With Ireland's tourism numbers increasing annually it's understandable that many travelers are looking outside the busy summer months to plan their vacation.

Ireland Travel Tips for Off-Season Vacations

In this article you'll learn Ireland travel tips for off-season vacations plus my advice on taking your children out of school to visit Ireland.

This article is also available as the Traveling in Ireland podcast, episode 267. Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links.

UPDATE PODCAST LINK

The Seasons of Ireland Travel

Ireland travel falls into 3 distinct seasons:

High Season: the busiest time for tourism; May thru mid-to-late September

Shoulder Season: not as busy as high season, but still quite a lovely time to visit; mid-March thru April (after St. Patrick's Day) and mid-to-late September thru the end of October

Low Season: the slowest tourism period with shorter days, longer nights, and the possibility of more temperamental weather; November thru mid-March, excluding Christmas, New Year, and St. Patrick's Day

Why Travel to Ireland in the Off Season?

You'll find great travel deals, fewer crowds, and lively evening in the pubs. Check out Cool Facts About Ireland Winter Vacations.

Ireland is the birthplace of Halloween! Not only will you find plenty of family friendly activities at places like Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, but two terrific festivals take place for Samhain; Puca Festival in County Meath and Derry Halloween, the largest Halloween festival in Europe.

Christmas markets are a great reason to travel to Ireland! Markets begin in mid-November and run until just before Christmas. Most markets take place at the weekends, but be sure to check schedules as some may have bonus dates.

Should You Take Your Children Out of School to Travel to Ireland?

While my answer isn't the right one for everyone, I do believe that it is ok to take your children out of school to travel, especially when they are young. It does become more complicated as children hit upper middle school and high school.

With our connect-from-anywhere world it is easier than ever to travel during the school year, though I understand that not all schools are as flexible or as understanding as ours was.

A few tips to help you plan to take your children out of school for Ireland travel:

• Check with the school administration on their policies for missed school days and travel.

Try to return on Friday or Saturday to allow a day or two after your trip for everyone to readjust to life at home (especially the time change!) before jumping back into school.

Three Terrific Places to Visit During the Off Season in Ireland

In December, January and February visit Dublin. Tourist attractions in Dublin don't close seasonally. And you can easily plan day trips to Wicklow, Kilkenny, and the Boyne Valley on fine days.

In fall plan to explore Connemara. The westernmost region of County Galway is especially enchanting as the days shorten.

In spring head follow a route along the Celtic Coast. Beginning in Dublin travel south through Wicklow, Wexford, and Waterford, before turning north into Tipperary and Kilkenny on your way back to Dublin.

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