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
In-depth Cultural
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$1,265per person
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
12 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
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
25% Off
From $1,426
US$1,069per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
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
16% Off
From $975
US$819per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Food & Culinary
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
16% Off
From $1,646
US$1,383per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Northern & Southern Ireland
4.3 (11 traveler reviews)
"Each day went by smoothly and each day's itinerary was packed with plenty of interesting sights and experiences."
Benjamin, 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
15% Off
From $4,580
US$3,893per person
Price based on Private Double Room
10 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Wild Atlantic Way: Discovering Ireland’s Coastal Beauty
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Dublin, Enniskillen, Donegal, Sligo, Galway, Burren,Cliffs of Moher,Limerick,Dingle,Ring of Kerry+4 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Country Region
Ireland Wild Atlantic Way
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
15% Off
From
US$2,800per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Ireland: Shamrocks & Singalongs
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Dublin, Belfast, Giants Causeway, Londonderry, Galway,Aran Islands,Inishmore Island,Burren,Cliffs of Moher,Killarney,Ring of Kerry,Skellig Michael,Blarney,Kilkenny,Rathdrum+10 more
Age Range
Ages 18-32
Country Region
Southern Ireland
Operated in
English
Operator
Topdeck
15% Off
From
US$2,669per person
Price based on Private Single Room
7 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
28 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
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
25% Off
From $1,550
US$1,162per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
7 Day Dublin And Galway By Train
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Dublin, Galway
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern Ireland
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
25% Off
From $2,357
US$1,768per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Wild Atlantic Way | Ireland
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"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
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Dublin, Enniskillen, Glencolumbkille,Slieve League Mountain,Kilcar,Donegal,Malin,Sligo,Mayo,Westport,Croagh Patrick Mountain,Galway,Burren,Cliffs of Moher,Kilkee,Limerick,Dingle,Slea Head,Ring of Kerry,Portmagee,Blarney,Cork,Howth+20 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Ireland Wild Atlantic Way
Operated in
English
Operator
BTOURS
16% Off
From $1,744
US$1,465per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
Irish Highlights
4.7 (80 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,Killarney,Ring of Kerry,Cahersiveen,Blarney,Waterford,New Ross+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern IrelandIreland Wild Atlantic WayMunster+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
10% Off
From $2,475
US$2,228per person
Price based on Private Double Room
6 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
18 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
5 days Rail Tour - The Royal Atlantic
4.8 (5 traveler reviews)
"The scenery was incredibly beautiful, and I was super satisfied. The arranged hotel was excellent, with great service and an ideal location."
ling, 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$1,554per person
Price based on Private Double Room
7 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
14 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Cliffs of Moher, Connemara & Aran Islands Travel West by Train
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"The tour guides were so lovely, and they were very knowledgeable about western Ireland."
Holly, traveled in August
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Dublin, Kildare, Limerick, Doolin, Cliffs of Moher, Galway,Inishmore Island,Aran Islands,Connemara National Park+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Southern IrelandIreland Wild Atlantic WayConnemara National Park+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Railtours Ireland First Class
10% Off
From
US$953per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
9 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
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
25% Off
From $601
US$451per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
One For The Road
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"Well planned itinerary leaving little stress to planning next move but flexible enough to tweak things up to fit your scand preference."
Rita, traveled in April
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Dublin, Cork, Blarney, Killarney National Park, Killarney,Ring of Kerry,Galway,Aran Islands,Cliffs of Moher,Burren,Connemara National Park,Howth+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern IrelandIreland Wild Atlantic Way+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Interrailing Packages
25% Off
From
US$2,701per person
Price based on Shared Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour