Christmas & New Year Tours in Ireland
Imagine celebrating the festive season in Ireland over Christmas and New Year's Eve! With 23 Christmas and New Year adventures to choose from lasting 3 days up to 15 days, you're sure to find that enchanting Ireland Christmas tour you have always dreamt of.
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Suhani • traveled in November
Very good communication; loved the excursions and the choice of hotels!
Ireland’s Ancient East - PZ
Peggy • traveled in September, 2025
Greg is awesome tour guide! Besides being very knowledgeable he is engaging with the paasengers. Traveling with Greg makes for a memorable journey sprinkled with joy and laughs.
Irish Highlights - A
Alysia • traveled in January, 2026
We had an amazing time on our tour! We were well informed by daily text messages about each stop and where to meet and how to get there. They handled our hotel reservations when we chose to stay an extra day, plus handled our transfer from hotel to airport. We would definitely use this company again!
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’s Ancient East
- 7 Day Dublin And Galway By Train
- Definitive Ireland Private Tour
- Culinary Indulgence | Ireland
- Wild Atlantic Way: Discovering Ireland’s Coastal Beauty
- 6 Days in Galway: Cliffs, Castles & Connemara
- Hello Dublin | 5 Days
- Adventurous Ireland | 14 Days
- Wild Atlantic Way | Ireland
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 $1,443
20% Off- US$1,155You save $289
Ireland’s Ancient East
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“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, Glendalough, New Ross, Waterford, Lismore, Cashel, Kilkenny Age Range Ages 18+ Operator BTOURS From $1,167
20% Off- US$934You save $233
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 $2,386
20% Off- US$1,909You save $477
Definitive Ireland Private Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Hotels were in great spots, guides were excellent, and the team answered fast.”
Linda, traveled in September
Dublin's spirited evening bar crawl and illuminated castle tours mark the season. Traditional Irish Christmas unfolds at Bunratty Folk Park, Killarney's decorated streets sparkle, and the Wild Atlantic Way coastline offers stunning winter views.
Duration 8 days Destinations Dublin, Cork, Killarney, Limerick, Galway Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Firebird Tours From
20% Off- US$5,430
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 $1,685
20% Off- US$1,348You save $337
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$3,107
Five nights at the Eyre Square Hotel or the 4-star Western Hotel in Galway puts you right in position for seeing Ireland's west coast during Christmas and New Year. Windswept paths along the 700-foot-tall Cliffs of Moher stretch eight kilometers along the Atlantic, and you'll visit the 19th-century Kylemore Abbey with its Victorian Walled Gardens in Connemara. Cozy Galway pubs with live music and traditional Irish fare in the Latin Quarter end your days.
Duration 6 days Destinations Galway, Connemara National Park, Cliffs of Moher, Burren Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From $1,569
20% Off- US$1,255You save $314
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."