Are you in the market for a Christmas Market?
Galway Christmas Market
The Galway Christmas market is Irelands largest and have been on the go since 2013. We went to the opening night and it was incredible. The atmosphere and sheer number of fabulous stalls made the trip to the city of Tribes all the more worthwhile. We stayed in the luxurious Galmont Hotel that is a 3 min walk from the location in Eyre Square. The market opened on Friday, November 12th, 2021 and run until Monday, December 20th, 2021. Visitors can expect to enjoy a wide variety of entertainment and stalls located in Eyre Square in Galway City centre. There are numerous amusement rides including a giant Big Wheel that overlooks Eyre Square and traditional Carousel, Santa’s Express Train, live music performers, puppet shows, storytelling, school choirs, and a Santa’s Grotto to be run by local charities.
Food lovers can feast on a bratwurst, French pastries, pretzels or confectionery, crêpes and waffles, while families and friends can enjoy a walk through the enchanted light gardens providing the backdrop for a Christmas Market photo, stop off at Santa’s postbox, interact with local charities and much more.
Belfast Christmas Market
It’s official – the Belfast Christmas Market 2021 will return on November 20th and it’ll run until December 23rd.
The grounds of Belfast City Hall will come alive again during the last 6 weeks of 2021 thanks to the arrival of the Belfast Christmas markets.
With twinkling lights suspending above colourful wooden chalets serving food, drinks, and festive crafts, Christmas joy and merriment is in abundance at this market.
With over a month of festivities, the market is taking place from 20 November to 23 December. So, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make your way around all the festive stalls and try all the delicious foods on offer.
Waterford Christmas Market
Waterford Winterval is another of the more popular Christmas markets in Ireland, and we have been to it twice in the apst. The event truly takes over the town to make a true winterwonderland.
Waterford Christmas Market 2021 dates starts around Saturday, November 19th and run until Tuesday, December 23rd.
Visitors here can expect everything from the big market, the ice skating rink and the Illuminates feature along with the Winterval Train, the huge 32 metre high Waterford Eye and more.
Cork Christmas Market
Every year, Cork City’s Grand Parade and Bishop Lucey Park house the Cork Christmas market. It has been confirmed that Glow Cork will run from Friday, November 26th to Thursday, January 9th, 2022.
Visitors here can expect everything from the now-iconic Ferris wheel and the usual market stalls to some finely decked out streets. Here are a handful of other things to see (note: these were present at last year’s market):
Local choirs, groups, and bands banging out Christmas favourites
Santa’s workshop
The North Pole express toy train
A merry-go-round
Dublin Castle Christmas Market
It has been confirmed that the 2021 Dublin Castle Christmas market will take place from Wednesday, December 8th until Tuesday, December 21st.
Which, in a way, is a surprise, as the Mistletown Market was just cancelled. However, the big difference is the Christmas market in Dublin Castle is outdoor, while the Mistletown Market was due to be indoor.
When you made your way past the dozens of Christmas tress that line the entrance you will find yourself in a big courtyard, packed with stalls, amusement rides, an open-air bar and more.
This years markets look to be going in a similar direction. Here’s an overview of the different food, entertainment and stalls you can expect.
Wicklow Christmas Market
Our next Irish Christmas market is one of the newer Christmas markets Ireland has to offer. The Wicklow Christmas market takes place at Leitrim Pl, The Murrough, Corporation Land (1st Division), Wicklow, Ireland.
Pull out the stocking caps and mittens, grab a steaming mug of mulled wine, and get ready to immerse yourself into the festive spirit, because the Wicklow Christmas Market is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever!
Entry into the Wicklow Christmas Market is Free - browse local, artisan craft and food stalls, and soak up the Christmas atmosphere. New for 2021, is our Eco Ice Skating Rink, and of course our popular Santa Express experience is back!
Dates announced for this year’s market are November 27th and 28th , 3-5, 10-12, and 16-21 December.
Entry is free, and highlights include a festive range of food and craft stalls, live entertainment, a funfair, and even alpacas!
Located in Leitrim Place at the heart of Wicklow Town, there is plenty for all ages to eat, drink, and be merry.
Winterfest at Guinness Storehouse
This year, the Home of Guinness launches Winterfest at the Guinness Storehouse.
From 27th November 2021 – 2nd January 2022, the Home of Guinness will be transformed into a five-week winter extravaganza.
The Guinness Storehouse will come alive over the festive period with a showstopping Christmas tree curated by award winning graphic designer Annie Atkins, pop up music and entertainment, light shows, festive food and more.
Swords Castle Christmas Market
Swords Christmas Market will take place on Friday 29th November from 3 pm – 8 pm, Saturday 30th November from 12 pm to 8 pm and on Sunday 1st December from 11am to 6pm. There will be traders with an emphasis on local produce, artists and collectors as well as lots of family fun including Santa Claus, kids Christmas cartoon cinema club and musical/magic shows
Yulefest Kilkenny
Kilkenny, the hero county of Ireland’s ancient East welcomes you to Yulefest – Christmas in Kilkenny. An extended celebration of Christmas and all the wonders of winter, starting November 27th.
The Yulefest programme of events has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a festive staycation or family fun-activities Yulefest in Kilkenny has something for you. With great shopping and food as standard come celebrate the magic of Christmas in our beautiful Medieval city and county.
Our elves are busy finalising the programme but you can expect winter markets, elves workshops, movies, pop-up parks, live music, concerts, and lots more. The festival begins with Santa’s arrival into the city on Saturday the 27th of November.
Killarney Christmas Market
The Killarney Christmas Market is the largest market in Kerry County. There are many stalls where you can buy local Irish produce, gourmet food and everyday items made by local artisans, including delicious cinnamon-based pastries. You can even taste them with a cup of mulled wine or cider!
In addition, Santa Claus comes every year to meet the children. He meets them in “Santa’s village”, which is set up especially for him in Killarney. On the program, plush houses, gift making with the elves, and a reindeer stable. A festive atmosphere awaits, to the great joy of young and old alike!
Finally, the market also offers horse-drawn carriage rides: a gentle and romantic activity to discover the charm of Killarney, while staying warm, curled up under a blanket … What better way to dive into the heart of the Christmas atmosphere?
Killarney Christmas Market will launch on Friday 3rd December 2021 at 10.00am Located at Scotts Street, Killarney
Limerick
Sample some wonderful local Christmas fare a with a range of themed markets, handmade crafts and gifts, seasonal foods, vintage chic and festive fun for all the family!
Christmas at Limerick Milk Market Dates & Times:
Fri 3rd December @ 11am – 3pm | Christmas Outdoor Café
Sat 4th December @ 8am – 3pm | Famous Food Xmas Edition
Sun 5th December @ 10am – 4pm | Christmas Record Fair
Fri 10th December @ 11am – 3pm | TY Student Enterprise Market
Fri 10th December @ 7pm - 9pm | Boherbuoy Brass & Reed Band
Sat 11th December @ 8am – 3pm | Famous Food Xmas Edition
Sun 12th December @ 11am – 4pm | Christmas Art Fair with music from St. Johns Brass & Reed Band
Fri 17th December @ 11am – 3pm | Christmas Outdoor Café
Sat 18th December @ 8am – 3pm | Famous Food Xmas Edition
Sun 19th December @ 11am – 4pm | Christmas Antique & Vintage Fair
Wed 22nd December @ 11am – 3pm | Limerick Suicide Watch Fundraiser Day featuring Downtown Dixieland Band
So enjoy one of the most Christmassy experiences of Christmas. But please be careful and be safe.