While it might not have the same high profile as some other European destinations, the Emerald Isle is a dark horse when it comes to charming Christmas markets.
Ireland's five best-known Christmas markets are in Dublin, Galway, Belfast, Cork and Limerick — and if you're choosing just one for a weekend, Galway and Belfast are the two people travel for.
Below you'll find what each market is known for, when it opens and closes in 2026, and what the weather does to a December city break here.
Christmas in Ireland: What you should know, traditions and markets
Things you should know before going to Ireland during Christmas or in winter season
Ireland is a very humid country so if you are expecting to see snow paved streets, forget about it, it rarely snows during winter, most of the time will be raining or foggy, so the true beauty of the cities are at night, that's when al the decorations and city lights really make a stand.
The weather in Dublin in December is generally cool, wet and wintery. The long-term average temperature in Dublin in December is 5.6°C/42.08°F
Also have in mind that most of the retail shops and other commerce's will shut down during christmas eve and new years so make sure to pack all what you need before coming.
What are the Christmas Traditions in Ireland?
If you're spend Christmas in Ireland be sure to do as the Irish do and join in on their timeless Christmas traditions. Christmas in Ireland typically kicks off with the lighting of Christmas lights in towns and cities, and many places have a special Christmas Eve mass, known as the "Midnight Mass."
Additionally, on St. Stephen's Day (otherwise known as boxing day in the UK), it's common for people to watch the horse races in leopardstown either in person or on the TV. On St. Stephen’s Day, you can also see groups of "Wren Boys" performing traditional music and dance in a lively, community-focused celebration.
What do you eat on Christmas in Ireland?
For breakfast on Christmas day, people in Ireland like to eat a hearty cooked Irish breakfast including white pudding, bacon, eggs and bread. While a traditional Irish Christmas dinner includes roasted meats, Brussels sprouts, and, of course, the beloved Christmas pudding or Irish Christmas cake.
Best Christmas Markets in Ireland 2026
1. Dublin Castle Christmas Market (cancelled for 2026)
Heads up: the Dublin Castle Christmas market is not running in 2026. The Office of Public Works confirmed it was not scheduled for either 2025 or 2026, citing "other Government business requirements". Dublin Castle is a central venue for Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the EU, which runs from July to December 2026. There is no confirmed return date.
The good news is that Dublin still has plenty of Christmas markets. The biggest is TwinkleTown in Smithfield Square, now the city's largest festive event and the closest thing to a replacement for the Castle market.
- Location: Smithfield Square, Smithfield, Dublin 7
- Dates: mid-November 2026 to early January 2027
- Price: Free entry to the main event; ice rink, Ferris wheel and fairground rides charged separately.
TwinkleTown pairs market stalls with an ice rink, a Ferris wheel, fairground rides, a panto and live entertainment, so it leans more festive-village than traditional Bavarian market. If you want something closer to the old Castle market in feel, Dublin Loves Christmas at the RDS in Ballsbridge runs a Bavarian-style market with its own ice rink and observation wheel, and Swords Castle Christmas Market north of the city centre runs across several weekends with 50+ craft and food stalls.
2. Galway Christmas Market
- Location: Eyre Square, Galway
- Dates: 7th November - 31st December 2026
- Opening Times:
Monday - Wednesday: 12pm - 8pm, bar until 10pm
Thursday - Saturday: 10am - 10pm
Sunday: 10am - 8pm - Price: Free
Galway’s Christmas market is widely acclaimed to be the best Christmas market in Ireland. Situated in the heart of the city, it has over 50 wooden chalets selling handmade crafts, Christmas decorations, and delicious food. From Irish woollen goods to German sausages and sweet treats, there’s something for everyone. After you've danced along to Galway’s lively street performers and traditional music, take a spin on the 32-metre-high big wheel or visit Santa's Grotto.
3. Belfast Christmas Market
- Location: City Hall, Belfast
- Dates: 14th November - 22nd December 2026
- Opening Times:
Monday - Wednesday: 10am - 8pm
Thursday - Saturday: 10am - 10pm
Sunday: 12pm - 6pm - Price: Free
The Belfast Christmas Market, held at City Hall, is a highlight of the festive season boasting over 100 chalets. It’s known for its wide variety of international foods, including:
- German bratwursts
- Dutch pancakes
- French pastries
The Belfast Christmas market also features a great selection of local crafts and gifts, Christmas lights and incredible live music. Once you've finished browsing the stalls, why not watch a festive show like a pantomime or orchestra performance at nearby venues to take your trip to the next level?
4. Cork Christmas Market
- Location: Emmet Place, Cork
- Dates: mid-November 2026 to early January 2027
- Price: Free
Next on our list of the best Christmas markets in Ireland is the Cork Christmas market which offers: live entertainment, winter lights experiences, and a scenic Ferris wheel.
You can check the website for up-to-date listings for what's on each weekend or evening and be on the look-out for surprise characters browsing the stalls too!
7. Derry Christmas Market 2026 (Guildhall Craft Fair)
- Location: Guildhall, Derry
- Dates: 13th - 15th November 2026
- Opening Times: 10am - 6pm
- Price:
The Derry Christmas Market 2026 is set against the backdrop of the city’s historic Guildhall. The Christmas market’s wooden chalets offer a variety of handmade gifts, Irish knitwear, and seasonal treats like mince pies and roasted chestnuts. One of the must-sees is the giant snow globe, where families can take cute festive photos, while the live performances on Guildhall Square stage only add to the Christmas vibes. For foodies, this Irish Christmas market is a treat, with stalls serving everything from Irish stew to international street food.
Visit Ireland's Christmas Markets in 2026
We hope we've shown that you don't need to jet to the likes of France or Germany to experience the magic of a classic Christmas market. Ireland’s Christmas markets provide tons of festive excitement, showcasing local crafts, hearty Irish food, and a warm Christmas spirit.
If you’re looking for a unique and charming Christmas day out in Ireland, these Christmas markets are just the trick.
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FAQs About Christmas Markets in Ireland
Where is the most Christmassy place in Ireland?
While Ireland boasts many beautiful destinations for Christmas, Galway is often regarded as one of the most Christmassy places thanks to its festive lights, local crafts, and delicious food. That said, Dublin, Cork and Belfast also offer fantastic Christmas activities, each with its own special touch.
Which Christmas market is more popular, Galway or Belfast?
Belfast Christmas Market is generally considered more popular, particularly by visitor numbers. Belfast is best for a lively atmosphere, more than 100 stalls, international food and family-friendly rides. Galway’s market is smaller and more compact, with around 50 chalets in Eyre Square, making it a charming choice for a more relaxed festive visit.
Does Ireland have Christmas markets?
Yes, Ireland does have Christmas markets! Throughout the country, you'll find a variety of Christmas markets offering everything from handmade crafts to classic Christmas treats. Ireland's Christmas markets are scattered across towns and cities, each with its own unique charm and selection of Christmas goodies.What are the Christmas traditions in Ireland?
- Midnight mass on Christmas Eve: A more traditional but humble way of celebrating christmas, this is also a way to gather with friends, family and neighbours during this special date.
- Horse races on St. Stephens: Thousands of people come to watch the exciting horse races celebrated in the town of Leopardstown, in the south of Dublin.
- Christmas Day Swim at the Forty Foot, South Dublin: Christmas day swim take place all along Ireland but this specific spot is the most well known for daring to jump into the freezing water. Hundreds of people proof their value every year, will you dare?