Dublin - Christmas

[K-Man]

Anything particular that I don't want to miss while in Dublin for two weeks over Christmas and new year's eve?

I have been in summer, but sort of dread going when it's so dark. help me make the most of the opportunities during the holidays....

I do plan to do some cycling, weather permitting, and possibly a polar bear swim at Dun Laoghaire. I'm looking for stuff going on in the city center, especially with kids.

Thanks!

 

[HornInDub]

Not sure why you'd want to stay in Dublin for 2 weeks, but that's another story. For a good cycle that will minimize your chances of getting lost, ride along the coast from Clontarf to Howth, go up Howth Hill then back down along the coast, then cycle back the same way you came to Clontarf. Great scenery especially on the downhill side of Howth Hill. Plus there's an isolated cycle lane the whole way, which you won't really find anywhere else in the city. Two other places to cycle would be up Killiney hill (bring a map) and in the Wicklow Mountain area. If you really want a challenge, try to go up to the top of Tick Nock hill (where the big towers are). Lots of good cycling to do in the Wicklows (again, bring a map).

I only stayed in Dublin for 1 Christmas, and the town absolutely shuts down on the 25th, and pretty much the same on the 26th. Nothing is open, nothing. No cars on the road, etc. I had to wait 30 minutes to find a single taxi on Xmas day to go to Xmas dinner at a friend's house, and this is on one of the busiest streets in town (Dame st).

If you get here just before Xmas, the pubs are crazy packed with people going out for Xmas drinks, restaurants are overloaded and its hard to get a table after 7.

Dun Laoghaire polar bear swim - good luck on that one. If you do it on Xmas day, you'll be on TV at least.

You can take the kids ice skating at Smithfield (north side of the Liffey) Not sure what else to do with them, unfortuately.

Good luck.