It’s the final day of 2018 and the christmas festivities are sadly coming to an end, which makes it a great time for a little break away; recharge those batteries, fill your lungs with fresh air and make January a bit more special this year.
Ireland is a great place to visit in January, there are some gorgeous winter walks to do, the cities are as buzzing as ever and the people of Ireland are generally a merry bunch and don’t let the end of christmas get them down.
You’ll also find fewer fellow tourists, cozy pubs with fireplaces to seek refuge when the cold winds blow, and the frosty months and shorter days seem to show of the Irish landscape in a whole new light.
So where are the best spots for a January break in Ireland in 2019? Let’s have a look in more detail.
Dublin
Although January is considered to be one of the coldest months in Dublin with average temperatures ranging between highs of 7 and lows of 3 degrees Celsius, it doesn’t stop it being a fabulous place to take a January break.
This is a city that is always bustling and there will always be a local ready to welcome you.
Dublin has been named the friendliest city of Europe three times by TripAdvisor and if you head over this way this January you are sure to find out why.
If you are going to Dublin at the end of January then make sure to check out. TradFest where you’ll find traditional Irish music at some of Dublin’s most unusual music venues.
The festival is mostly filled with free events showcasing the entire spectrum of traditional and folk music.
Each year some of the biggest names in folk music have performed at TradFest and the atmosphere is electric!
Another great idea whilst in Dublin would be to book tickets at The Gates Theatre to see The Great Gatsby. Following a critically acclaimed, award-winning and sell-out run in 2017, this stunning, immersive experience returned in 2018/19 for a limited season.
Powerscourt Estate and Gardens, Co. Wicklow
County Wicklow is a region south of Dublin in the east of Ireland. It’s known for its namesake mountains, Irish Sea coastline, country estates and the Wicklow Way.
Here in Co, Wicklow you’ll find the Powerscourt Estate and Gardens and be they covered with snow or sat in an eerie winters mist, the Powerscourt Gardens are the epitome of a winter wonderland.
This 47-acre Enniskerry estate – complete with an historic house, landscaped grounds and a powerful waterfall – overlooks the Sugarloaf Mountain.
If your dreams for a January break in Ireland involve lots of beautiful countryside and really getting away from it all then this would be a fantastic choice for you.
If walking is your thing then the 129km walking trail traverses the county, passing through Wicklow Mountains National Park. Within the park are glacial lakes, rivers and Glendalough, the remains of an early-medieval monastic settlement in a forested valley.
The Cavan Burren
You’ll’ find County Clare in western Ireland with gorgeous terrain ranging from rolling countryside to craggy Atlantic coastline.
The Cavan Burren is a megalithic landscape that looks even more otherworldly in winter light. It is part of the Marble Arches Caves Geopark where you’ll experience a fascinating natural underworld of rivers, waterfalls, winding passages and lofty chambers while stunningly beautiful cave formations glisten all around.
The Cavan Burren is a magical spot and is a perfect place to visit during the winter months.
Within the area there are some great walking routes too; an easy yet beautiful walk through the southeastern extremity of the Burren will take you around two hours. The 400 hectares Dromore Woodland Nature Reserve is known for the diversity of its flora and fauna and is packed with things to see including a river, lakes, limestone pavement, and rich woodland species. There are also several historical sites including the 17th century O’Brien Castle, the site of Cahermacrea Castle, the site of Kilakee Church, two ring forts and a lime kiln.
Belfast, Northern Ireland
If you want the buzz of a city for your January trip to Ireland then Belfast in Northern Ireland could be a good chouce for you.
There’s an abundance to see and to do in the Northern Irish capital – much of it within a relatively close distance, making Belfast a smart winter destination since you never know what mother nature is going to throw at you weather wise.
If its too cold to go on foot then take a black taxi tour of the city, or brave the elements on foot. Places of interesst nclude political murals, City Hall, the Titanic Quarter (the dock where the famous ship was built), and the gorgeous grounds of Cave Hill.
Once you are done ‘touristing’ then it is an absolute must to head to one of the cities many cosy and welcoming pubs for some food and a drink or two with the locals! Warm your feet by an open fire and have some relaxation time.