Which Christmas market is best? Come visit and decide for yourself.
Maybe it’s the smell of fresh-baked cookies. Toasting snacks and spices. The sparkling twinkle of lights and hands warmed around a hot cup of mulled wine or spiced cider. There’s just something about a Christmas market that brightens up a winter night, literally. Ireland’s cities and town centers are bustling throughout the season with charming craft and artisan market stalls, treats, games, rides and perhaps even some ice skating. We’ve collected a list of the best Christmas markets that Ireland has to offer, perfect for stopping in on if you’re in town during the holidays.
Dublin’s Christmas at the Castle
This free, ticket-reserve event is always in steep demand and for good reason: it offers the wooden-market charms of a traditional Christmas market in the Upper Castle Yard and the bonus of access to the beautifully decorated State Apartments of Dublin Castle and the Neapolitan Crib in the Chapel Royal.
Galway Christmas Market
Gather your family, friends, whomever you take, and make your way to Galway, the city of Tribes for this glittering, swirling Christmas Market. Mix and mingle til’ you jingle: There’s a Ferris wheel, an Après Ski Bar, Santa’s Express Train, a carousel and more than 50 wooden chalets lining Eyre Square, filled with delicious seasonal treats and darling crafts.
Belfast Christmas Market
This one brings the foodie world to Belfast. There’s 21 nationalities from all over the world represented here, bringing all sorts of delicious foods: crêpes from France, Dutch pancakes, Belgian chocolates, an exotic selection of ostrich, wild boar and crocodile burgers, giant bratwurst, Spanish paella, sweets from Italy and more.
Marina Market Cork
Brand new to the game, this charming and hip little market area has transformed into Santa’s Magical Market for the holidays. There’s a magical woodland, a chance to meet the reindeer as they rest up in advance of their big work night, Santa’s post office filled with diligent elves, a Mrs. Claus bakery with sweets and treats, and of course the man himself, Santa.
Winterval Waterford
Ireland’s biggest Christmas Market is BACK. Holiday cheer takes root near the water, bringing Christmas celebration and magical experiences for all ages to enjoy. What’s big at the biggest? There’s free and ticketed events in abundance: ice skating, magic shows, a carousel, an illuminations light show, a traditional European-style food and crafts market, music, interactive exhibits, a medieval Viking settlement to visit, helicopter rides, a harbor cruise and that’s just the start of it.
Yulefest Kilkenny
A charming Christmas Market under the watchful eye of the castle stronghold. Cozy artisan stalls filled with trinkets and treats? Check. Towering trees covered with sparkle? Yes. Santa? Him too. Kilkenny brings the cozy, the traditional and beautiful to town for its Christmas Market, filling the streets with lights, music, dancing and events sure to warm every winter heart.
Travel Tips, Culture, Art & History, Activities, Holidays Which Christmas market is best? Come visit and decide for yourself.
Maybe it’s the smell of fresh-baked cookies. Toasting snacks and spices. The sparkling twinkle of lights and hands warmed around a hot cup of mulled wine or spiced cider. There’s just something about a Christmas market that brightens up a winter night, literally. Ireland’s cities and town centers are bustling throughout the season with charming craft and artisan market stalls, treats, games, rides and perhaps even some ice skating. We’ve collected a list of the best Christmas markets that Ireland has to offer, perfect for stopping in on if you’re in town during the holidays.
Dublin’s Christmas at the Castle
This free, ticket-reserve event is always in steep demand and for good reason: it offers the wooden-market charms of a traditional Christmas market in the Upper Castle Yard and the bonus of access to the beautifully decorated State Apartments of Dublin Castle and the Neapolitan Crib in the Chapel Royal.
Click here for Cheer
Galway Christmas Market
Gather your family, friends, whomever you take, and make your way to Galway, the city of Tribes for this glittering, swirling Christmas Market. Mix and mingle til’ you jingle: There’s a Ferris wheel, an Après Ski Bar, Santa’s Express Train, a carousel and more than 50 wooden chalets lining Eyre Square, filled with delicious seasonal treats and darling crafts.
Click here for Cheer
Belfast Christmas Market
This one brings the foodie world to Belfast. There’s 21 nationalities from all over the world represented here, bringing all sorts of delicious foods: crêpes from France, Dutch pancakes, Belgian chocolates, an exotic selection of ostrich, wild boar and crocodile burgers, giant bratwurst, Spanish paella, sweets from Italy and more.
Click here for Cheer
Marina Market Cork
Brand new to the game, this charming and hip little market area has transformed into Santa’s Magical Market for the holidays. There’s a magical woodland, a chance to meet the reindeer as they rest up in advance of their big work night, Santa’s post office filled with diligent elves, a Mrs. Claus bakery with sweets and treats, and of course the man himself, Santa.
Click here for Cheer
Winterval Waterford
Ireland’s biggest Christmas Market is BACK. Holiday cheer takes root near the water, bringing Christmas celebration and magical experiences for all ages to enjoy. What’s big at the biggest? There’s free and ticketed events in abundance: ice skating, magic shows, a carousel, an illuminations light show, a traditional European-style food and crafts market, music, interactive exhibits, a medieval Viking settlement to visit, helicopter rides, a harbor cruise and that’s just the start of it.
Click here for Cheer
Yulefest Kilkenny
A charming Christmas Market under the watchful eye of the castle stronghold. Cozy artisan stalls filled with trinkets and treats? Check. Towering trees covered with sparkle? Yes. Santa? Him too. Kilkenny brings the cozy, the traditional and beautiful to town for its Christmas Market, filling the streets with lights, music, dancing and events sure to warm every winter heart.
Click here for Cheer
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