Galway’s Eyre Square has been transformed into a festive wonderland in the run up to Christmas. Over 50 wooden chalets are set up for the Galway Christmas Market, stocked up with everything from local crafts to treats like fresh crêpes and mulled wine. There’s also live music, a 32 metre Ferris Wheel and a Christmas Market Beer Tent. It's open every day from November 11 to December 22.
A Winter’s Tale Christmas Show returns to the 15th century Bunratty Castle, combining a four course candlelit medieval feast with a live performance of classic and contemporary carols by the Bunratty Castle Entertainers along with theatre and poetry. The event kicks off with a mulled wine reception as the resident harpist and violinist play. Tickets are available between November 25 and December 23.
Set in a giant hangar in Strandhill Airport, the People’s Market is a regular stomping ground for Sligo residents on a Sunday. But their Christmas markets up the ante even further. Running every Sunday in December before Christmas, these markets will see the hangar decorated to the hilt, and all the regular stalls selling gifts like artisan gin sets and natural cosmetics. When you feel peckish, you can grab some vegan curry or a cannoli to nibble on.
In the run up to Christmas, each weekend at Limerick’s Milk Market takes on a different theme, from a record fair and an antique event to a festive food extravaganza and an epic outdoor café. But whenever you visit, there will be the market’s usual selection of local crafts, produce and baked goods for sale, as well as vintage clothes and antique jewellery in the permanent shops around its edges. The Christmas markets are running Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from December 9 to 24, as well as Thursday December 22.
Christmas in Killarney takes place at different venues across the city through December. The first two weekends of the month, cosy up at the Arbutus Hotel Killarney and browse through their craft fair of skincare, candles, Christmas ornaments and vintage clothes. Or head out with the family for the big Christmas parade that runs through Killarney starting at 6 pm every Saturday over the course of the festival.
Running from November 25 to January 8, the GLOW Christmas celebration in Cork is taking over Bishop Lucey Park. Head down a magical trail inspired by the Twelve Days of Christmas, warm your hands on a hot beverage and watch the lights of the city below as you take a ride on the Ferris wheel. You can even catch a spot of carol singing.
There are a few great Christmas markets in the Rebel County, from the Made in Cork Market highlighting locally made items to the Ballymaloe Craft Fair. The Christmas takeover at the Marina Market is one of Cork's finest. Held in a separate space to the traditional market, the festive version kicks off on November 25, with vendors selling all kinds of artisan gifts. There’s also a stage for live music and loads of food offerings available, so you can tuck into wood fired pizza or Nashville fried chicken when you’re finished shopping.
Over 100 wooden chalets make up the spectacular continental Christmas market at Waterford Winterval, which are laid out along the spine of the city’s medieval centre. Expect live music and performances on the Main Stage on O’Connell Street, with 20 days of gigs scheduled. There’s also a nod to the heritage of the city with Déise Medieval, a recreation of a Viking settlement with actors who bring the spirit of a historical Christmas to life.
Catch a film, take in some glittering lights and get in the festive spirit medieval style in Yulefest Kilkenny. The fitness-minded can sign up for the Medieval Mile Run, which sees participants dress up in their Christmas finery for a festive jog. Things are a little less strenuous at the Christmas Markets in Callan and Graiguenamanagh, where you can pick up everything from home baked treats to affordable art.
The Wicklow Christmas Market is running from November 19 to December 18, with stalls selling artisan woodcrafts and handmade ornaments. There are also plenty of spots where you can grab a bite to eat, whether you fancy a freshly griddled bratwurst or a chocolate cupcake. Catch fire shows, stilt walkers and live music and visit the Eco Ice Rink for an environmentally friendly skate session.
There are over 50 stalls to explore at the Strokestown Christmas Market in Co Roscommon, where you can pick up candles, knitted scarves and ornaments, as well as homemade cupcakes and vegan treats to keep you going. There’s live music too, as well as festive movie screenings. This year's market takes place the weekend of December 2-4.
Fancy ticking off all of your Christmas shopping under one roof? Ireland’s biggest craft and design fair, Gifted is heading back to the RDS this Christmas, with over 400 designers selling their wares. You can find everything from herringbone blankets to sheepskin slippers and leather wallets – and premium chocolate and sea salt fudge from artisan food producers. It’s on from November 30 to December 4.
While the winter evenings draw in early, that doesn’t mean you can’t head out for a stroll. And there’s no walk more magical than one through the grounds of Malahide Castle during Wonderlights. Illuminated creatures are displayed throughout the forest, the trees are brought to life with projections and there’s an epic light display at the end depicting the Northern Lights. Afterwards pop into one of Malahide’s cosy pubs for a pint by the fireside.
Dublin’s most popular attraction will have a festive focus through December. In the run up to Christmas, the Guinness Storehouse will feature a multi-media installation curated by renowned Irish visual artist GRIF. You’ll find a massive Christmas tree in the atrium, as well as a movie inspired by the surge of a Guinness pint. Up in the Gravity bar there’ll be Christmas-themed STOUTies (pints with pictures on the head) and mulled Guinness on offer, and the gates outside will even be dusted with snow.
Make new traditions together and bring the kids to the best Christmas events for families this year.
