Top 10 Best Things to Do in Winter in Ireland
Ireland's winter involves more than just curling up by a blazing fire in a warm pub, enjoying a pint or two of Guinness and singing along to lively Irish ... read more...songs. It is all of this and more! It is the ideal time of year to go to Ireland, take in many magnificent castles, peaceful landscapes, and have fun even in the gloomy weather. Winter in Ireland will undoubtedly awaken your sense of adventure and leave you with unforgettable experiences. Check out the list below to have more options!
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It will be difficult to discover a location that is more breathtaking than Ireland's magnificent Ring of Kerry. This 179-kilometer-long natural beauty on the Iveragh Peninsula is a must-see all year round.
It consists of a number of must-see tourist destinations, including the 120-hectare Derrynane National Park, the picturesque town of Killarney, and the Killarney National Park. When you first see the beautiful Gap of Dunloe, a glacier-carved marvel situated between the towering McGillycuddy Reek mountain range and the Tomie and Purple mountains, maybe you will think that you've stepped into a picture. One of the most memorable things to do in Ireland during the winter is to visit the Ring of Kerry. In the winter, be ready for bone-chilling wind, rain, fog, and mist. You'll be comfortable as long as you bring layers and reliable, waterproof footwear. Nothing is more delightful than warming up by a fire in a small, local Irish pub along the way.
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When visiting the lively capital of Northern Ireland in the winter, it is best to dress in layers. Even when the weather isn't in your favor, you'll want to explore all of the fantastic things that are available.
The Cathedral Quarter, named for St. Anne’s Cathedral, is the city’s historic trading quarter and is packed with Victorian architecture, cobbled streets, and quirky pubs and restaurants. Next is time for Botanic Gardens, any time of year is a beautiful time to visit there. Other horticultural wonders surround the walking paths, while tropical plants can be viewed in the Palm House and Tropical Ravine. Warm up with indoor exhibits at the spectacular Titanic Belfast museum or the Ulster Museum, a building that is as unique on the inside as it is on the outside. The ideal setting for an informal evening of entertainment with pop, rock, classical, and opera is the Waterford Concert Hall.
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Killarney National Park is stunning year-round, but there is something particularly appealing about the winter. Winter offers a chance to enjoy some solitude in a beautiful setting without the crowds of visitors that flood this natural paradise in the spring and summer.
Killarney National Park is about 26,000 acres and borders the McGillycuddy Reeks mountain range which includes Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohill which is over 1000m. Sparkling lakes welcome you while snowcapped mountains loom splendidly in the distance. While swimming won't be on your list of things to do, you're welcome to take advantage of the various hiking trails, rest in Muckross House, or stop by the Killarney House & Gardens Visitor Center. Don't miss the opportunity to admire the amazing Torc Waterfall while you're here; it's a real winner at this time of year. With all of the chilly rain, it rushes more dramatically.
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A holiday market is one of the best ways to describe winter. You're in for a really special holiday treat if that market is the sizable Christmas Market in Galway's historic Eyre Square.
There are vendors offering everything from ornaments to T-shirts along its length, as well as kid-friendly rides, delicious food, and hot beverages to keep you warm while you stroll. Mid-November until the end of December, right before Christmas, is when it takes place. Besides, Galway has a number of entertaining things to draw visitors in the winter. Enjoy the gastronomical delights offered in the city's many great eateries, attend a concert, visit a gallery, or spend some time seeing the magnificent St. Nicholas' Church and Galway Cathedral. Or you can still take a trip along the River Corrib to see the beautiful bridges in the area, but be sure to pack a hat and mitts.
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Whatever time of year you decide to come, Dublin never lacks interesting places to see. The Little Museum of Dublin, the National Library, Leinster House, and the National Museum of Ireland are some of the highlights. Wandering around Trinity College's 40 acres is another.
If you love music, you must take a trip down the city's renowned Grafton Street. Even in the dead of winter, impromptu performances frequently take place on this legendary street. One of the biggest celebrities to perform here was U2. There are numerous boutiques, charming boutiques and department stores that line the area that will be easier on your savings. Grab a snack at Bewley's Oriental Café when you're hungry. You won't be alone, as this is one of Dublin's busiest shopping areas, especially in the weeks before the holidays.
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Even though Ireland might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of the best spots to see the northern lights, it should be added to your list of must-visit locations. If you want the greatest views, go to the northernmost part of the Emerald Isle, then go there between October and April for the best chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis.
The best location to look for the northern lights is in County Donegal. The Inishowen Peninsula's Malin Head takes first place for breathtaking views. This charming region, which is Ireland's northernmost point and has a low latitude and little light pollution, is a great site to see the northern lights. Donegal's Lapland should not be missed if you are traveling around the holidays, especially if you have children with you. In Santa's village, they will meet elves, hear the Christmas tale, see a live performance, and spot the big man himself—Santa.
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It is simple to understand why the Cliffs of Moher are ranked among Ireland's top tourist destinations. The incredibly rugged cliffs are one of the most well-known natural wonders in the nation and are romantic, eerie, magical, and overall extraordinary.
You've probably seen pictures of them on the millions of postcards, magazines, and touristy kitsch that are sold across the nation. They have unparalleled views and wild, rocky landscapes. You'll want to see the cliffs up close because they are so beautiful and unique, so bring comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear for rainy and rocky hiking. You won't want to explore this area in heavy winds or drenching rain, so pick your day carefully. Additionally, keep in mind that the sun sets earlier here in the winter, so you should schedule your trip for the morning or early afternoon.
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If you didn't consider scheduling a beach day when visiting the Emerald Isle in the winter months, you're not the only one. That said, even when the weather is a bit chillier than usual, skipping a beachside moment would be a great shame. Beaching is thus among the top winter activities in Ireland.
Ireland has some beautiful beaches, but you'll probably have to share them with people who enjoy outdoor activities year-round. You can see serious surfers slipping into wetsuits to hang ten in the rough waves even when the weather is at its worst. Sligo Strandhill Beach is a great place for a wintertime stroll down the sand, and the town nearby offers soothing seaweed baths to help you unwind and recover after a windy day by the sea.
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Visitors to the 5,000-acre Connemara National Park in County Galway are greeted by a winter wonderland. Bogs, grasslands, forests, and heaths are among the various terrain features.
You'll also be in awe of the majestic, towering mountains. Over 50 mountains, including the Twelve Bens, are strewn throughout this paradise's landscape. Viewing these beauties on a cool, sunny day makes them even more beautiful. If you're thinking about climbing, make sure to bring the proper equipment and pay attention to the weather. A challenging climb may become considerably dangerous during the winter. However, the views are breathtaking from the top. One of the most popular hikes is Diamond Hill, which offers views of the beautiful Letterfrack village as well as of the ocean, mountains, and islands. Before departing, make sure your camera is fully charged.
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Malahide Castle, which is only 25 minutes from Dublin's city center, is home to more than 800 years of history. This castle, which has housed many generations of the Talbot family, is the ideal destination to spend a morning or early afternoon while traveling to Ireland in the winter.
If you're fortunate, when you visit this County Dublin gem, you'll see snow. The best of times are romantic at castles. Children love the Fairy Trail, and adults of every age adore the extensive gardens and the magical Butterfly House. Make sure to stop by the Malahide Castle Christmas Experience if you are in the area in late November or throughout December. Spend some spare time in the nearby Malahide village. Malahide, one of Ireland's best small towns, has a beach, as well as shops and restaurants that will make you feel warm inside out.