6 Christmas Markets in Ireland (and two surprises)
Belfast Christmas Market, Belfast
Belfast, Dublin & Galway
Belfast Continental Christmas Market
The grounds of Belfast City Hall transform into a bustling continental village this Christmas, featuring every mouthwatering European treat imaginable. Italian chocolates, hog roast and speciality cheese from around the world will satisfy any craving. Now, where’s that figgy pudding?
Twinkletown, Dublin
One of the world's coolest neighbourhoods (according to Time Out) comes alive at Christmas. Twinkletown transforms the historical Smithfield Square into a festive wonderland. Expect a vintage fairground, ice rink, spiegeltent for that all-important entertainment and, of course, a vibrant Christmas market.
Christmas in Galway
Could Galway's city centre be any cosier? Maybe at Christmas. Warm lights, cute wood cabins and a whopper of a Christmas tree set the scene, with a music stage for carollers, children’s workshops and visit from Mr S. Claus all planned. Expect exciting foods, too, from savoury German sausages and pretzels to yummy chocolate waffles.
Corkmas, Cork city © Darragh Kane
Limerick, Cork & Waterford
Christmas at Limerick's Milk Market
Is the Milk Market the finest of its kind in Ireland? It's certainly up there. Green is the name of the game here with organic food and a green ethos central to the running of this impressive vaulted space. Come Christmas, come yuletide cheer, and the market is decked out in cosy seasonal style with choirs and carollers providing an atmospheric Christmas soundtrack.
Corkmas, Cork
Christmas in Cork means FOOD. Emmet Place transforms into a Christmas village with cute wooden chalets offering a selection of seasonal treats and artisan crafts. Elsewhere, the Corkmas Parade features marching bands, dancers and Santa Claus himself, while the iconic Ferris Wheel is back on Grand Parade.
Winterval, Waterford
Waterford is the European City of Christmas, which means Winterval festivities are bigger and better than ever. Free and ticketed events range from the Winterval Sky Spectacular Drone Show to the Winterval Circus and, of course, the Christmas Market.
Hillsborough Castle, County Down
And don't miss...
Santa's Cottage, County Down: Nestled in the Mourne Mountains, Santa’s Cottage is a snug, 19th century retreat, with whitewashed walls, stone floors and open fires. Between the orchard, hen house, and trout-filled lakes, Santa never goes hungry. Visitors are welcome to pop into the elves’ workshop, meet Rudolph or grab a bite in Mrs Claus’ café.
Days of Christmas Past, County Tyrone: Over in Omagh’s Ulster American Folk Park, Santa has another task on his hands as he and Mrs Claus take visitors back in time and along the journey of a traditional Ulster family at Christmas. An outdoor museum, traditional crafts, and read-along sessions with Santa's elves are the icing on the Christmas cake.