Christmas is a matter of weeks away and the exciting plans you have been busy making all year are drawing very close.
If you have booked a week or weekend away in Ireland as part of your festive celebrations, here is Hidden Ireland’s guide to what to take with you and prepare to make your Irish getaway the best Christmas treat ever.
What to wear
December in Ireland can be very wet, with snow sometimes making an appearance too. There can be sharp winds and clear, frosty mornings that look amazing, but bring biting temperatures with them. Warm and waterproof clothing is the order of the day, including an insulated jacket, hats, gloves and scarves and lots of layers.
There is plenty to see and do in both rural Ireland and around the cities and towns, so comfortable sturdy footwear is also a must, as are waterproofs to keep out the rain.
While Irish restaurants tend to be quite casual and relaxed, don’t forget a slightly smarter outfit if you’re planning to enjoy a fancy Christmas meal out in a posher restaurant or upscale bar.
The basics
The Republic of Ireland is in the European Union – anyone visiting from outside the country will need their passport and any associated visas or paperwork relating to the country they are travelling from.
Travel insurance is a very good idea, and you will also need your driving licence if you are planning to hire a car while in Ireland. Bring a good supply of Euros and a credit card.
Essential at any time of year, but a definite must if you’re planning a lot of Christmas shopping or January sales bargain hunting.
There are several amazing Christmas markets in Ireland, including in Dublin, Galway, Cork and Kilkenny.
Things to help you make memories
Keen photographers will find much to catch the eye and fill the lens in Ireland. People watching in a bustling city filled with Christmas shoppers and revellers is always good fun to capture on camera, while the rugged, frosty countryside and coastal walks make the perfect subject for some dramatic wintery landscape shots.
If writing is more your style, pack a journal to record your memories of December days out in Ireland or bring along everything you need to create travel blogs, vlogs or social media updates to keep your followers in touch with your festive Irish adventures.
You can also find postcards very easily all over the country to send greetings home to friends and family, so don’t forget to pop an address book in your bag, or add the details to your phone before you leave.
Curiosity and a sense of adventure
Finally, Ireland at Christmas has so much to offer that you will find it hard to pack everything in.
The more you relax, go with the flow and be willing to seek out new experiences, the more you will discover of this beautiful country.
From the bright, Christmas lights of Dublin’s Grafton Street or Cork’s ‘City of Lights’ display to the wild and wonderful winter landscapes of Giant’s Causeway, Cliffs of Mohar and the Ring of Kerry, there is much to thrill, inspire and entertain.
Choosing Hidden Ireland accommodation to stay in only adds to the charm and beauty of a trip to the Emerald Isle.
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