At first glance, January in Ireland may seem like the worst time to visit the Emerald Isle given the country’s damp climate and the possibility for stormy weather.
This blog post contains affiliate links, and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
But if that doesn’t bother you, then planning a trip to Ireland in January means fewer crowds, cozy pubs, the charm of Ireland’s winter landscapes and the opportunity to experience the warmth of its people. From lively music festivals to scenic walks and castle tours, there are plenty of things to do during January in Ireland.
What to Expect
Weather is always an important factor when planning a vacation to Ireland.
Average daytime temperatures in January tend to be around 5–8°C (40–46°F), with occasional rain and wind. Snow is rare in Ireland, but it is entirely possible in higher elevations such as the Mourne Mountains in County Down and other mountainous regions.
Pack layers, waterproof clothing, and a warm coat like this LLBean down coat that I wear in Ireland during the winter months. If you’re looking for a simple, no-fuss packing list, you can download it here.
Perhaps the main disadvantage for traveling to Ireland in January is that the days are short, with daylight not emerging until 8:30 a.m. and sunset taking place around 4:30 p.m. If you’re planning outdoor adventures, be sure to plan around those times.
Many tourist spots are quiet in January. In fact, several of the smaller attractions around the country are closed until March. However, in the cities, you’ll find that most are open.
From a budget standpoint, January in Ireland is a good time to visit since it’s officially off-season, which means lower prices on accommodation and flights.
Below are 7 things that you can do if you want to visit Ireland in January.
1. Experience Irish History and Culture in Dublin’s Museums
Dublin is full of life even in the winter months, including January. Pretty much all the attractions in the city are open. Popular ones include the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College and the Book of Kells, and EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.
I recommend Dublin’s free museums as places where you can learn so much about Ireland and her history. My favorite one is the National Museum of Decorative Arts & History at Collins Barracks.
The museum just opened its Changing Ireland Galleries, which features hundreds of political, social and cultural objects that speak to the last 150 years of Irish history.
Items like the late Rory Gallagher’s iconic Fender Stratocaster guitar, personal objects that belonged to key figures of the 1916 Rising, all of whom were executed in Kilmainham Jail, a decommissioned RPG7 rocket launcher that was once used by the IRA during The Troubles in Northern Ireland, and an Orange Order sash, among other items.
A free audio tour of the exhibition is available on the museum website.
2. Get Cozy in a Pub with Live Music
There’s nothing quite like warming up in an Irish pub as a traditional music session gets underway. If you’re spending January in Ireland, you’ll have several to choose from in the country’s capital.
Some of the popular ones include the Cobblestone in the Smithfield section of the city, with trad sessions taking place seven days a week; The Celt Bar on Talbot Street, also offering trad music nightly; O’Donoghue’s Bar on Merrion Row, where members of The Dubliners played often during the 1960s; Darkey Kelly’s Bar & Restaurant on Fishamble Street across from Christ Church Cathedral, and The Brazen Head, which claims to be the oldest pub in Dublin — and Ireland.
Both The Celt Bar and The Brazen Head have a fireplace (in the case of The Brazen Head, you’ll find five of them, one for each room) and the perfect place to cozy up with a hot whiskey in hand.
Outside of the city, I’d suggest you head to Galway, Doolin, Westport (Matt Molloy’s is the preeminent spot — with a fireplace), Dingle (most trad sessions in Dingle take place only on the weekends during the winter months) and Killarney where you can enjoy not only trad music but hearty Irish food, local craft beer and the chance to chat with the locals.
3. Take a Scenic Winter Walk
Ireland’s landscapes are stunning all year round.
In January, the Glendalough Monastic site, which is part of Wicklow National Park, along with Connemara National Park are all beautiful and offer several nearby walking trails.
In addition, the Tibradden Wood Walk in the Dublin Mountains is an easy hike if you are looking for outdoor activities close to Dublin. At the top you’ll find a prehistoric burial cairn that was excavated in 1849. It is said to date back to the Bronze Age.
The grounds of Glenveagh Castle, which is located in County Donegal’s Glenveagh National Park, is still pretty in January, with evergreen plants on show. You might even spot the park’s resident red deer while you’re visiting.
The castle is open for self-guided tours year-round, on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
If you’re in County Clare, why not explore The Burren?
Even in January, it is still beautiful. Get yourself to the village of Carron and take the looped Templecronan walk, a 5-kilometer (3 miles) trek that covers fairly easy terrain.
The trail includes access to a 12th-century church known as Temple Cronan along with a holy well.
You’ll need a rental car to reach the national parks mentioned above as well as the Dublin Mountains trek.
Coastal walks along the Wild Atlantic Way can be especially dramatic in winter, but again, it will largely depend on the weather conditions and how safe it is to walk along the coast. There are several Discovery Points along the 1,500-mile route that you can explore.
4. Visit Ireland’s Historic Castles
January in Ireland is the perfect time to explore its rich history without the crowds.
Popular historic castles such as Kilkenny Castle, Bunratty Castle and Blarney Castle are all open during the winter months.
5. Indulge in Irish Food and Whiskey
Nothing beats a steaming bowl of Irish stew, seafood chowder, or brown soda bread with butter after a day out exploring, and they are particularly appealing when the weather is cold.
Food tours are available in major cities like Dublin, Cork, Galway and Belfast, and there are a multitude of restaurants to explore in both cities, as well as in other urban areas around Ireland.
January is also the perfect month to visit a whiskey distillery.
There are many distilleries across the island of Ireland. The most well-known of those are the Jameson Distillery in Dublin and Midleton, the Teeling Whiskey Distillery, also in Dublin, Bushmills in Northern Ireland and Tullamore D.E.W. in Ireland’s Midlands.
Many of them offer tours and tastings.
6. Shop the Winter Sales
If you enjoy shopping, you’ll find fantastic January sales across Ireland.
Dublin’s Grafton Street and Henry Street, as well as Galway and Cork city centers, are great places to hunt for post-holiday bargains, including clothing souvenirs.
If you’re a serious bargain hunter or you just want to find something unique, you might find what you’re looking for at several markets in Dublin.
They include the Liberty Market in one of the oldest parts of the city, The Liberties, where you’ll find a mix of clothing, shoes, accessories and other items. Bring both cash and card if you intend to buy
The Designer Mart on Cow’s Lane in the Temple Bar section of Dublin has been described as “the largest and most eclectic designer market in the city,” offering unique pieces of clothing, art and jewelry.
It is usually open on a Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Get Wifi in Ireland with WiFicandy – use code IOBB10 for 10% off
7. Attend a Festival
While the festival scene is much quieter in January than it is during the summer, there are some events that you might want to watch out for. They include the following:
- TradFest Dublin, Jan. 21-25, 2026. A celebration of traditional Irish and folk music in the heart of Temple Bar.
- First Fortnight Festival, Dublin, Jan. 6-17, 2026. – A nationwide arts and mental health festival that combines music, theatre, and visual art.
- The 20th Out to Lunch Festival, Belfast, Jan. 4-26, 2026. Featuring music, comedy, theater, art and literature.
- Folk and Fusion, Waterfront Hall, Belfast, Jan. 13, 2026. Features a number of country artists from the U.S. and beyond.
- Atlantic Irish Fest Tour, Donegal, Jan. 16-20, 2026. A four-day program that includes traditional Irish music as well as tours and cultural activities along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Practical Tips for Spending January in Ireland
- Schedule outdoor sightseeing earlier in the day to account for the shorter days.
- Pack smart: warm waterproof layers are essential when traveling to Ireland in January.
- Some attractions may have reduced hours, so check opening times before you go.
- Embrace the off-season: Fewer tourists mean more meaningful interactions with locals and a relaxed pace of travel.
Spending January in Ireland offers a different kind of magic. In fact, it can be the perfect time to slow down, embrace the local rhythm, and experience the heart of Ireland without the hustle and bustle that is common during other times of year.
Are you planning to visit Ireland in January? Let me know in the comments below.
