Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips 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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We had an amazing time on our tour with Maeve and driver Martin! It was truly a magical time. I would highly recommend this to anyone considering!
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 MoherEverything was perfect! I received clear information about exactly where to be and when, what time things would be happening, and what was next up on the agenda. I could just relax and enjoy my trip!
5 Day Dublin including Giants Causeway, Cliffs of Moher, Galway City & Cahir Castles
10 best Christmas & New Year Ireland tour packages
Compiled by
SteffIreland travel expert at TourRadar
- 6 Days in Dublin: Castles, Waterfalls & Cinematic Journeys
- Ireland in 5 Days: Dublin, Cliffs of Moher & Castle Trails
- Ireland’s Ancient East
- Ireland's Ultimate Whiskey & Beer Journey
- Culinary Indulgence | Ireland
- Wild Atlantic Way: Discovering Ireland's Coastal Beauty
- 9 Days Dublin, Kilkenny & Ireland's Ancient East
- 6 Days in Galway: Cliffs, Castles & Connemara
- 7 Day Dublin And Galway By Train
- Adventurous Ireland | 14 Days
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 $1,410
27% Off- US$1,029
Duration 5 days Destinations Dublin, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Blarney, Cahir, Cashel Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator East Gate Tours LTD From $1,952
25% Off- US$1,464
Ireland’s Ancient East
“Beautiful landscapes, fascinating historical sites, and a well-planned itinerary made the trip both relaxing and enriching.”
Peter, traveled in November
Dublin Castle comes alive with festive markets while Temple Bar hosts holiday events. The winter solstice unfolds at Newgrange, traditional Christmas feasts await in medieval Kilkenny Castle, and cozy country hotels provide warm retreats.
Duration 6 days Destinations Dublin, Drogheda, Glendalough, New Ross, Waterford, Wexford, Lismore, Cashel, Kilkenny Age Range Ages 18+ Operator BTOURS From $979
20% Off- US$783
Duration 5 days Destinations Dublin, Tullamore, Howth Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Worldee From
20% Off- US$389
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 $1,654
20% Off- US$1,323
Travel Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way during December and January, checking out Christmas markets in Galway and ringing in New Year with Guinness at Dublin's Temple Bar. See the 200-meter Cliffs of Moher in winter, head to Loop Head at the Shannon River mouth, and catch cozy traditional music in Dingle's Gaeltacht village.
Duration 10 days Destinations Dublin, Enniskillen, Donegal, Sligo, Galway, Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Limerick, Dingle, Ring of Kerry Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
20% Off- US$2,800
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 $2,366
25% Off- US$1,774
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips 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."