Travel Tips

Planning to visit Ireland in December? Weather, things to do, and festive food

From charming Christmas markets to cozy pubs and scenic landscapes, Ireland in December is magical—and just an hour from the UK!

From Prague to Budapest, many European cities come alive with festivities and winter charm every December. But there’s one underrated European gem that flies under the radar: Ireland.

Ireland in December means endless cosy pubs serving up hearty meals and hot whiskey, dramatic rural landscapes like frost-covered hills and rugged coastline, and glistening festive markets that illuminate the historic streets.

Read on for the full lowdown on what to expect, from the weather to what to do to the festive food you absolutely must try!

In this article

Weather in Ireland in December

The weather in Ireland in December is chilly and crisp, with temperatures ranging from 4°C to 9°C. However, it’s also cosy and comforting, thanks to the roaring fires found in every pub and the unmistakable winter charm of the cities and countryside alike.

December usually brings light rain, misty mornings, and overcast skies, and while that doesn’t sound very inviting, it’s part of Ireland’s winter magic.

The softer light creates a dramatic atmosphere along the wild coastline, perfect for capturing moody photos of the frosty cliffs and harbours. Meanwhile, the castles appear mysterious and spooky, set against a backdrop of dark fog and drizzle.

Considering the chilly weather, be sure to pack accordingly. A thick winter coat, scarf, gloves, and plenty of warm jumpers should be on your packing list for Ireland this month. And don’t forget a rain jacket and warm, waterproof books for Ireland’s winter drizzle!

The best things to do in Ireland in December

Source: Shutterstock

The weather in Ireland in December may be a bit dreary, but the atmosphere is far from dull. With impressive light shows, bustling Christmas markets, and cosy pub evenings, December is the best time to visit Ireland for travellers seeking festive charm and a welcoming vibe.

Here’s what we recommend adding to your trip itinerary:

Christmas markets

Ireland is home to some of Europe’s most renowned festive markets. For example, Galway is the country’s longest-running and largest Christmas market, known for its wooden chalets selling handcrafted gifts and festive food, as well as its lively beer tent.

Dublin’s Bavarian-style market is another must-visit, with the charm of carousels, a Santa’s grotto, and a historic castle backdrop.

Festive light trails

In December, the city streets glow under the twinkling lights of Ireland’s majestic light trails. For example, the Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo is one of the country’s most popular festive events, with vibrant, kaleidoscopic illuminations and annual themes.

Dublin’s Malahide Castle also puts on a mesmerising display with over one million lights, including a light tunnel and a symphony of light pond show.

Then, one hour’s drive from Dublin, you’ll find the magnificent treetop night lights at Avondale Forest Park.

There are also epic light trails and projections at Fota House in Cork and Father Burke Park in Galway.

Cosy pub nights

After dark, locals and tourists alike flock to the pubs, which serve as havens of warmth and laughter, complete with live trad music and comforting Irish stews.

While you can find a lively and welcoming pub in every Irish town, there are some famous ones worth checking out. For example:

Temple Bar in Dublin has the most extensive whiskey collection in Ireland.
Courtney’s is the oldest pub in Killarney, with preserved 1800s-era wooden furnishings.
Galway has endless bustling pubs that play traditional live Irish music, such as O’Connell’s, An Pucan, and Tig Coili.

Scenic drives

Ireland is home to some stunning scenic drives that become extra moody and magical in December.

The Wild Atlantic Way, which stretches over 2,500 km along Ireland’s west coast, oozes dramatic landscapes in the winter, like crashing waves, misty cliffs, and deserted beaches.

Meanwhile, The Ring of Kerry is an iconic circular route through Killarney National Park and the Iveragh Peninsula. It offers panoramic vistas of snow-capped mountains and passes through many cute villages like Kenmare and Sneem that feel straight out of a postcard.

Festive Irish food and drinks you can’t miss

Source: Shutterstock

One of the best things to do in Ireland in December is eat, as Irish winter cuisine is hearty, comforting, and perfect for cold days. Here’s what we recommend:

Irish stew: This is probably the most common traditional favourite. It’s a slow-cooked blend of lamb, root vegetables, and rich broth, like a thick, hearty soup.
Guinness stew: A combination of Guinness and an Irish stew, it’s usually made with beef instead of lamb and has a deeper, more robust flavour.
Coddle: This Dublin classic combines sausage, bacon, and potatoes and dates back generations.
Soda bread: No Irish meal is complete without a thick slice of fresh soda bread slathered with creamy Irish butter.
Christmas pudding with whiskey butter: For a festive treat, you have to try Ireland’s take on the classic Christmas pudding. It’s rich, fruity, and smothered in lashings of whiskey butter rather than the traditional brandy.

You will also find many special festive drinks in Ireland in December, including:

Irish coffee: While you can find it all year round, Irish coffee is the ultimate winter indulgence, and you can find it pretty much everywhere, from bakeries to pubs to markets. There’s nothing that will warm you up more than a hot coffee with a splash of whiskey!
Hot whiskey: In the cold months, many Irish pubs and Christmas markets sell hot whiskey (locally known as a hot toddy). This mulled drink is made with lemon, cloves, honey, and, of course, plenty of whiskey. It’s also known to be an excellent cold and flu remedy!

Insider tip: Many restaurants and pubs offer festive menus during the Christmas period. St Stephen’s Day (December 26th) is especially popular, but it books up fast. If you want to experience an authentic Irish festive feast (including the popular St. Stephen’s Day stew and Turkey and ham wellington), reserve your table early!

Travel tips for visiting from the UK

Getting to Ireland from the UK couldn’t be easier. There are direct flights under 90 minutes from major cities:

London to Shannon for easy access to Galway and the Cliffs of Moher.
Manchester to Cork for a winter foodie weekend.
Edinburgh to Dublin for a festive city break filled with lights, markets, and live music.

If you’re planning a road trip, hop on a ferry from Holyhead or Liverpool to Dublin, or take the Pembroke/Fishguard route to Rosslare on the scenic southeast coast. It’s a great way to explore Ireland’s countryside at your own pace.

Pro tip: Stay connected from the moment you arrive with a Holafly eSIM. With unlimited data and reliable coverage via local networks, you can navigate country roads, check ferry schedules, and book last-minute stays without worrying about roaming charges.

Stay connected on your Irish winter adventure

Ireland in December offers a winter escape that’s both magical and accessible. But whether you’re locating the nearest pub or exploring the twinkling Christmas markets, staying connected is essential.

Thanks to Holafly’s eSIM for Ireland you can enjoy instant connection the moment you arrive, unlimited data, and reliable coverage in the cities and countryside alike.

For more travel tips and destination guides, follow Holafly on Google Discover.