A European adventure in winter
I've just returned from a trip to Ireland and England with my husband and three adult children. This was my first trip to Europe during the winter, and I must say there are more than a few benefits to it. First, the obvious one is that the crowds were considerably lower. Most of the advantages of a winter trip to Europe come from these lower crowds. Additionally, the prices for hotels and flights were more favorable.
From Boston to Dublin!
We arrived in Dublin on New Year's Day, and the festive atmosphere was palpable. Although it was busy, it was nothing compared to the overwhelming crowds of peak summer months. Have you ever experienced the chaos of Italy during the height of summer? In the more touristy towns, it often feels like you're in America, surrounded by fellow tourists speaking your language. This reality brings me to one undeniable advantage of choosing a less touristy European vacation: it offers a genuinely authentic experience. When you meander through the streets, the majority of the people you encounter are locals, adding to the richness of your journey. Imagine popping into a cozy pub where the air is filled with the sound of Irish accents and the warm atmosphere invites conversation. During our time in Ireland, we found the locals to be exceptionally friendly, always open to sharing a story over a perfectly poured pint of Guinness. Choosing to explore beyond the typical tourist spots not only enhances your trip but also allows you to connect with the heart and soul of the destination!
Fewer crowds mean easy access to museums and attractions. You can book same-day tickets to most of the popular sites. The same goes for restaurant reservations and simply finding a seat at the local pub. Here are some of the sites we enjoyed:
Epic Irish emigration museum.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
The Book of Kells at Trinity College.
The Long Library at Trinity College.
St. Stephen’s Green.
Glendalough monastic settlement (about an hour outside Dublin).
Wicklow Mountains (about an hour outside Dublin).
Powerscourt Estate and Gardens (about an hour outside Dublin).
Shopping on Grafton Street.
The following were some of our favorite pubs and restaurants:
The Palace Bar - a pub in the Temple Bar area.
The Bank - restaurant and bar inside an old bank with great food, atmosphere, and music.
Boxty - cozy restaurant serving delicious food and great drinks in the temple bar area.
The Church - restaurant and bar inside an old church with live music and Irish step dancing.
Johnny Fox’s - The highest pub in Ireland! In Glencullen, a township in the Dublin Mountains. A quaint pub established in 1798, serving delicious food in a picturesque mountaintop location.
For a more in-depth look at all that Dublin has to offer, Click Here to check out our destination guide.
Next stop - England!
After spending several days in Dublin, we took a short flight to Manchester, England, and then drove to York—a charming medieval city in the northern part of the country. My son is studying at the University of York, and I must admit, I fell in love with this city at first sight! York is rich in history and character, and its vibrant energy is truly captivating. It is said that one in ten residents of York is a student, thanks to the large university. This is especially noticeable in the evenings when the clubs open, filling the streets with revelers. However, York is much more than just a college town. It boasts upscale restaurants, diverse shopping options, York Minster (one of the largest and most impressive cathedrals in England), and plenty of traditional pubs, including several that celebrate the city’s Viking history.
York is a very walkable city, with many pedestrian-only streets that enhance the overall experience. It is also a walled city; the walls were originally part of a Roman fortress, with later additions from the Norman and medieval periods. The entire circuit of the walls is about 2.5 miles long. There are several access points with stairs that allow pedestrians to walk along the walls for a unique view of the city. Unfortunately, during our visit in January, the walls were closed to pedestrians due to potential slipping hazards.
York is a significant railway hub. You can take a train to London King's Cross in two hours, to Edinburgh, Scotland, in two and a half hours, or venture out to the seaside town of Scarborough in less than an hour.
Here are some of our favorite places to visit in York:
York Minster - This impressive cathedral features more stained glass than you can imagine.
Roman Wall - Walk along the ancient city wall for a glimpse into York's history.
York Museum Gardens - Enjoy a stroll along the River Ouse in these gardens, which include the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey.
The Shambles - This charming street is said to have inspired Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter series. Many shops here embrace a wizarding theme, making it a must-visit for Harry Potter fans of all ages!
Shambles Market - This outdoor market operates year-round, offering delicious food and unique merchandise.
Here is a list of some of our favorite pubs and restaurants:
The House of the Trembling Madness has two locations. The original location features a small, charming old pub upstairs, while the newer location is much larger, offering numerous tables spread across different rooms over several floors.
The Punch Bowl is another place worth visiting.
Valhalla pays tribute to York’s Viking heritage. Its interior reflects the meaning of Valhalla, or Valhöll in Old Norse, which translates to "the hall of the slain."
The Guy Fawkes pub is a must-visit for dinner; their steak and ale pie is divine!
The Star Inn the City is an amazing restaurant with a large outdoor patio overlooking the River Ouse. They serve delicious food and offer great drinks!
If you are looking for more ideas of what to do or where to stay in Ireland, the UK, or the rest of Europe, contact us today!
