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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Peter • traveled in January, 2026
An unforgettable journey through Ireland’s Ancient East! Beautiful landscapes, fascinating historical sites, and a well-planned itinerary made the trip both relaxing and enriching. Every stop felt meaningful and authentic. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to experience Ireland’s history and charm in a short time.
Ireland’s Ancient East - J
Julie • traveled in September, 2025
Greg is wonderful! He is so knowledgeable and adds so many special personal touches to the tour. It isn’t just facts… It’s stories, and history, and humor. It was so wonderful that when we travel again we’re gonna look up Greg as our tour guide again!
Irish Highlights - R
Rita • traveled in May
Well planned itinerary leaving little stress to planning next move but flexible enough to tweak things up to fit your scand preference. I had issues with luggage and airlines and although the access interailing packages had to impact my issues was limited to none, they were available, empathetic and offered suggestions to consider. Have already recommended this site and operator to others. Thank you for the part you played in this memorable experience!
One For The Road
10 best Christmas & New Year Ireland tour packages
Compiled by
SteffIreland travel expert at TourRadar
- 6 Days in Dublin: Castles, Waterfalls & Cinematic Journeys
- Ireland’s Ancient East
- Culinary Indulgence | Ireland
- Wild Atlantic Way: Discovering Ireland’s Coastal Beauty
- 7 Day Dublin And Galway By Train
- 6 Days in Galway: Cliffs, Castles & Connemara
- Wild Atlantic Way | Ireland
- Adventurous Ireland | 14 Days
- London - Dublin & The Aran Islands
- 10-day self-drive and hiking Adventure in Southern Ireland 10 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 $1,428
27% Off- US$1,042You save $386
Ireland’s Ancient East
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Loved the excursions and the choice of hotels!”
Suhani, traveled in October
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
27% Off- US$983
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
27% Off- US$1,660
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
27% Off- US$2,800
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 $2,360
27% Off- US$1,723You save $637
This Christmas and New Year trip brings you to the Cliffs of Moher along the Atlantic coast and Dunguaire Castle in Kinvara. See Connemara's Gaeltacht villages and stop at Blackhead Lighthouse while traveling the Wild Atlantic Way from Galway through Lisdoonvarna to Doolin.
Duration 6 days Destinations Galway, Connemara National Park, Cliffs of Moher, Burren Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From $1,552
27% Off- US$1,133You save $419
Wild Atlantic Way | Ireland
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A fantastic trip with breathtaking landscapes and a great pace. Communication from BTOURS was excellent throughout the journey.”
Avianna, 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
27% Off- US$1,758
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."