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
- 6 Days in Dublin: Castles, Waterfalls & Cinematic Journeys
- Ireland’s Ancient East
- Definitive Ireland Private Tour
- 6 Days in Galway: Cliffs, Castles & Connemara
- The Grand Atlantic
- Kisses & Cork, Romance in Ireland’s Rebel City
- Hospitable Like A Village! Dublin, Ireland | 5 Days
- 7 Day Dublin And Galway By Train
- 3 Day Dublin
- Wicklow Way & Dublin 8 Days
Duration 6 days Destinations Dublin, Blarney, Cahir, Wicklow, Glendalough, Powerscourt Mountain Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From
- NZ$2,439
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 $1,652
15% Off- NZ$1,404You save $248
Definitive Ireland Private Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Hotels were in great spots, guides were excellent, and the team answered fast.”
Linda, traveled in September
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$9,483
Duration 6 days Destinations Galway, Connemara National Park, Cliffs of Moher, Burren Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From
15% Off- NZ$2,650
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$1,933
Duration 4 days Destinations Cork, Cobh Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Worldee From
15% Off- NZ$437
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 $3,171
15% Off- NZ$2,695You save $476
Celebrate the holidays with Dublin's festive Temple Bar district and Trinity College's winter ambiance. Enjoy Christmas markets in Galway's Latin Quarter and seasonal seafood by the harbor. Visit the frost-covered Cliffs of Moher and experience traditional Irish Christmas festivities.
Duration 7 days Destinations Dublin, Galway Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From
15% Off- NZ$3,070
3 Day Dublin
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“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
Experience Dublin's festive season with visits to Trinity College and Temple Bar's holiday markets. Enjoy winter walks through St. Stephen's Green and seasonal Irish cuisine. Package includes comfortable hotel stays and private transfers during Christmas period.
Duration 3 days Destinations Dublin Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From
15% Off- NZ$973
Duration 8 days Destinations Rathdrum, Dublin, Wicklow, Aughrim, Glenmalure, Glendalough, Laragh, Roundwood, Enniskerry Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Operator ASI Reisen From
15% Off- NZ$1,935
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Ireland
- Definitive Ireland Private Tour
Loved our Firebird trip to Ireland. Addison made planning easy and everything ran smoothly. Hotels were in great spots, guides were excellent, and the team answered fast. Next time, I’d stay a few more days to enjoy the towns and people.
- Irish Highlights
Was a very good tour but it would have been better if the evening meals were included in the price. The meal on the second to last hotel was not very good but the rest were great. Hotels were ok but the jury's on the last day the hotel room was very dark, had a very small window and was overlooking the roof. There was no centre light so the two side lights were very dim. Overall it was a good trip with plenty to see and was very informative.
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."