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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. Whether you're staying in Cork or Dublin, in this blog we'll unpack the best Christmas markets in Ireland so that you can experience Christmas magic and get in the spirit for the season.
What You Should Know About Christmas Markets in Ireland
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.
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, other Irish cities like:
Also offer fantastic Christmas activities, each with its own special touch.
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.
The Best Christmas Markets in Ireland 2024
Now that we've unpacked what to expect when spending Christmas in Ireland, here are some of the top Christmas markets in Ireland to help you soak up and spread the Christmas cheer.
1. Dublin Castle Christmas Market
Location: Dublin Castle, Dublin
Dates: December 1, 2024 – December 23, 2024
Opening Times: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Mon-Sun)
Directions: Located at Dublin Castle, Dame Street, Dublin 2. Easily accessible by foot from the city center or via Dublin's public bus and tram systems.
Did you know that there are actually several Dublin Christmas markets? That's right, there are actually hundreds of Christmas fairs that pop up around the city but the best one has to be the one at Dublin Castle. A true Bavarian style Christmas market, this Ireland Christmas market is small but very beautifully decorated with over 100 Christmas trees lining the path to the castle. Visitors can enjoy mulled wine, and mince pies, and explore a variety of local crafts.
2. Galway Christmas Market
Location: Eyre Square, Galway
Dates: November 8, 2024 – January 5, 2024
Directions: Held in Eyre Square, Galway. The central location makes it easy to reach by foot from most hotels in Galway city centre or via local bus services.
Galway’s Christmas market is widely acclaimed to be the best Christmas market in Ireland and is the oldest, running for thirteen going on fourteen years.
Conveniently located in Galway's city centre, the Galway Christmas Market 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, ride on the Santa Express or visit Santa's Grotto.
While you're at Santa's grotto, don't miss the chance to post your letter to Santa in his postbox.
What are the opening times for the Galway Christmas Market
- Monday: 12 midday to 8 pm
- Tuesday: 12 midday to 8 pm
- Wednesday: 12 midday to 8 pm
- Thursday: 10 am until 10 pm
- Friday: 10 am until 10 pm
- Saturday: 10 am until 10 pm
- Sunday: 10 am – 8 pm
- Bar: Until 10 pm every day
Where to stay near the Galway Christmas Market
Menlo Park Hotel | Headford Rd, Galway, H91 E98N, Ireland | ★★★★
If you're looking for a hotel near the Galway Christmas Market, consider the Menlo Park Hotel. Having recently been refurbished, previous guests have appreciated the beautiful rooms and general cleanliness.
3. Belfast Christmas Market
Location: City Hall, Belfast
Dates: November 16, 2024 – December 22, 2024
Directions: Located in front of City Hall, Belfast. Accessible by walking from the city centre or via Belfast’s bus and train services.
The Belfast Christmas Market, held at City Hall, has been running for over 12 years and 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. But there's also plenty for the little ones to enjoy like a Santa Train, ferris wheel and an Olaf ride. 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?
What are the opening times for the Belfast Christmas Market
- Monday to Wednesday: 10 am – 8 pm (bars until 9 pm)
- Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 10 am – 10 pm (bars until 11 pm)
- Sunday: 12 – 6 pm
- Market closes: at 6 pm on 22 December
Where to stay near the Belfast Christmas Market
Peartree Hill | 60 Peartree Hill, Dundonald, Belfast, BT16 1XE | ★★★★★
For a luxury hotel near the Belfast Christmas Market, book a night (or redeem your hotel gift card) at Peartree Hill. Previous guests have loved the friendly hosts and attention to detail.
4. Cork Christmas Market
Location: Bishop Lucey Park, Cork
Dates: November 29, 2024 – December 22, 2024
Opening Times: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Mon-Sun)
Directions: Held at the Bishop Lucey Park, Cork. Centrally located, it's easy to reach by foot from nearby hotels or by local bus.
Next on our list of the best Christmas markets in Ireland is the Cork Christmas market which offers:
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!
5. Limerick Christmas Market
Location: Arthurs Quay Park, Limerick
Dates: November 22, 2024 – December 22, 2024
Opening Times: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Mon-Sun)
Directions: Situated in the Crescent Shopping Centre, Limerick. Accessible by car, foot, or public bus from around the city.
Limerick’s Christmas Market at Arthurs Quay Park combines the best of seasonal shopping with fun festive entertainment including a vintage carousel and traditional carnvial games. The wooden chalets sell a range of:
- Christmas gifts
- Crafts
- Gourmet cheeses
- Traditional Christmas sweets
The Limerick Christmas market is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, including visits from Santa and various fun Christmas activities for children.
6. The Kilkenny Christmas Market
Location: The Parade, Kilkenny
Dates: November 30, 2024 – December 23, 2024
Opening Times: From 11.00 am every weekend
Directions: Situated at The Parade. Accessible by car, foot, or public bus from around the city.
Another of the best Christmas markets in Ireland is the Kilkenny Christmas Market, otherwise known as Yulefest Kilkenny. At the Christmas market, you can enjoy classic festive treats, Christmas crafts, live music, art workshops and Santa experiences each weekend, plus Christmas light trails and special festive events each week.
Where to stay near the Kilkenny Christmas Market
Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel | 1 Ormonde St, Gardens, Kilkenny, R95 WTK3, Ireland | ★★★★★
3 minutes from Kilkenny Castle, you'll find the Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel. Centrally located with comfy beds and a great breakfast, it's perfect for exploring the nearby Christmas market in Ireland.
Visit Ireland's Christmas Markets This 2024
With our blog, 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 very own Christmas markets provide tons of festive excitement to please:
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.
Gift a Hotel in Ireland with our Hotel Gifts
For a Christmas gift that truly surprises your loved ones, consider giving the gift of a hotel stay with a hotel gift card. These hotel gift cards are flexible and versatile suiting every occasion and every recipient! Just add a value from 25 to 10,000 (you can choose from multiple currencies including pounds, euros and dollars), add a photo and write a message. You can choose to gift a hotel stay with:
- An e gift card: sent in 5 minutes straight to their inbox
- A PDF: sent to your inbox for you to print at home and give in person
- A luxury gift card: printed on 11-inch card with a deluxe gold tint
The various formats of the hotel vouchers mean you can gift a hotel stay to your loved ones no matter where they are in the world. Plus, they can choose to redeem their gift card for hotels then and there, or save it for later since our hotel gifts are valid for 2 years since the date of purchase. Whenever they do decide to book a hotel, they'll be able to choose from over 750,000 hotels spread across the globe.
