What special Christmas activities and events happen in Ireland during December?

Cities across Ireland embrace the holiday season with distinctive celebrations and markets. Dublin features Christmas markets at St Stephen's Green and the Docklands where visitors can browse local crafts and seasonal treats. The medieval streets of Galway transform Eyre Square into a festive marketplace with food stalls and local vendors. Historic sites like Muckross House in Killarney host special Victorian Christmas tours while properties such as Dingle Benners Hotel serve seasonal afternoon teas. A TourRadar traveler notes: "The Christmas atmosphere in Dublin was magical - from carol singers at Temple Bar to festive shop windows on Grafton Street."

What is the weather like in Ireland during December?

Winter temperatures in Ireland average between 4-8°C (39-46°F) with regular rain showers. The coastal region near the Cliffs of Moher sees stronger winds but milder temperatures while inland areas like Killarney can get frosty. Visitors need waterproof boots a warm coat layers gloves and rain gear. Areas like the Wicklow Mountains and Connemara National Park require extra warm clothing. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The weather was changeable but we were comfortable with proper waterproof gear and layers - the moody winter skies actually made places like the Ring of Kerry even more dramatic."

Are the Cliffs of Moher worth visiting in December?

December visits to the Cliffs of Moher offer reduced crowds and raw natural beauty. The visitor center stays open year-round and clear winter days create excellent photo opportunities. TourRadar travelers report that "the wild December weather made the cliffs even more impressive and atmospheric." Most tours spend 1.5 hours at the site with access to both North and South viewing areas. Nearby Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg offers upscale lodging for visitors to the cliffs.

What are the best indoor attractions to visit in Ireland during December?

Winter months are ideal for exploring Ireland's indoor cultural venues. In Dublin the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery offer tastings while the EPIC Irish Emigration Museum provides shelter from the elements. Waterford Crystal runs factory tours and Bunratty Castle hosts evening banquets. One TourRadar traveler noted: "the Pearse Lyons Distillery tour was a perfect escape from the December chill." The centrally located Westbury Hotel and Brooks Hotel provide easy access to these attractions.

How crowded are popular tourist sites in Ireland during December?

December brings fewer tourists to Ireland except during the Christmas holidays when domestic travel increases. Major sites like Trinity College's Book of Kells and Dublin Castle see shorter lines and smaller crowds. A TourRadar traveler observed: "December was perfect for exploring without the crowds especially at places like Kilkenny Castle and the Rock of Cashel." Hotels like the Fitzwilton in Waterford and Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge in Dublin typically have good availability.

What traditional Christmas food and drink can I try in Ireland during December?

December brings seasonal Irish delicacies to the forefront. Cork's English Market sells Christmas pudding mince pies and regional specialties. Dublin's Temple Bar area features holiday menus while Galway's pubs serve Irish coffee and festive dishes. A TourRadar traveler noted: "the Christmas menu at O'Connor's Pub in Doolin was a highlight of our December trip." The Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin Airport and International Hotel Killarney create special menus showcasing traditional Irish Christmas dishes.

Ireland Tours in December 2026

10 best Ireland trips in December 2026

View Map
City & Culture
Ireland in a Week (Classic, Winter)
4.5 (27 traveler reviews)
"Amazing experience! This is my second time Contiki and I can't wait to go on another."
Haley, traveled in September
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Dublin, Kilkenny, Midleton, Clonmel, Blarney,Cliffs of Moher,Galway,Londonderry,Giants Causeway,Belfast+5 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
From
US$1,395per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
5 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
26 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
View tour

View Map
City & Culture
6 Days in Dublin: Castles, Waterfalls & Cinematic Journeys
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Dublin, Blarney, Cahir, Wicklow, Glendalough,Powerscourt Mountain+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern Ireland
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
27% Off
From $1,380
US$1,007per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
City & Culture
Irish Escape
5.0 (359 traveler reviews)
"All of the details of the itinerary are so well taken care of that I feel free to enjoy the experience of my trip."
Tammy, traveled in March
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Dublin, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Ennis, Adare, Killorglin,Ring of Kerry,Killarney,Blarney,Waterford,Kilkenny+5 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Southern IrelandIreland Wild Atlantic WayMunster+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
36% Off
From $1,399
US$899per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
5 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
6 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
View tour
View Map
City & Culture
Ireland in 5 Days: Dublin, Cliffs of Moher & Castle Trails
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Dublin, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Blarney, Cahir, Cashel
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern IrelandMunster+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
East Gate Tours LTD
28% Off
From $1,910
US$1,375per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
City & Culture
Ireland’s Ancient East
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"Loved the excursions and the choice of hotels!"
Suhani, traveled in October
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Dublin, Drogheda, Glendalough, New Ross, Waterford, Wexford,Lismore,Cashel,Kilkenny+3 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Southern Ireland
Operated in
English
Operator
BTOURS
20% Off
From $963
US$771per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
1 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
View tour
View Map
City & Culture
Culinary Indulgence | Ireland
2.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Dublin, Kilkenny, Cork, Kinsale, Foynes, Limerick, Bunratty,Cliffs of Moher,Burren+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Southern IrelandIreland Wild Atlantic WayMunster+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
BTOURS
20% Off
From $1,627
US$1,302per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
1 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
View tour
View Map
City & Culture
Dublin: A Trip to the End of the Rainbow
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Dublin, Howth
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern IrelandLeinster+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Worldee
20% Off
From
US$272per person
Price based on Shared Room
Sign up and save
1 Dec, 2026
5 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
5 spaces left
View tour
View Map
City & Culture
Northern & Southern Ireland
4.3 (11 traveler reviews)
"I have travelled over 12 years with Intrepid and have always enjoyed the style of travel."
Doreen, traveled in May
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Belfast, Giants Causeway, Londonderry, Galway,Aran Islands,Cliffs of Moher,Adare,Killarney,Ring of Kerry,Dublin+6 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
Southern IrelandIreland Wild Atlantic Way+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
10% Off
From $5,196
US$4,677per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
10 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
View tour
$9 Days Dublin, Kilkenny & Ireland\'s Ancient East Tour$
$9 Days Dublin, Kilkenny & Ireland\'s Ancient East - 14 destinations$
View Map
City & Culture
9 Days Dublin, Kilkenny & Ireland's Ancient East
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Dublin, Giants Causeway, Belfast, Cliffs of Moher, Burren,Galway,Blarney,Kilkenny,Wicklow,Glendalough,Banbridge+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
East Gate Tours LTD
28% Off
From $2,315
US$1,667per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
City & Culture
6 Days in Galway: Cliffs, Castles & Connemara
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Galway, Connemara National Park, Cliffs of Moher, Burren
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Ireland Wild Atlantic Way
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
27% Off
From $1,499
US$1,095per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
City & Culture
Irish Highlights
4.7 (69 traveler reviews)
"The whole trip was easy and informative and so relaxing and fun!"
Cindy, traveled in September
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Dublin, Galway, Bunratty, Limerick, Cliffs of Moher,Aran Islands,Killarney,Ring of Kerry,Cahersiveen,Blarney,Waterford,New Ross+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern IrelandIreland Wild Atlantic Way+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
10% Off
From $1,875
US$1,688per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
6 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
18 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
View tour
View Map
City & Culture
Blarney Castle, Ring of Kerry & Cliffs of Moher
4.8 (4 traveler reviews)
"visit some of Ireland's most beautiful and iconic locations. Every stop left a lasting impression on our hearts"
Lisa, traveled in June
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Dublin, Kildare, Cork, Blarney, Cobh, Killarney,Ring of Kerry,Carrauntoohill,Waterville,Sneem,Glenbeigh,Limerick,Bunratty,Doolin,Cliffs of Moher,Burren,Ballyvaughan,Kinvarra,Galway+13 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern IrelandRing of KerryIreland Wild Atlantic WayMunster+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Railtours Ireland First Class
10% Off
From
US$865per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
7 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
14 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
City & Culture
5 days Rail Tour - The Royal Atlantic
4.8 (5 traveler reviews)
"Well organized and amazing tour. Hotels were clean and well situated to center cities."
Malika, traveled in September
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Dublin, Kildare, Mallow, Cork, Blarney, Cobh, Killarney,Ring of Kerry,Carrauntoohill,Waterville,Skellig Michael,Sneem,Glenbeigh,Killarney National Park,Limerick,Bunratty,Doolin,Cliffs of Moher,Burren,Ballyvaughan,Kinvarra,Galway,Oughterard,Maam Cross,Leenane,Clifden,Spiddal,Inishmore Island,Kilronan+22 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Southern IrelandRing of KerryIreland Wild Atlantic WayConnemara National Park+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Railtours Ireland First Class
10% Off
From
US$1,504per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
7 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
14 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
$Ireland\'s Ultimate Whiskey & Beer Journey Tour$
$Ireland\'s Ultimate Whiskey & Beer Journey - 5 destinations$
View Map
City & Culture
Ireland's Ultimate Whiskey & Beer Journey
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Dublin, Tullamore, Howth
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern IrelandLeinster+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Worldee
10% Off
From
US$369per person
Price based on Shared Room
Sign up and save
1 Dec, 2026
5 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
5 spaces left
View tour
View Map
City & Culture
3 Day Dublin
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The hotel (The Plaza) was excellent as was the staff. STM provided exactly what I needed to make this a very enjoyable weekend."
Ann, traveled in September
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Dublin
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern IrelandLeinster+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
27% Off
From $582
US$425per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
View tour