Enjoy a Christmas city break in Ireland

Decked with twinkling lights, giant wreaths and gravity-defying chandeliers, Dublin during Christmas is at its best when you're ambling around the cobblestone streets with a mug of Butler’s hot chocolate. Here’s what not to miss…

Famous buskers: As you stroll beneath the canopy of festive lights on Grafton Street, keep an ear out. Why? Because musicians like Bono, Hozier and Glen Hansard usually swing by and busk to support charities.

Christmas morning swim: Every Christmas morning hundreds of brave souls gather at the Forty Foot, an iconic deep sea inlet, for a bracing dip in the Irish Sea. The atmosphere is unbeatable – as are the free post-swim sausages.

Don't let the festivities end at Christmas: Dublin’s New Year’s Festival is a three-day extravaganza in the heart of the city. Landmarks light up, side streets become carnivals and the best international and Irish music acts usher in the new year with gusto.

Belfast is a place that radiates Christmas spirit, and with the city cementing its reputation as a must-visit destination for foodies, there are plenty of local flavours to spice things up. Make sure you check these out…

Shopping at St George’s Market: Last-minute shoppers love St George’s Market which opens even longer around Christmas. Over 200 stalls showcase festive food like ginger wine and mince pies, as well as handmade products including Donegal tweed and local bog oak sculptures. 

Santa’s steam train: Get onboard a steam-hauled locomotive, and have Saint Nick take you on a roundtrip along Northern Ireland's historic rail line. Choo choo!

Christmas at City Hall: This magical Christmas market basks in the glow of City Hall and specialises in local favourites. Delicacies like Yellowman toffee, crisp shortbread and a mug of something mulled are sure to get you in the spirit.

What is it that makes Cork so special at Christmas? We think it's the centuries-old traditions, unconventional markets and heartwarming acts of kindness. These are the celebrations unique to Cork you need to see… 

An epic Christmas experience: Other cities do Christmas. Cork does Corkmas – an exhilarating blend of festive parade, a Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the city and, of course, a cosy Christmas market where you can pick up artisan crafts and tasty treats. 

A spiced delicacy: Cork has contributed a lot to the world but spiced beef is in a class of its own. Traditionally served in Cork households at Christmas and New Year, it can be boiled in Guinness before being roasted with spices including allspice, cloves and peppercorn. Pick it up at Tom Durcan's stall in the famous English Market. You'll thank us!

A special Christmas tree: All Christmas trees are special, but the Remembrance Tree is even more special. The tree is draped in gold ribbons, each inscribed with memories that people don't want to forget. Add your own to make Christmas unforgettable