Ireland is a country best discovered in spring and summer. Mild, pleasant temperatures and plenty of sunshine: these are the perfect times to explore the emerald green! But did you know that winter can be a wonderful time to discover Ireland? If you’re not afraid of the cold, the island can offer you an unforgettable experience that’s warm, friendly and far off the beaten track! We’ll tell you why!
Slemish Mountain in the snow – © Creative Landscapes
Unlike other European destinations, Ireland enjoys a relatively mild winter thanks to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean. This makes outdoor visits and activities more enjoyable.
Many people imagine Ireland covered in snow, swept by icy winds, but the reality is much milder, and here’s why:
Cliffs of Moher – © Karl München
Ireland in Winter is like an old black-and-white film transformed into a technicolor masterpiece. The country reveals itself from a completely different angle, as the light, the clouds and the rain cross paths… not forgetting the snow, which makes the landscape iridescent in places.
Admittedly, the temperatures are harsher than in spring or summer, but they provide an opportunity to explore unique landscapes. Bundle up in a warm down jacket and set off to discover Ireland’s mountains, frozen lakes and sparkling rivers.
Hike the trails along the wild Irish coast, discover its beaches in winter, approach its ruined castles of grave charm…
Ireland in winter offers majestic, almost frozen, and sometimes melodramatic spectacles. The cliffs of Moher and others, for example, offer a spectacle where even the waves seem to want to reach the summits!
Fanad Head Lighthouse – © Lukassek
If you don’t like crowds and mass tourism, you’ll be delighted to discover Ireland in winter!
Many travelers dread the Irish winter climate… (wrongly, as it’s not as nasty as you might think). The result is an Ireland almost devoid of tourists during the winter.
And there are many advantages: you’ll enjoy a more authentic and personal experience, whether you’re exploring historic sites or strolling through picturesque towns.
Forget the endless queues to discover iconic tourist sites: the country is even more enjoyable to visit, almost making you feel like one of the few tourists there!
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Irish hospitality is famous. In winter, this warmth is felt even more keenly in traditional pubs, where music, dancing and storytelling come to life around a roaring fire.
This conviviality is even more evident on cold days, when the rain taps incessantly at the window. The Irish have a unique way of life, where their sense of welcome and hospitality will make you feel right at home.
You’ll feel it in the local pub, in your bed and breakfast, or even in that little restaurant that offered you shelter during a downpour. Here, both the cup of tea and the cuisine are ultra-comforting: they’ll give you a break full of warmth, making you feel the whole art of Irish living.
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Spending Christmas in Ireland is a bit like stepping into a fairytale, where young and old alike are swept away by the magic of the festive season.
Christmas is always an event in Ireland. Dublin, Cork, Galway… each city has its own fairytale market, unique light decorations, enchanting store windows…
The streets are filled with the smell of mulled wine and gourmet cinnamon pastries… Because Christmas in Ireland is the official season for comfort food. Between the traditional stew, mince pies and puddings, it’s a festival for the taste buds. And let’s not forget the famous turkey, which here takes on epic proportions!
Last but not least, the music is everywhere, featuring the greatest classics of the Christmas repertoire, all revisited with traditional Irish instruments! Dive headfirst into a magical atmosphere!
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