7 Things to Do Between Christmas and New Year in Ireland

Twixmas Activities Ireland

Twixmas, the time between Christmas and New Year, is a great time to chill out and relax after the hectic rush up to the big day. But sometimes, these days can drag on, and you can find yourself at a loose end.

So, if you are looking to make the most of this in-between period, here are some suggestions for things to do during Twixmas, no matter where you live in Ireland.

Top tip: don’t let the weather put you off going outside. Just wrap up warm and you’ll be well prepared. Oh, and wear a high-vis vest if you plan on being out after dark.

Feed the swans

Take a stroll to a lake or canal and feed the swans. You can buy swan pellets or feed them corn, peas, lettuce, and spinach. Don’t feed them mouldy bread, as it is poisonous to them. Feed swans only on the water and never on the ground. 

Start a scrapbook

Which memories from the year will you be talking about to future generations? Making a scrapbook is one of the best ways of capturing your memory of these past 12 months. You can make your own personal one or make one as a family. All you need to start is a scrapbook, acid-free adhesive, scissors, newspapers, magazines, photographs and anything else that you can stick onto the paper. You can also write down your feelings and stories about the past year’s events.

Visit a museum

Museums are usually pretty quiet at this time, so it is one of the best Twixmas activities in Ireland. You can learn more about Ireland’s place in the world and its history with a visit to any of the National Museums in Dublin, all of which have free entry. But you don’t need to be in the capital to get culture; there are wonderful museums all across the country, with many dedicated to preserving and presenting the stories of Ireland.

Some more twixmas activities in Ireland

Watch a panto

Watching a Panto during this time is a cherished tradition, where fairy tales and folklore spring to life with a distinctly Irish zest. Audiences, wrapped in the warmth of shared smiles and anticipation, become part of a world where heroes and villains playfully spar, and every jest is met with hearty laughter. The air inside the theatre is a tapestry of enchanting music, witty banter, and the unmistakable cheer of participation as calls of “He’s behind you!” echo through the halls. This unique blend of comedy, music, and dance, with its endearing nods to local culture and current events, captures the heart of the holiday season in Ireland, making the Panto an indispensable part of the Twixmas festivities.

Spot some wildlife

Set the alarm, get up early, and head to your nearest park. The best time to spot wildlife is early morning when few people are around. Keep your eyes peeled for red foxes, hedgehogs, stoats, otters, shrews and badgers, which are all quite common. In national parks, if you are lucky enough to live near one, be on the lookout for hares, red deer and pine martens. There’s plenty to see out there, and you’ll soon discover that not all wildlife tourism entails going to exotic destinations. 

If you are in Dublin, click here 10 things to do with kids in the Phoenix Park Dublin.

Brave a swim

Open swimming is very popular in Ireland, and there are many places you can go for a quick, safe dip if you are brave enough to face the chill! Open-water swimming has plenty of health benefits, so why not give it ago? Check online for the nearest place for a splash and a dash, and make sure you follow the safety guidelines, too. After your dip, warm up with a big bag a salty chipper chips with lashings of vinegar. Dips and chips are a classic combo. 

Visit Swim Ireland for more details.

Enjoy a duvet day

Take a day off. A duvet day is all about relaxation. Stay in your pyjamas, make a duvet den or pillow fort in the living room, and get cosy. Line up some movies or binge that box set and practice the art of doing nothing. Don’t forget to have some yummy comfort food to fuel your lazy day. The best thing is to make this the day before or take something out of the freezer – you don’t want to be cooking on your duvet day. However, what you should make is indulgent, hug-in-a-mug hot chocolate overflowing with marshmallows and whipped cream. Click here for my guide on how to make the perfect hot chocolate at home. All that’s left to do is to climb into your duvet den, press play and reset.

And there you have it; Twixmas activities in Ireland for all ages.

If you are hungry for more blog posts, here you go.

For example, here are the 7 best places to eat within an hour’s drive from Aberdeen.

Similarly, here is my foolproof recipe for caramel sauce chocolate cake.

You might also like my list of the 7 restaurants worth the drive from Belfast.

Similarly, you might also like my list of the 7 restaurants worth the drive from Cardiff.

If you are looking for more chocolate goodness, here is my hot chocolate mini cheesecake recipe.

Furthermore, if you are looking for a place to stay in Ireland, I highly recommend Glenlo Abbey and Longueville House.

Additionally, click here to learn about the traditional Irish foods we use to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.

Finally, click here to learn about Easter in Ireland: Traditions, food, and festivities.

Lastly, do you like my blog post on Twixmas activities in Ireland? If so, please share it with others.

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