8 gorgeous Irish Christmas markets you need to visit this winter

Ireland has loads of incredible Christmas markets to visit this winter...

With cute wooden huts basking in the glow of twinkling lights and spiced mulled wine perfuming the air, Christmas markets are a great way to get swept up in the holiday spirit and enjoy the festive fun.

Now that the silly season is upon us, it’s time to round up those reindeer and get ready to jingle all the way to some cracking Christmas markets.

Christmas markets along the Wild Atlantic Way

Christmas Market Galway: 12 November - 22 December

The Christmas Market Galway in Eyre Square is one of the largest and longest-running festive markets in Ireland. Traditional wooden huts are full of all manner of goodies including crafts and gifts and traditional festive fayre like German bratwurst and pretzels and luscious hot chocolate and mulled wine.

With live entertainment, amusements, vintage carousels, a Ferris wheel and the Santa Express, this market sleighs when it comes to festive fun for the whole family.

Christmas at The Milk Market: Weekends from 3 - 19 December and from Wednesday 22 - Friday 24 December

Christmas at the Milk Market takes place in the heart of Limerick City and features a super selection of stalls and shops. The market is marvellous at any time of the year, but is extra special at Christmas as it's not only full of festive gifts and food, but festive cheer too.

This year, each weekend has a theme leading up to the famous Christmas food market on Christmas Eve. Adding to the cosy atmosphere are choral singers and a visit from Santa.

So be good, for goodness sake!

Strandhill People’s Market: 5, 12 and 19 December

For a Christmas market in a unique setting, head to the StrandHill People’s Market, which takes place in Hangar 1 at Sligo Airport. Stalls sell a selection of local crafts, foods and textiles as well as Christmas gifts and decorations. This is a wonderfully warm and welcoming market with added festive cheer thanks to the live music and entertainment provided by local musicians who belt out the tunes. It’s a holly jolly good time.

Christmas markets in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands

Roscommon Christmas Market: 11 & 12 December

The Roscommon Christmas Market takes place in the Town Square and is a family-friendly festive celebration. There is a great range of stalls including those selling artisan crafts, food and drink and there’s also lots of live music planned, as well as street performances and entertainment for the kiddies.

All of this takes place under a stunning 18ft crochet Christmas tree created by local school children. This market is brimming with Christmas spirit and community spirit too.

Athlone Christmas Market: 11/12 & 17/18/19 December

The Athlone Christmas Market in Count John McCormack Square has a fabulous festive feel thanks to the huge Christmas tree that dazzles with lights. Adorning the square are cute wooden cabins stocked with an enticing array of food and drink and crafts and gifts. To get you rocking around the Christmas tree there’s live entertainment by local musicians and the delightful Forget Me Not Choir.

Oh, and Santa Claus is coming to town to greet all the children. So, you better watch out!

Christmas markets in Dublin

Christmas at the Castle: 8 - 21 December

In the atmospheric, cobblestone courtyard of Dublin Castle, a cornucopia of festivities is planned for Christmas at the Castle. Under the twinkling lights, whilst choirs sing, you can get into the spirit of things as you stroll around the traditional alpine market stalls that sell inspiring gift ideas and traditional fayre by artisan producers. There’s also a gorgeous vintage carousel for the little ones to enjoy.

Enchanting and endearing, Christmas at the Castle is sure to warm the cockles of your heart this winter.

FYI: This market is free, but you do need to book tickets online.

Christmas markets in Ireland's Ancient East

Waterford Winterval, Waterford City: 19 November - 23 December

With charming festive lights, decorations and music, Waterford’s Winterval Festival transforms the streets of Ireland’s oldest city into a winter wonderland. At the Continental Christmas Market Quarter, you can saunter from stall to stall enjoying the warming food and drink and handcrafted gifts on offer.

There’s also a jam-packed programme of live performances and free and ticketed events to keep you rocking around Ireland’s largest Christmas tree. Before you leave, hop on the Ferris wheel and admire the seasonal sights of Waterford from above.

Wicklow Town Christmas Market: 27 November - 21 December

The Wicklow Christmas Market in the heart of Wicklow Town is a truly traditional affair. With sparkling Christmas lights and quaint decorations and wooden huts, it’s a magical setting in which to eat, drink and be merry. Everywhere you turn, stalls tempt you with festive foods whilst the aroma of spiced hot glühwein fills the air. You can also glide your way around an eco ice skating rink before climbing aboard The Santa Express to visit the big man and his family in the North Pole.

Psst… don’t forget to drop off your letter at Santa’s Post Office!

So, if you want to go walking in a wonderland this winter, plan a visit to Ireland's fabulously fun Christmas markets where you can embrace the festive season by enjoying the cracking celebrations.

Capacity restrictions may be in place at visitor attractions, sites and restaurants so you are encouraged to book ahead to avoid disappointment. The Leave No Trace principles help us make as little an impact as possible on the incredible Irish landscape as we explore the outdoors this winter and beyond. Keep outdoor areas safe, clean and free from waste/hazards, and help protect the natural environment. Love this place, leave no trace.

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