What most people said
- Opinions split: many say go anyway for fewer crowds, lower prices and lovely winter light; a few locals say wait for May to September.
- Expect short days (dark around 4pm), rain, strong winds and occasional named storms, so plan outings around daylight and forecasts.
- Small resort towns like Dingle go very quiet, with many restaurants closed; larger towns like Killarney, Cork, Kinsale and Galway stay busy.
- Winter extras mentioned include Christmas markets, Dublin's TradFest and winter lights, and Galway's midwinter events.
What people said
- Places like Connemara look even better in winter. The only thing to remember is that the days are much shorter, and rural roads don't have street lighting, so plan your outings accordingly.
- Expect it to be chilly, windy and rainy, and prepare for that, and you'll be fine. The Christmas markets are worth the trip just by themselves!
- The small resort towns will all be very quiet in the off season. Other suggestions are Kilkenny, Ennis, or Cork.
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