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Ireland in December 2026: Weather, things to do, and festive food
Ireland in December means Christmas markets, light trails, and cosy pubs with live music. Here's the weather, what to do, and how to get there from the UK.
Prague and Budapest get the attention every December, but there’s one European gem that flies under the radar: Ireland.
Ireland in December means cosy pubs serving hearty meals and hot whiskey, frost-covered hills and rugged coastline, and festive markets lighting up historic streets.
We’re sharing what the weather is like, what to do in Ireland in December, and the festive food to try, plus tips for visiting from the UK. A Holafly travel eSIM keeps you connected along the way.
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Weather in Ireland in December
The weather in Ireland in December is chilly and crisp. However, December in Ireland is also cosy and comforting, thanks to the roaring fires found in every pub and the unmistakable winter charm of the cities and countryside alike.
Ireland weather in 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. December weather in Ireland also means short days, with seven to eight hours of daylight and the sun setting soon after 4:00 PM.
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.
How cold is Ireland in December?
The temperature in Ireland in December ranges from 4°C to 9°C. Frost is possible on clear mornings, but daytime temperatures usually stay above freezing.
What to wear in Ireland in December
Considering Ireland in December 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 boots for Ireland’s winter drizzle.
The best things to do in Ireland in December
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, along with the best places to visit in Ireland in December for each:
Christmas markets
Ireland is home to some of Europe’s most renowned festive markets. For example, Galway hosts 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
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 Ireland in December 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.
Stay connected on your Irish winter adventure
Whether you’re navigating country roads, checking ferry schedules, or finding the nearest pub with live music, reliable mobile data is key.
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FAQs about Ireland in December
Yes, if you don’t mind short days and rain. December brings Christmas markets, light trails, and pubs with live music, with fewer visitors than in summer. Book restaurants early for the days around Christmas, as festive menus fill up fast.
Quiet, festive, and dark by late afternoon. Towns and cities are lit up with markets and light trails, pubs are at their cosiest with open fires and trad music, and the coast and countryside are moody rather than crowded.
Cool, damp, and often overcast. Temperatures range from 4°C to 9°C, with light rain, misty mornings, and seven to eight hours of daylight. Pack a thick coat, a rain jacket, and waterproof boots.
Rarely. Rain is far more likely than snow in December, especially on the coast. When snow does fall, it’s usually on higher ground, like the mountains along the Ring of Kerry, and it seldom settles for long in the cities.
Galway is a strong pick. It hosts the country’s longest-running and largest Christmas market, with wooden chalets, festive food, and a lively beer tent. Dublin is close behind, with its castle market, Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo, and the light display at Malahide Castle.
January and February are usually the cheapest, as they fall in the low season after the Christmas holidays. Early December can also be good value, but prices for flights and hotels rise in the days around Christmas and New Year.
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Hi, I'm Mika, a South Korean writer living in the US. I cover travel and live events, focusing on the practical stuff that makes your trip smoother, whether you're navigating a new city or heading to a major international event.I'm also the founder of Search SEOul, South Korea's leading SEO conference, bringing together search marketing experts and speakers from around the world.
