Ireland

Ireland in December

Europe Updated 2026-07-01

Between the Christmas markets and the diaspora coming home the cities feel full, yet the countryside in December is as close to deserted as Ireland gets.

Is December a good time to visit Ireland?

December sits mid-range in Ireland — around 62/100 nationally. January is noticeably calmer.

What closes and what fills up in December

  • Christmas Day (25 December) — the entire country closes, with no public transport at all
  • St Stephen’s Day (26 December) — a national holiday

How December compares across the year

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Frequently asked questions

Is December a good month to visit Ireland?

December sits mid-range in Ireland — around 62/100 nationally. January is noticeably calmer.

How busy is Ireland in December?

Averaged across the destinations we track, Ireland sits near 62/100 in December. The calmest of them is Dublin.

What is the weather like in Ireland in December?

Expect average highs near 9°C and lows near 3°C, with roughly 13 wet days — though Ireland varies by region.

Other months in Ireland