Christmas & New Year Tours in Ireland
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10 best Christmas & New Year Ireland tour packages
Compiled by
SteffIreland travel expert at TourRadar
- Irish Highlights (Winter)
- 6 Days in Dublin: Castles, Waterfalls & Cinematic Journeys
- 6 Days in Galway: Cliffs, Castles & Connemara
- Ireland’s Ancient East
- Kisses & Cork, Romance in Ireland’s Rebel City
- The Grand Atlantic
- Definitive Ireland Private Tour
- Experience Ireland's beauty
- Hospitable Like A Village! Dublin, Ireland | 5 Days
- Ireland's spectacular coastal road
Irish Highlights (Winter)
80 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Our group was amazing! I felt the pace of the trip was perfect. We saw a lot, but I felt like I still had time to explore some on my own.”
Camryn, traveled in December
Winter in Ireland sparkles with December and January departures. Waterford Crystal workshop radiates festive atmosphere, traditional music fills evening venues, and seasonal Irish cuisine tempts visitors. Quality hotels near Dublin's holiday decorations provide comfortable stays.
Duration 7 days Destinations Dublin, Galway, Bunratty, Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Blarney, Youghal, Waterford, New RossSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Trafalgar From $3,250
15% Off- NZ$2,763You save $488
Duration 6 days Destinations Dublin, Blarney, Cahir, Wicklow, Glendalough, Powerscourt Mountain Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From $2,398
5% Off- NZ$2,278You save $120
Duration 6 days Destinations Galway, Connemara National Park, Cliffs of Moher, Burren Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From $2,606
5% Off- NZ$2,475You save $130
Ireland’s Ancient East
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Loved the excursions and the choice of hotels!”
Suhani, traveled in October
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 $1,644
15% Off- NZ$1,398You save $247
Duration 4 days Destinations Cork, Cobh Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Worldee From
15% Off- NZ$430
Holiday-decorated heritage sites mark Ireland's festive season with December departures. Cobh's Christmas markets bustle, Killarney's pubs ring with seasonal music, and Kylemore Abbey displays winter charm from cozy 4-star Killarney accommodations.
Duration 4 days Destinations Dublin, Kildare, Cork, Blarney, Cobh, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Limerick, Bunratty, Cliffs of MoherSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Railtours Ireland First Class From
15% Off- NZ$1,900
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
15% Off- NZ$9,082
Duration 8 days Destinations Dublin, Kilkenny, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Cong, Connemara National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator DERTOUR From
15% Off- NZ$8,648
Christmas in Dublin features visits to Trinity College and Dublin Castle. Temple Bar buzzes with holiday atmosphere and winter events. December departures include Celtic Nights dinner show and cozy accommodation with breakfast.
Duration 5 days Destinations Dublin Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator BTOURS From $3,156
15% Off- NZ$2,683You save $473
Dublin's Christmas markets and Cork's winter foodie scene showcase Ireland's seasonal delights. Dublin Castle hosts seasonal events, local pubs offer cozy evenings, and Loop Head lighthouse presents dramatic winter views. Eight nights in traditional guesthouses included.
Duration 9 days Destinations Dublin, Sligo, Westport, Castlebar, Galway, Dingle, Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Ring of KerrySee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator DERTOUR From
15% Off- NZ$1,500
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Ireland
- Irish Highlights (Winter)
A great experience overall. Our group was amazing! I felt the pace of the trip was perfect. We saw a lot, but I felt like I still had time to explore some on my own and didn't feel rushed during any of our stops.
- One For The Road
Well planned itinerary leaving little stress to planning next move but flexible enough to tweak things up to fit your scand preference. I had issues with luggage and airlines and although the access interailing packages had to impact my issues was limited to none, they were available, empathetic and offered suggestions to consider. Have already recommended this site and operator to others. Thank you for the part you played in this memorable experience!
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."