dublin and Galway rarely see snow though inland areas like the Wicklow Mountains get occasional dustings. Visitors should bring warm waterproof layers as conditions change quickly. Popular spots like the Cliffs of Moher get particularly cold and windy. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Despite the chilly weather the dramatic winter scenery along the Wild Atlantic Way was absolutely breathtaking during our Christmas tour."
What cultural Christmas traditions can I experience in Ireland?
The holiday season in Ireland centers around cherished traditions. You can join locals for midnight mass on Christmas Eve watch the Christmas Day swimmers at Dublin's Forty Foot or see the Wren Boys parade on St. Stephen's Day. Tours often visit decorated landmarks like Dublin Castle and Kilkenny Castle. Music venues across the country host special holiday performances. A TourRadar traveler remarked: "Experiencing an Irish Christmas mass followed by traditional music in a local pub was the highlight of our holiday tour - truly authentic and moving."
What traditional Irish Christmas foods can I expect to try?
Holiday menus in Ireland feature regional specialties like Cork's spiced beef Christmas pudding with brandy butter and fresh mince pies. Hotels such as the Killarney Plaza prepare holiday feasts with roasted turkey chestnut stuffing and Christmas cake. Most accommodations include daily traditional Irish breakfasts. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The Christmas Eve dinner at our hotel in Galway was exceptional - traditional Irish dishes with modern twists and plenty of festive spirits."
What are the best cities to spend New Year's Eve in Ireland?
Dublin stands out for New Year's celebrations with its Festival of Light and lively Temple Bar district. Galway combines traditional music with waterfront fireworks while Killarney puts on street festivals. Cork joins the festivities with events at the English Market and harbor celebrations. As a TourRadar traveler shared: "Experiencing New Year's Eve in Dublin was unforgettable - the atmosphere around Trinity College and Temple Bar was electric with music and celebrations everywhere."
What unique Christmas shopping experiences are available in Ireland?
Holiday shopping in Ireland ranges from the lit-up storefronts of Dublin's Grafton Street to seasonal vendors at Cork's English Market. The Kilkenny Design Centre showcases Irish crafts while Galway's Christmas Market brings together local artisans and food sellers. Temple Bar hosts special holiday markets throughout the season. As one TourRadar traveler commented: "The Christmas markets in Galway were wonderful - full of unique Irish gifts and the atmosphere was so festive with mulled wine and traditional music."