Trip during Christmas season

Hi-  My family of 5 adults is planning a trip to Ireland around Christmas Holidays. I realize some places will be closed Christmas Day & the 26th.  Is business back to normal the week after Christmas to New Years?  I am wondering if it is best to travel the week of the 22nd or the week following Christmas.
Any advantage to one week over another?

Hi Dianne,

Visiting Ireland during the festive period is a wonderful idea. Generally, businesses are closed on Christmas Day (most hotels do remain open); however, many do reopen on the 26th, such as bars, restaurants, and retail shops (as winter sales typically commence on this day).

So, choosing whether to visit the week prior to Christmas Day or the week after really just comes down to your personal preference. Visiting before Christmas allows you to soak up the atmosphere before the 25th, while the week after is usually quite relaxed with New Year's Eve just around the corner.

Whichever you choose, I'm sure you'll have a wonderful trip.

Regards,
Eoin

Will most attractions and restaurants in Ireland be open and running normally between Christmas and New Year’s? Are there any specific closures or reduced hours we should be aware of during that week? Would it be better to plan the trip right before Christmas or just after the holiday for the best experience?

Between Christmas and New Year’s, most attractions and restaurants in Ireland are open but many run on reduced hours, especially on December 26th (St. Stephen’s Day) and January 1st. Some smaller family-run spots may close for the whole week, while bigger cities like Dublin, Galway, and Cork usually keep a good number of options running. If you want the full festive vibe with markets and decorations, going just before Christmas feels more magical. If you prefer things a bit quieter and less crowded, right after Christmas can be a really nice experience too.

I’ve always thought any time is a good time to visit Ireland, but spring is my favorite. The countryside feels so alive, and the weather’s just nice enough to explore without too many crowds around.

Hi Dianne,

Great question..

Christmas week in Ireland definitely has its own quirks, so here’s what to expect!
Most places will close on Christmas Day and St Stephen’s Day (the 26th), and some small cafés or pubs might take those two days to stay shut. But from the 27th onward, things generally go back to normal — shops reopen, restaurants run as usual, and tourist spots pick up again. It’s a lovely time to be here because the Christmas lights are still up, towns feel cosy, and there’s a nice buzz around the place.

As for which week is better:
Week of the 22nd:
• Great festive atmosphere• Christmas markets still running
• Everything is open until the 24th• Only real closures are the 25th and 26th
• Can be slightly busier with locals doing last-minute shopping

Week after Christmas:

• Still Christmassy but more relaxed•
Everything reopens from the 27th
• Less pressure, fewer crowds
• Often easier to book restaurants and tours
• A lovely time to see the country without the pre-Christmas rush.
Honestly, both weeks are good , it just depends on whether your family prefers the full festive build-up, or a calmer, post-Christmas break where everything is open again and still decorated.
Weather-wise, it’s Ireland… so expect a mix of rain, mild days, the odd bit of sunshine, and every now and then a surprise “where did that wind come from?” moment,  but it’s all part of the charm.

best,
Shane.