Get the gloves on and prepare for lots of mulled wine and shopping.
We may not have Christmas markets to the same extent other European countries do, but you can still experience the magic of the holiday season in Ireland if getting on a flight this time of year just isn't happening (who has the Annual Leave to take, let alone the funds).
From Dublin Castle to Eyre Square, Ireland has come a long way with its Christmas Market offering, with plenty of spots around the country for visitors to experience seasonal treats, and a festive atmosphere. Immerse yourself in the charm of these markets, where twinkling lights, dozens of market stalls, and the scent of mulled wine fills the air.
Winterval
Location: Waterford
Winterval, Ireland's largest Christmas festival returns to Waterford with over 100 food, craft and drinks producers and creators set to feature.
The Winterval Glenveagh Market will be set out in a series of wooden cabins, fulfilling your traditional festive fantasies with stalls from local, regional and national producers nestled amongst the sparkly Christmas atmosphere Winterval attendees know and love.
Friday, November 17th until Saturday, December 23rd
Athlone Christmas Markets
Location: Westmeath
The Athlone Christmas Markets are only on for a long weekend, but are well worth the visit for the great stalls, festive food, caroling, entertainment, and so much more.
You can find it at Civic Square.
Running between December 14th and 17th.
Yulefest
Location: Kilkenny
Santa is preparing for his journey to Kilkenny at the end of this month.
His arrival will mark the beginning of the Yulefest Christmas Market in Kilkenny, a twinkling assortment of festive treats, creative crafts, live music and family entertainment.
Santa will arrive to the city by boat on Saturday, 25th November, sailing up the River Nore before taking a trip around the city and finishing up at Kilkenny Castle. He'll round off the evening with the important task of switching on Kilkenny's Christmas lights as part of the Yulefest Parade. There'll also be live music and a chance for some children to join Santa on his jaunt around town.
Saturday, November 25th to Saturday, December 23rd
Eyre Square Christmas Market
Location: Galway
You can once again find the Galway Christmas Market in Eyre Square.
The markets open Monday to Wednesday 12pm to 8pm, Thursday to Saturday 10am to 10pm, and Sundays 10am to 8pm. Meaning you can pop over after work or have ample time over the weekend to attend.
So what's on this year? In the market's 13th year running, you can visit Santa, ride the ferris wheel, and check out over 50 wooden chalets selling everything from seasonal treats, to arts and crafts perfect for gifting.
Good news for all the Galway locals, or anyone making a trip there this side of Christmas. The market will run all the way into 2024, finishing up on January 7th, which means they will be providing two months of festive fun to the City of Tribes.
Friday 10th November until Sunday 7th January 2024
Belfast Christmas Market
Location: Antrim
The Belfast Christmas Markets are some of the best we have to offer.
This year's markets kick off on Saturday November 18th and run until Saturday December 22nd.
Expect a host of international vendors offering incredible food and unique gifts, as well as Santa's grotto.
The 2023 markets will see the return of the vintage Helter Skelter, offering stunning views right across the market, and the much-loved carousel.
Saturday, November 18th until Friday, December 22nd
Christmas at the Castle
Location: Dublin
Back by popular demand, Christmas at Dublin Castle was bustling between the hours of 12pm and 9pm, seven days a week last year.
One of Dublin's few Christmas market offerings, the central location as well as the
The historic courtyard of Dublin Castle will be filled with over 25 stalls, featuring an array of decorative crafts and inspiring gifts. Indulge in traditional fare sold by artisan producers and soak up the festive atmosphere - and don't forget to visit the vintage carousel.
Running from December 6th - 19th
Wicklow Christmas Markets
Location: Wicklow
If the bout of colder weather this week has you dreaming of perusing Christmassy craft stalls, mulled wine in mittened hand, you're in luck - Wicklow Christmas Market is making its tinsel-clad return to Wicklow Town this month, with plenty of holiday treats to look forward to.
On offer you'll find over 40 craft stalls set up alongside a diverse array of food vendors, with plenty of entertainment scheduled to enhance the festive atmosphere. There'll be stilt walkers, live music and a fire show, with a carnival full of fun fair rides to keep everyone entertained. At the stalls you'll be able to browse handcrafted ornaments, paintings, toys, homemade chutneys and jams, all from local artisans who you won't find stocked anywhere else.
Wicklow Christmas Market launches on Nov 18th and opens on the 19th, 24th, 25th, 26th; Dec 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 9th, 10th, 15th, 16th, 17th from 10am - 7.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays, and 2pm - 7.30pm on Fridays.
Header images via Getty
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