Do They Celebrate Thanksgiving in Ireland?

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Once the spooky season of Halloween is done and dusted, the world turns to another special day on the calendar, Thanksgiving. For Americans, it is one of the biggest dates of the year, but some people have asked me do they celebrate Thanksgiving in Ireland. Well, read on to discover if thanksgiving is celebrated on the Emerald Isle.

Each November, Thanksgiving is celebrated in North America. This national holiday began as a way of giving thanks for the blessing of the harvest and is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in America and the second Monday of October in Canada. It is a time for coming together as a family, celebrating the harvest and year that has passed, and enjoying the fruits of the harvest bounty which always includes a juicy turkey.

Originally published October 2022, updated October 2023.

A picture of a candle surrounded by cinnamon sticks and a note saying happy Thanksgiving

Nowadays, Thanksgiving is thought of as being as big, or bigger, than Christmas where the Americans are concerned. Each year parades take place across many cities including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in New York, and Bayou Classic Thanksgiving Parade in New Orleans.

The ‘holiday season’ begins with Thanksgiving, Black Friday follows right after to start the Christmas shopping and the season goes right through to Christmas itself.

Thanksgiving in Ireland

Now, if you are wondering is Thanksgiving celebrated in Ireland, the answer is no. The Irish do not celebrate Thanksgiving as it is an American holiday. The nearest Ireland has is Halloween which originated from the pagan festival of Samhain, which celebrated the end of the harvest and the New Year incoming.

Ireland does not have a public holiday for Thanksgiving although some hotels and restaurants will hold special Thanksgiving meals and dinners in respect for American visitors and guests. So, if you are going to be visiting Ireland for the start of the holiday season, here are some ideas for having an Irish Thanksgiving.

A picture of a Thanksgiving turkey feast

Where to celebrate Thanksgiving in Ireland

Merry Ploughboy Pub, Dublin

Address: Rockbrook, Edmondstown Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin, D16 HK02

The Merry Ploughboy pub in Rathfarnham in Dublin is celebrating Thanksgiving this year with a traditional dinner and show. Their traditional show has been voted the best in Ireland and there will be turkey and cranberry sauce. Book your place by clicking here.

Dromoland Castle, Clare

Address: Newmarket-On-Fergus, Co. Clare

If you are hoping to celebrate Thanksgiving in Ireland, then Dromoland Castle, one of the top castle hotels in Ireland, has a Thanksgiving package for those looking to combine a luxury stay with a Thanksgiving getaway.

Enjoy an overnight stay with breakfast included and a delicious Thanksgiving dinner in the Fig Restaurant of the Golf & Country Club. Click here to find out more and to book your stay.

The Merrion Hotel, Dublin

Address: Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2, D02 KF79

If you are going to be in Ireland for Thanksgiving, the Merrion Hotel in Dublin is offering an overnight stay with breakfast, a festive welcoming Thanksgiving drink upon arrival, and a three-course dinner in the Garden Room with all the traditional trimmings.

The overnight package is available from 1st November to 30th November. Click here to find out more information and to book your Thanksgiving stay.

A picture of a Thanksgiving dinner laid out on a wooden table

Democrats Abroad Ireland at Hilton, Dublin

Address: Charlemont Place, Dublin, D02 A893

The Democrats Abroad Ireland is holding a special traditional Thanksgiving meal on Thursday 23rd November with all the fixings of Thanksgiving Day at the Hilton Dublin.

There is a three-course meal which includes turkey and cranberry sauce. Click this link for more information and to book your ticket.

At home thanks to Fallon & Byrne, Dublin (SOLD OUT)

Address: Various

Fallon & Byrne are offering a pre-prepared Thanksgiving dinner to be delivered direct to your door. Arriving in oven-ready trays and including roast turkey breast, cranberry sauce, and all the trimmings, this is ideal if you don’t want to venture out and are staying in an AirBnB or apartment.

Find out more information or order your dinner by clicking here.

Good Food Ireland Thanksgiving Tour

Address: Various locations in Ireland

If you want to immerse yourself in Irish cuisine this Thanksgiving, the Good Food Ireland company is offering a Thanksgiving Tour of Ireland. Experience all the stunning scenery, great accommodation, and fine food that Ireland has to offer.

This is a 9-day Thanksgiving food tour of Ireland and if you cannot make it this year, you can always enquire about next year. If you are looking to combine Thanksgiving with a tour of Ireland, consider booking this tour. Find out more information by clicking here.

Wrap-Up in do they celebrate Thanksgiving in Ireland

So, although your answer to the question does Ireland celebrate Thanksgiving is no, there are some options for celebrating this holiday on the US calendar.

Whether you are just looking for an Irish Thanksgiving dinner or an overnight stay, there are a few options available for you.

Read more about Thanksgiving and other celebrations in Ireland:

A picture of a table set for Thanksgiving and text overlay saying is thanksgiving celebrated in Ireland
A Thanksgiving candle surrounded by cinnamon sticks and text overlay saying Thanksgiving celebrations in Ireland
by Cath Jordan
Cath is an Irish expat and the founder of Travel Around Ireland. She and her husband both come from Dublin, where the rest of their family remains. They regularly return to the Emerald Isle to explore the country with their son as well as to visit family. Through Travel Around Ireland, Cath shares her local expertise and knowledge with travellers and visitors to Ireland. Find out more about Cath here.

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