Why Ireland Is the Perfect Destination for a Winter Escape

For a magical winter holiday, look no further than Ireland. From relaxing by the fire in a cosy pub to hiking rugged mountain trails and surfing huge waves, the island has something for everyone to enjoy during the winter months.

Get cosy in Connemara

Connemara is home to many breathtaking views, including Derryclough Lough's Pines Island (Photo: Getty Images)

Roads jinking through the shadows of towering mountains, glacial fjords and pristine beaches: the scenery of Connemara is especially stunning in winter light. With almost no light pollution, this west coast region also happens to be a stargazer’s dream.

Connemara’s wealth of beautiful pubs offer the perfect complement to its landscape. When it’s time to come inside for a warm, one of the great pleasures of Irish life awaits: chatting beside a crackling fire, savouring delicious Irish food like smoked salmon on warm toast. Try Lowry’s Music and Whiskey Bar in Clifden, which also lays on regular live music.

Marvel at the Newgrange winter solstice

On December 21st at Newgrange, Brú na Bóinne, as sunrise illuminates the inner chamber of a 5000-year-old passage tomb, people gather around the tomb to celebrate the solstice.

There are also gatherings at many other ancient sites throughout Ireland, including the nearby Hill of Tara, Carrowkeel in Sligo, and Knockroe Passage Tomb in Kilkenny, a short drive from Mount Juliet Estate, Autograph Collection, an elegant hotel set within an expansive countryside estate.

Alternatively, head for the Hill of Uisneach in Westmeath. At this ancient ceremonial site in central Ireland, guided tours offer the opportunity to celebrate the winter solstice. The Sheraton Athlone Hotel, with its high-end spa and pool overlooking the River Shannon, is located a 30-minute drive away. A little further away – just an hour's drive – from the Sheraton Athlone Hotel is the Burren, an otherworldly karst limestone landscape that is home to The Burren Yoga Centre. Complete your midwinter spiritual journey with a session or even a retreat here – the centre's glass-walled studio overlooking the Atlantic Ocean is especially awe-inspiring in wintery conditions.

Join in with the ‘Corkmas’ fun

Be sure to visit St Colman’s Cathedral if you’re visiting Cork over Christmas, a focal point for many festive celebrations (Photo: Getty Images)

‘Corkmas’ sees Ireland’s third city come alive with a fabulous array of city-wide Christmas celebrations, from parades to twinkling light displays and a huge Ferris wheel. The English Market – one of the oldest covered markets in Europe – transforms into a veritable winter wonderland of local goodies.

Ideally situated to explore all the local festivities, Moxy Cork sits picturesquely on the banks of the River Lee. If you plan on staying a little longer, Residence Inn Cork has everything you need for a comfortable winter sojourn: spacious studio apartments, fully equipped kitchens, a fitness centre and even grocery deliveries.

Go surfing in Sligo

Sligo is well worth a visit for any budding surfer, especially in winter (Photo: Getty Images)

Ireland’s Atlantic coast has become a magnet for surfers worldwide, and the winter months are the best time to go. In Strandhill, a beautiful seaside village just 7 kilometres from Sligo Town, beginners can get lessons from Strandhill Surf School before warming up with a bowl of Guinness-laced beef stew in The Strand Bar, a cosy gastro pub overlooking the sandy curve of the bay.

More experienced surfers should make for Mullaghmore Head, which produces “Mully”, one of the world’s most famous waves, at this time of year – in October 2020, giant 60-foot waves were recorded here.

Spend Christmas like a Dubliner

Dublin is resplendent with festive lights, seasonal displays and Christmas markets during the winter months (Photo: Getty Images)

Dublin is as magical as you could hope for. To experience the holidays as the locals do, however, you have to experience the local take on one of Ireland’s great Christmas traditions: the Christmas Day swim.

Every December 25th people take to the sea all across the country, and one of the most popular spots is the 40 Foot – a promontory in the small south Dublin village of Sandycove. Throughout the day hundreds of swimmers plunge into the freezing water, whatever the weather.

Afterwards, a pre-dinner drink under the warm glow of the chandeliers in The Horseshoe Bar at The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection will feel like the ultimate indulgence.

Aloft Dublin City, meanwhile, is less than a five-minute walk from St. Patrick's Cathedral, which is beautifully lit up for Christmas. They have a fantastic selection of concerts and festive events throughout December this year, including a night of seasonal music featuring their renowned choir on December 18th, and a retelling of The Snowman on December 23rd. Well worth a visit over Christmas, especially for families. 

Alternatively, Moxy Dublin City lies a fifteen-minute stroll from Dublin Castle, which is transformed for an event called Christmas at the Castle this festive season. The castle courtyard, festooned with festive wreaths, garlands and lights, becomes a bustling market with indoor and outdoor stalls, a vintage carousel, a Ferris wheel, and an enchanting ‘Spiegeltent’ hosting free concerts.

Take a winter walk in Wicklow

The Wicklow Mountains National Park comprises 20,000 hectares of stunning landscapes (Photo: Getty Images)

Wicklow, or the “Garden of Ireland”, offers spectacular hiking within easy reach of Dublin.

For a coastal route with stunning coastal views, take 2–3 hours to enjoy the Glen Beach Cliff Walk on the outskirts of Wicklow Town. A little more challenging is the hike up Djouce Mountain – the views on a clear, frosty winter afternoon are something else.

These hikes, and plenty more besides, can all be enjoyed as a day-trip from Dublin city. Staying at the The College Green Hotel Dublin, Autograph Collection puts you a short stroll from Pearse Street train station, which has regular trains to Wicklow. Alternatively, base yourself in the heart of Wicklow’s hiking territory at the Powerscourt Hotel, Autograph Collection, a gorgeous retreat near the quaint village of Enniskerry.

Feel the atmosphere of Belfast’s historic music venues

Recognised in 2021 as a UNESCO City of Music, Belfast has over 80 venues, many of which are storied and beautiful – perfect for a winter’s night out. Music fans might take a musical bus tour to see the sights that inspired legends like Van Morrison and The Undertones, before heading to a gig in the iconic Ulster Hall, where Led Zeppelin played Stairway to Heaven for the first time.

A stay in the AC Hotel Belfast, with its beautiful waterfront views and exceptional restaurant run by Michelin-starred chef Jean Christophe Novelli, places you within walking distance of many great music spots. To experience the heart of the city, look no further than Moxy Belfast City, where you can explore the iconic sites such as Titanic Belfast and the artsy Cathedral Quarter, just steps from the hotel.

Listen to ‘Other Voices’ in Dingle

If you’re looking for a truly off-the-beaten-track experience in Ireland this winter, try Other Voices in Dingle. A wonderfully intimate music festival held in West Kerry, with gigs taking place in the 200-year-old Church of St. James by the sea, Other Voices has quietly become one of the cultural highlights in the Irish calendar.

Published: November 07, 2024

Last Updated: September 25, 2025