Ireland Christmas markets: Best from Dublin to Galway open in the run-up to the big day
Sipping on an overpriced hot chocolate while looking at crafty bits and bobs is my idea of a good day out.
Nothing gets me more in the holiday spirit like a good old-fashioned Christmas market. Sipping on an overpriced hot chocolate while looking at crafty bits and bobs is my idea of a good day out.
Ireland has really stepped up its Christmas market game over the past few years. These festive extravaganzas offer so much more than shopping, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Here are some of our favourite Christmas markets across the country.
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Galway Christmas Markets (November 8- January 5)
Galway City is magical any time of the year, but especially at Christmas. If you can only make it to one Christmas market and this isn’t too much of a trek- this is the one I highly recommend. However, since it is one of the best it can get quite busy.
From November, Eyre Square is transformed into a winter wonderland. From a Ferris wheel to gorgeous little stalls and fabulous food (albeit not cheap!) it’s the perfect day out for all of the family.
Children can meet Santa Claus at his grotto and then adults can enjoy a beer in the German Bier Keller- a win-win!
Belfast Christmas Markets (November 16- December 22)
Every year, Belfast’s City Hall is transformed into a traditional German-style Christmas market.
The hall features 90 different magical wooden chalet stalls. While many of the other markets on this list are beautiful, there’s no doubt that Belfast is the one to go to if you’re looking to buy presents.
However, it’s not all about the shopping. Other activities include buzzy beer tents, a Santa train, and glorious festive food.
Waterford Winterval (November 15- December 23)
If it’s an all-day event you’re after, put the kids in the car and make your way to Waterford. The city has been transformed into a mini Lapland. It’s Ireland’s largest Christmas market and Waterford City has been awarded the title of European Christmas 2024.
Along with gorgeous markets, there are plenty of activities for all the family to enjoy. This includes an ice rink, Santa’s Grotto, the Winterval train and the iconic 32-metre-high Waterford Eye.
While Christmas markets can be expensive, Waterford has plenty of free events for attendees to enjoy. This includes Christmas scavenger hunts for children, a light show and a Viking village.
Dublin Castle Christmas Markets (November 28- December 18)
While I would personally recommend any of the above markets over Dublin Castle, this is one of the best in the capital.
The market is free and ticketless this year and can get quite busy. Be sure to arrive with an empty stomach as there are stalls of foodie delights ranging from sweet chocolatey treats to festive sambos.
Mountain View Christmas Markets, Kilkenny (Every Sunday in December)
One of the country’s largest Christmas markets, Mountain View has over 150 traders.
Open every Sunday in December, attendees can enjoy 00s of artisan crafts, street food, art, vintage clothes and much more from local and nationwide independent businesses.
Stalls include handmade silver jewellery from Carlow’s Blackbog Silver organic raw honey from Cashel’s family-run ‘Windmill Honey Farm’ and ‘The Sea Moss Boss’ whose products include Irish Sea Moss gel.
Wicklow Christmas Markets (Dec 14, 15, 21, 22)
One of Ireland’s newest Christmas markets is located in the Abbey Grounds in Wicklow town.
And it’s certainly trying to do something new, as an Alpaca experience will feature among this year’s activities.
There is also a Santa Express experience, plenty of craft stalls, fabulous food, fire shows and a funfair.
Cork Christmas Markets (Thursdays to Sundays in December)
This one is often forgotten as it isn't the biggest. However, it’s a handy one for anyone in the south of the country.
It has expanded this year with more festive attractions while also keeping the classic Ferris Wheel and carousel. Booking is recommended for the Ferris Wheel, although spaces are available on the night it can get busy.
For adults looking for a bit of Christmas craic before a night out, this is the one to go to, as Cork City is always fun.
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