I've never been to Ireland before, and I'm being sent the week before Good Friday for an official event. Is this a good idea to stay later at my own expense? I vaguely remember hearing that it is not very exciting on Good Friday as many places close down, but I don't know about the rest of the weekend. Also, things may have changed since I heard that.

Any help will be appreciated.

Note: I originally posted this in Travel&Dining: Destination >> The World > Europe (Eastern/Western) but I've moved it since very few people seem to read that forum.