Are you wondering what it’s like to visit Dublin in December? I lived my expat life in Ireland for 12 years, close to Dublin City Centre and had the incredible opportunity to experience life in the capital during different parts of the year.
In December, Dublin is gearing up for Christmas. The city is twinkling with lights that make the short days bearable. Expect to see lads in the pub wearing “ugly Christmas jumpers” (it’s a whole thing here, trust me…)
Let’s explore a variety of cool things to see, do, and eat in Dublin in December to help inspire your own trip to Ireland at this time of year.
What is the Weather Like in Dublin in December?
December tends to be cold and wet, with average temperatures in the 40s (less than 10°C). That said, you generally won’t find extreme temperatures in Ireland. I love that Dublin is never too hot in the summer and never too cold (rarely below freezing) in the winter.
Bring a warm, waterproof coat as well as a winter hat and gloves to keep yourself comfortable. An umbrella (one that can tolerate strong winds) is a must.
The days are shortest in December. On December 21st, the sun rises around 8:30 am and sets around 4 pm. Dublin is alight with Christmas decorations in December, and so the short days are an advantage. Take a walk after dark and steep in the festive atmosphere all around the city.
Things to do in Dublin in December
Let’s explore cool things to do in Dublin in December in detail. I’ve actually done all of these things in the month of December, so they are tried and tested for this time of year.
In Dublin, the weather is always a wild card, so I’ve broken down my recommendations into two parts: what to do if the weather is good and what to do in Dublin if it rains or the weather is bad.
What to do in Dublin in December if the Weather is Nice
Let’s start with an optimistic lens to the trip and explore some cool things to do in Dublin in December if the sun comes out during your trip.
1. Check out the Christmas Lights on Grafton Street
The Christmas lights on Grafton Street are a popular attraction for people visiting Dublin in December. Grafton Street is a pedestrianized thoroughfare known for its shops, buskers, and festive atmosphere, especially during the Christmas season. The street is decorated with brightly lit chandeliers and Christmas lights.
2. Seek out Dublin Winter Lights
In December in Dublin, I also recommend seeking out Dublin Winter Lights. Historic buildings like Custom House on the River Liffey and the entrance to Trinity College are lit up with fabulous seasonal projections. Take a stroll and prepare to be wowed.
3. Photograph Christmas Doors
If the rain holds off during your December trip to Dublin, take a photowalk and seek out doors decorated for Christmas. My regular readers know that I am a huge fan of door photography.
Take a walk to some of my favorite places to go “doorspotting” in Dublin including Merrion Square, Leeson Street, and in Ballsbridge. You’ll be rewarded by amazingly decorated doors that exude tremendous holiday energy.
4. Go for a Sunrise (or Sunset) Walk
As I mentioned in the intro, in December, Dublin days are short. I recommend going for either a sunrise (around 8:30 am) or sunset (around 4:00 pm) walk. At this time of year, you’ll often be rewarded with absolutely brilliant pink or fiery skies. My favorite place to walk is in Grand Canal Dock.
What to do in Dublin in December if it Rains
Winter weather can be a challenge in Ireland and rain can happen at any time of year. If you get unlucky and encounter a period of wet weather, I’ve got you covered with plenty of ideas of things to do in Dublin in December if it rains.
5. Ring in the New Year at the Guinness Storehouse
Ringing in the New Year at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin is a fun way to celebrate because the venue provides a festive atmosphere with live music and a panoramic view of the city.
The Guinness Storehouse sets the stage for a memorable New Year’s Eve with its unique and lively ambiance. Guests can enjoy live music from various artists, including cover bands like The Joshua Tree.
As midnight approaches, partygoers can ascend to the seventh floor to the Gravity Bar, which offers a stunning panoramic vista of Dublin’s cityscape, making it an ideal location to welcome the new year.
6. Visit IMMA
The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) is another great destination on a rainy day in Dublin in December that is accessible using the Hop-on Hop-off bus.
IMMA features interesting art exhibits both inside and outside the museum, with modern creations contrasting against the historic building. There is also a cafe onsite where you can warm up with a coffee.
7. Experience the 12 Pubs of Christmas in an Ugly Jumper
If you’re looking for a true local experience in Dublin, pack your ugly Christmas jumper! Dubliners love heading to the pub in December in Christmas sweaters, the more outlandish the better.
I’ve seen people sipping pints while bells jingle on their chest. Be careful, ugly Christmas jumpers are also part of The 12 Pubs of Christmas tradition. Like it says on the tin, this is a pub crawl to 12 different pubs. As you can imagine, it can get quite messy.
8. Taste Whiskey at Pearse Lyons
I find whiskey to be the perfect winter warmer. Situated within the restored walls of the 800-year-old St. James Church and graveyard, Pearse Lyons distillery presents a unique opportunity to witness the rebirth of a historic site.
Visitors can expect to be awestruck by the fusion of old and new as they encounter the church’s original graveyard alongside a modern glass spire that illuminates the Dublin skyline.
Inside the restored church, copper pot stills stand in the former altar space, framed by specially crafted stained-glass windows depicting the whiskey distilling process.
A tour of the distillery, priced between 20-30 EUR, includes a tasting of Pearse Lyons whiskey and a walk through the historic church graveyard.
9. Enjoy Sunday Afternoon Jazz at Kilkenny
We wandered into Kilkenny on a Sunday afternoon and heard faint strains of music upstairs. We soon learned that the store’s cafe hosts a jazz brunch every Sunday.
We’ve been back a couple of times and always enjoy both the food and music. Even a simple tureen of soup tastes better with musical accompaniment.
We especially enjoy the bluegrass quartet that plays in the afternoons. Kilkenny is a great go-to spot on a rainy Sunday in Dublin.
10. Book in for a Michelin Starred Dinner
A great way to while away a rainy evening in Dublin in December is to make a reservation at one of Dublin’s Michelin-starred restaurants.
We’ve eaten at both Patrick Guilbaud (popular with U2’s Bono) and Chapter One in December. Get ready for a sumptuous and lengthy tasting menu with wines to match.
11. Shop the Dublin Craft and Design Fair
If you are visiting Dublin in December, check to see when the Dublin Christmas Craft Fair (now called Gifted) is on at the Royal Dublin Society (RDS).
In 2024, the event will be held on December 4 – 8. The entire expo hall fills up with hundreds of local artists selling unique holiday gifts and one-of-a-kind souvenirs of your trip.
You could easily spend a rainy morning and afternoon browsing for unique presents.
Where to Stay in Dublin in December
I lived in Dublin for 12 years, so I know the city very well. I have stayed in a variety of places both during my tenure in the Irish capital and subsequently when I return to visit 2-3 times a year.
I can personally recommend the following hotels based on my experience staying there.
The Wilder Townhouse
The Wilder Townhouse is a boutique hotel that was once a home for retired governesses. It’s situated in a 19th-century brick building just a short walk to The National Concert Hall and St. Stephen’s Green.
The breakfast here is outstanding, the beds are comfy, and the rooms are named after former residents.
The Dylan
The Dylan is a high-end boutique hotel in a historic building in Ballsbridge. Usually, during the high tourist season, The Dylan is out of my price range and can be upwards of €300 or €400 a night.
However, when I visited at the end of October, the room prices were a little more economical at €190 per night. I loved The Dylan.
It’s close to the vibrant shops, restaurants, and pubs on Baggot Street, and within walking distance to Dublin City Centre.
I found the room I had in the new wing of the hotel to be very quiet and well-insulated with a window with views overlooking Ballsbridge.
The Charlemont Hilton
The Charlemont Hilton is conveniently located along the Grand Canal and within easy walking distance of Dublin City Centre, Ranelagh, and Rathmines. I found the hotel room to be well-insulated from noise and I got a great night’s sleep.
The Marker
The Marker is a posh 5-star hotel with a fabulous rooftop bar in Grand Canal Dock. I isolated for a week here when I unexpectedly tested positive for COVID while back in Dublin for a conference. The rooms are spacious and super-comfy.
Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge
The Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge is close to the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) and Aviva Stadium. The Clayton is an ideal choice if you are in town for an event at the RDS, a sports match, or a concert.
From the Clayton, you can easily get to Sandymount, one of my favorite neighborhoods in Dublin along the Irish Sea. You can also walk into Dublin City Centre in about 30 minutes and public buses heading to town pick up on the street right outside the hotel.
The Clayton is a more budget-minded option than places like the Dylan or The Marker. I also adore the Victorian architecture of the building the hotel is housed in.
The Schoolhouse
I can also recommend a hotel that my family has stayed in. The Schoolhouse Hotel is truly unique and is located in a historic schoolhouse along the Grand Canal in Ballsbridge.
It’s also home to one of my favorite pubs in Ireland. We lived next door to The Schoolhouse for years, so I’m very familiar with it even though I haven’t personally spent the night here.
In my experience, the best neighborhoods to stay in Dublin depend on your preferences. If you want to be in the heart of it all, stay around St. Stephen’s Green. Ballsbridge or Grand Canal Dock is a good choice if you want to be central, but not too central.
In general, areas south of the River Liffey are considered more “posh” and areas north of the Liffey can be a bit edgier. I don’t recommend staying in Temple Bar (it will be noisy!).
There are a number of hostels and cheaper accommodations along Gardiner Street on the North Side. This is definitely an edgier part of town and I wouldn’t recommend it.
My travel tips, including where to stay and what to do in Dublin, have been featured on Irish Stew and We Travel There podcasts.
Getting to Dublin in December
Dublin Airport is extremely well connected to the UK and Europe thanks to Aer Lingus and Ryanair. You’ll find a wide range of point-to-point connections to get you to Ireland.
For transatlantic flights to the US, Dublin has the advantage of having U.S. pre-clearance. This means that you can clear U.S. customs and immigration in Dublin Airport, so you can go straight to your connection or to baggage claim when you arrive in the US.
To get to Dublin from Asia, India, or Australia/New Zealand, I recommend flying through Dubai on Emirates. I’ve personally flown Emirates business class and Emirates first class, and I highly recommend the experience.
You can also connect to Dublin from almost anywhere in the world via airports like Lisbon, Amsterdam Schiphol, Frankfurt, Paris, or Istanbul.
To get from Dublin Airport to the city centre, you can take a taxi for about €30. There is a surcharge for transportation late at night and on Sundays.
The Aircoach or Dublin Bus are more economical options. Unfortunately, Dublin Airport is not (yet) served by rail.
Should You Visit Dublin in December?
There are pros and cons to visiting Dublin at any time of year. In December, I see the pros as:
- You’ll get a proper dose of Christmas cheer.
- You can do your Christmas shopping or at the very least find bargains on souvenirs to bring home (if Christmas is not your thing).
- Georgian doors kitted out with wreaths and more (although this “pro” may be personal to me since I love Dublin doors so much).
The cons of visiting Dublin in December are:
- It tends to be cold and wet.
- It will most definitely be dark. December features the shortest day of the year.
- You may have trouble getting restaurant reservations since this is the time of year when locals are out in force as they gear up for the holidays.
Are you planning a trip to Ireland and trying to decide what time of year to visit? Check out month-by-month ideas of things to do in Dublin based on my personal experience:
- Dublin in January
- Dublin in February
- Dublin in March
- Dublin in April
- Dublin in May
- Dublin in June
- Dublin in July
- Dublin in August
- Dublin in September
- Dublin in October
- Dublin in November
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