If you’re wondering whether to visit Ireland during winter, you’re in the right place. Here is a mini guide to get useful tips for getting the most out of your winter in Ireland.
Winter is quick drawing nearer, and with it, declining road conditions. The shorter days and exacerbating climate consolidated can be dangerous if the correct planning and precautions aren’t taken. Winter is a mysterious season, ideal for smaller-scale experiences; the cold morning and cranky night falls are lovely. Taking off to appreciate nature shouldn’t be perilous. Fortunately, there are diverse car and travel insurance protection plans from AA Ireland Insurance to assist us to remain safe during holidays and through the colder months.
It’s advisable to consider insurance and breakdown cover for car rentals too and you can request a free quote for this online. Most car rental companies won’t give you car without proper insurance. It’s very important to make sure you’re fully covered for vehicles that are rented just in case the worst was to happen.
Here are some top tips to prepare you for your visit to Ireland during winter:
Ireland isn’t too cold
In Ireland it is never too cold, and often on winter mornings the sky is clear and the sun shines. Make the most of your vacation, take a walk along the cliffs into the Wild Atlantic Way.
Listen to the fantastic stories of the Causeway Coast, or explore the mysteries of the countless castles in Ireland’s ancient East. If by chance it should snow, cover yourself well and have fun!
Eat a Heart Warming Meal
The food in Ireland will keep you warm in winter, try a traditional Irish Stew to warm up your insides with a fresh bread roll. You will find delicious hot soups in many food establishments so you’ll be spoilt for choice.
In Cork’s county, there are a some tasty dishes that are cooked with sugar, spices and berries. Try Tom Durcan’s food at his stall in the English Market or if you’re feeling daring, there’s always a spiced Guinness stew with cider from McCarthy’s of Kanturk.
Holidays in the city will warm your heart
The atmosphere in winter is electrifying in the busy Irish cities. In Dublin, Grafton Street lights up for the holidays, while the New Year’s Festival touches on various points of the city during an exciting three-day event.
In Belfast, you can attend a show at MAC, delight your heart by browsing every corner of the Christmas Market in Belfast City Hall, or savour afternoon tea at Titanic Belfast.
Meanwhile, Waterford’s Winterval transforms this Viking city into a shimmering winter wonderland.
Enjoy the Irish Beauty
On the island, there are corners that literally change during the winter. For example, the snow-covered Morne Mountains, in Down County, where C.S. Lewis was inspired to write The Chronicles of Narnia.
Or the mountain of Croagh Patrick, in the county of Mayo, which magically glistens when the snow finally covers its gravel peaks.
Further south, in Cork’s county, you can admire the rugged landscape of the Beara Peninsula, with its hissing winds and foaming waves crashing on its coast.
The Pubs are full of life
During the cold months, in Ireland’s evenings, the pub is the quintessential meeting place where everyone is welcome!
Try the ‘An Spailpín Fánach’ in Cork, where storytellers meet on the last Tuesday of each month, for an evening of stories by the fireplace. You can take shelter from the cold, with a good warm whiskey at the Saltwater Brig in Strangford Lough, County Down: you might even find some freshly made pancakes.
Experience the winter solstice in a unique place
The best show of the winter solstice is that of Newgrange, in Brú Na Bóinne, in Meath’s County. Every year, the lucky few are drawn at random, who will have access to the great burial mound during this light show that has been repeated for 5000 years.
There are many other places that will leave you speechless. In SlieveGullion, Armagh’s County, at sunset in the tomb of the southern passage during the solstice an alignment can be admired. While in Beaghmore(Tyrone’s County), you can admire at dawn the alignment of the sun with the rows of stones. This place is truly magical.
Stay in the most welcoming place
Staying in a lighthouse keeper’s house is one of the best experiences you can have for your winter getaway. Check out the Blackhead Lightkeeper’s House in Antrim’s County, with its stunning sea views.
The Temple House which is situated in Sligo County, has been a family home since 1655 and the welcome of this place will be as warm as the atmosphere created by the fireplace.
The grand building overlooks Temple House Lake and the castle of the Knights Templar, dating back to the thirteenth century. Pure magic.
See the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights don’t just exist in Scandinavia, North America or Greenland, the skies in Ireland can put on a colourful display too! Due to its geographical location and reduced light pollution, the northern coast of Ireland offers incredible opportunities to observe this natural phenomenon.
Try to visit the Inishowe Peninsula, where it is often possible to see them at dawn. There is no guarantee that the northern lights will be visible during your stay, but you can check out spaceweather for alerts.
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