Explore the Best Irish Christmas Markets 2024
Have a cool ‘Alban Arthan’ at some of the best Irish christmas markets
MANY of us know what it is to have a ‘cool Yule’, and the Irish have been celebrating their own version of it for well over 5,000 years.
This midwinter in the run-up to Christmas, get out there and celebrate Alban Arthan by visiting a festive range of fabulous markets. You will find fantastic seasonal entertainments, superb handcrafts and artisan foods that will be perfect for giving, just as we did down the millennia.
Holly King
The dark days of midwinter are all about the Holly King, who will reign supreme until next spring when the Oak King returns. So get out there and enjoy the twinkling lights, and fun with family as we decorate our homes with some of the plunder we will find. As the Oak King won’t return until next May there is reason to celebrate all winter long.
Dublin Castle Christmas
Dublin Castle boutique open-air Christmas Market: Nestled in the heart of Ireland’s capital, the magical Christmas Market at Dublin Castle’s historic surroundings where admission as well as many events are free will be filled with seasonal delights, handcrafted decorations and unique gifts as well as artisanal food and mouth-watering treats. The entertainment is on in the Speigel-style marquee and don’t miss the beautiful Neapolitan crib on display in the Chapel Royal. The holiday season, running from 28 November to 18 December is the perfect opportunity to wander through the historic State Apartments.
Farmleigh House Festive Live Music
Farmleigh Christmas Market at Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park, Dublin: The Christmas Market at the historic Farmleigh House will open every Saturday and Sunday beginning on 7-8 December. Now the official Irish State guest house, Farmleigh House was once one of the residences of the great Guinness family of brewing fame. Look for food and craft markets with fresh produce and handcrafted items. The markets will be full of holiday cheer with live music and festive displays.
Winterval Waterford, the European City of Christmas
Winterval Waterford: Ireland’s largest Christmas festival and officially recognised European City of Christmas 2024 is back until 23 December with up to 60 magical events and stalls of gifting to keep the holiday cheer going strong. One of the country’s sunniest southeastern cities is offering festive family attractions, seasonal surprises and sacksful of free and ticketed events for all ages. Find unique gifts and all things artisan in the eminently walkable European City of Christmas.
Eyres Square is the place to go to the Galway Christmas Market
Galway Continental Christmas Market: The longest-running seasonal market of the lot, the City of Tribes on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way will be filled with seasonal sparkle in Eyers Square until 5 January 2025. One of the country’s best in Christmas markets, shop among more than 50 wooden chalets and in between, ride the Big Wheel and Carousel and don’t forget to visit Santa’s Grotto. Food lovers will feast on bratwurst, French pastries, pretzels and confectionery, crepes and waffles while visiting the enchanted light gardens, and stop off at Santa’s Post Box for any and all letters destined for the North Pole. Local and European craftspeople in food and gifts will be at the Christmas Market as well.
There is a Dickensenian theme at this year’s Belfast Christmas Market
Belfast Christmas Market, Belfast City Hall: The always eagerly anticipated Christmas market in Northern Ireland chooses a new theme every year, and this year’s festive offering in the grounds of the City Council will transport you to a Dickensian-themed experience reminiscent of the Victorian Era. Belfast’s magnificent and historic City Hall in the heart of the city centre is an homage to the Baroque Revival style in Portland stone. The Christmas market concludes this weekend (30 November-1 December), making it the shortest, but one of the best among seasonal markets. Stroll through the market, immersed in the charm of Charles Dicken’s world alongside some of the most famous characters from his stories (which just might include the Ghost of Christmas Past!). Warm up with a mug of hot Glühwein and enjoy exotic savouries and sweets and find the perfect gift from among fine handcrafts and unique artisanal ware. It’s all there this holiday season all around the island of Ireland.
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