The 9 Best Christmas Markets in Ireland

Christmas is a special time of year in Ireland. The entire country, from bustling cities to quiet, tucked-away towns, is transformed into a winter wonderland. The scent of mulled wine fills the air, traditional Christmas music plays in the background, and twinkling lights illuminate historic streets. 

If you’re planning to visit during the holiday season, there’s one thing you simply can’t miss: Ireland’s Christmas markets. These buzzing fairs blend the charm of local culture with the warmth of Irish hospitality, making them an unforgettable way to get into the festive spirit.

What Are the Best Christmas Markets in Ireland?

Ireland offers a variety of Christmas markets, each with its own unique charm. Whether you’re in the centre of Dublin or exploring the quieter corners of the country, there’s a festive fair that’ll steal your heart. Here’s a guide to the top spots where you can shop for unique gifts, enjoy festive food, and experience the magic of a Christmas market in Ireland. 

1. Dublin Castle Christmas Market

Dublin Castle is not only one of the city’s most historic landmarks but also a wonderful setting for one of the top Christmas markets in Ireland. Think twinkling fairy lights, towering Christmas trees, and a variety of stalls offering local crafts, seasonal treats, and artisanal gifts. 

Whether you’re searching for a unique Christmas ornament or just enjoying the atmosphere with a warm cup of mulled wine, this market brings together the best of Dublin’s heritage and festive cheer.

The market is often accompanied by live music performances and occasional cultural displays, which add to the overall charm of the event. The blend of traditional Irish gifts and international influences makes it an ideal stop for anyone visiting Dublin during the holiday season.

Why Dublin Castle Christmas Market is One of the Best Christmas Markets in Ireland

Dublin Castle  Christmas Market is one of the best Christmas markets in Ireland for those seeking a festive fair with a setting. Its historic backdrop, combined with its buzzing atmosphere, makes it an ideal choice for anyone wanting to experience Dublin’s rich heritage while enjoying the magic of the season.

• Location: Dublin Castle, Dublin 2.
• What to Expect: Twinkling fairy lights, live music, and artisan crafts.
• Perfect For: History lovers, couples, and anyone looking for a traditional Christmas market experience.
• Highlights: A historic setting where you can shop for local crafts and enjoy mulled wine beneath the festive lights.

2. The Galway Christmas Market

In the west of Ireland, Galway’s Christmas market is a vibrant, artistic celebration that combines the city’s love for culture and its festive spirit. The market takes place in Eyre Square, a lively public space that’s a stone’s throw from some of Galway’s most famous attractions. Known for its artsy atmosphere, Galway’s market features an eclectic mix of crafts, food, and music that captures the essence of the city.

The market showcases handmade goods from local artisans, giving you the chance to pick up unique gifts that you won’t find anywhere else. Expect to find cosy woollen scarves, beautiful handcrafted jewellery, and traditional Irish decorations. The market is the perfect place to stroll, take in the lights, and discover the special touches that make Galway’s Christmas markets a must-see for visitors.

Why the Galway Christmas Market is One of the Best Christmas Markets in Ireland

Galway’s Christmas market is one of the top Christmas markets in Ireland for those looking for an artsy and cultural vibe. The market at Eyre Square features an eclectic mix of crafts, local food, and festive performances, all within walking distance of Galway’s charming streets.

• Location: Eyre Square, Galway.
• What to Expect: Handmade Irish crafts, food stalls, and live music.
• Perfect For: Shoppers looking for unique, locally made gifts, and anyone who enjoys a mix of culture and festive cheer.
• Highlights: Live music and traditional Irish crafts, plus plenty of opportunities to discover Galway’s vibrant festive atmosphere.

3. Belfast Christmas Market

In Northern Ireland, the Belfast Christmas Market at City Hall is one of the largest and most vibrant markets in the country. The market is renowned for its wide variety of goods, ranging from international foods to local crafts. The Belfast Christmas Market is perfect for those who want a bustling, big-city Christmas experience, with something to suit every taste.

You’ll find everything from Dutch pancakes (poffertjes) and speciality cheeses to handcrafted gifts from local artists. The market’s atmosphere is warm, festive, and welcoming, with twinkling lights and holiday decorations creating a magical setting. If you’re looking to experience Northern Ireland’s Christmas markets, this one is not to be missed, and it’s a great place to pick up last-minute gifts or simply enjoy some tasty food and holiday spirit.

Why Belfast Christmas Market is One of the Best Christmas Markets in Ireland

Belfast Christmas Market is the best Christmas market in Ireland for food lovers. Known for its wide range of food stalls offering everything from international dishes to local favourites, it’s the place to visit if you want to indulge in seasonal treats.

• Location: City Hall, Belfast.
• What to Expect: A variety of international food stalls, local crafts, and holiday entertainment.
• Perfect For: Food lovers and anyone looking for a big-city Christmas market with plenty of variety.
• Highlights: International food stalls, local handmade gifts, and a festive atmosphere with twinkling lights and holiday cheer.

4. Waterford Winterval

Waterford Winterval is one of Ireland’s oldest Christmas festivals, dating back over 20 years. Set in the picturesque city of Waterford, this market is perfect for families, as it offers plenty of activities, from ice skating to a festive carousel. The city itself is beautifully decorated, with Christmas lights brightening the streets, making it a wonderful place to visit during the holidays.

The market in Waterford features local food stalls, handmade crafts, and plenty of sweet treats. It’s a family-friendly market with a welcoming atmosphere, making it a great choice for those visiting Ireland with children. Don’t forget to visit Catherine Street, where the Christmas lights create a magical atmosphere.

Why Waterford Winterval is One of the Best Christmas Markets in Ireland

Waterford Winterval is one of the best Christmas markets in Ireland for families, offering a blend of festive fun and family-friendly activities. From ice skating to a Christmas carousel, there’s something for everyone in Waterford’s historic city centre.

• Location: Waterford city centre.
• What to Expect: Ice skating, carousel rides, local food, and festive gifts.
• Perfect For: Families looking for a fun and active Christmas market experience.
• Highlights: Seasonal activities like ice skating and rides, plus lots of local food stalls offering holiday treats.

5. The Wicklow Christmas Market

Set against the backdrop of the stunning Wicklow Mountains, the Wicklow Christmas Market at Powerscourt Estate is one of Ireland’s most scenic and tranquil Christmas markets. 

This market is perfect for those looking to escape the bustle of city life and immerse themselves in a quieter, more relaxed holiday experience. The stalls are filled with a brilliant selection of artisan goods, including local food, handmade crafts, and seasonal gifts. With the backdrop of the historic Powerscourt Estate and the surrounding mountains, it’s a perfect spot to spend a peaceful afternoon enjoying the Christmas spirit.

Why Wicklow Christmas Market is One of the Best Christmas Markets in Ireland

The Wicklow Christmas Market is one of the best Christmas markets in Ireland for those seeking a scenic, tranquil market experience. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Wicklow Mountains, the market offers a peaceful atmosphere with artisan crafts and seasonal treats.

• Location: Powerscourt Estate, Wicklow.
• What to Expect: Artisan crafts, local food, and a relaxed shopping environment.
• Perfect For: Those seeking a quieter, more scenic market experience away from larger crowds.
• Highlights: A market surrounded by breathtaking views of the Wicklow Mountains, ideal for peaceful shopping and relaxation.

6. Swords Castle Christmas Market

For those looking to experience a quieter, more intimate market just outside of Dublin city, the Swords Castle Christmas Market is a hidden gem. Located in the scenic surroundings of Swords Castle, this market offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city while still capturing the spirit of Christmas. Stalls selling handmade crafts, local delicacies, and holiday decorations line the courtyard, and the atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed.

The picturesque backdrop of the castle ruins and the charming village of Swords make this a unique spot to shop for gifts and enjoy the Christmas season. If you’re visiting Dublin during the holidays and want a quieter market experience, Swords Castle is the place to go.

Why Swords Castle Christmas Market is One of the Best Christmas Markets in Ireland

Swords Castle Christmas Market is one of the best Christmas markets in Ireland for those wanting a quieter, more intimate experience. Nestled in the scenic surroundings of Swords Castle, this market offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city centre while still capturing the festive spirit.

• Location: Swords Castle, Dublin.
• What to Expect: Handmade crafts, local delicacies, and a relaxed, festive atmosphere.
• Perfect For: Those looking for a peaceful shopping experience away from the city’s crowds.
• Highlights: Enjoy browsing unique gifts in a historic setting with fewer crowds and a calm, festive atmosphere.

7. The Kilkenny Christmas Market

Kilkenny is known for its medieval charm, and its Christmas market captures this essence beautifully. The Kilkenny Christmas Market is a smaller, intimate affair compared to Dublin or Belfast’s larger events, but it makes up for its size with personality and charm. 

With a variety of handmade gifts, local crafts, and Irish food, the market is perfect for those looking to find a unique gift or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere. The stunning backdrop of Kilkenny Castle adds to the magic of the experience, and the town’s friendly vibe makes it feel like you’re walking through a real Christmas storybook.

Why the Kilkenny Christmas Market is One of the Best Christmas Markets in Ireland

Kilkenny’s Christmas market is one of the best Christmas markets in Ireland for picking up unique Irish gifts. Set in the charming medieval streets of Kilkenny, the market features local crafts, food, and a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.

• Location: Kilkenny city centre, near Kilkenny Castle.
• What to Expect: Handmade gifts, local food, and a cosy, intimate atmosphere.
• Perfect For: Shoppers looking for authentic Irish gifts and anyone who wants to experience the charm of a medieval town at Christmas.
• Highlights: Handmade crafts and a market located near Kilkenny Castle, giving the whole experience a medieval charm.

8. Cork City Christmas Market

Cork hosts another of the best Christmas markets in Ireland. Often called the Glow Cork Christmas Market, this event is a truly magical experience right in the city centre, in Emmet Place.

Against the backdrop of Cork’s historic streets, there are festive stalls lining the streets, selling everything from handcrafted gifts to local food and drink. The soft glow of Christmas lights illuminates the cobblestone streets, and the scent of mulled wine and freshly baked goods fills the air. This is an ideal spot for those who want to experience one of Ireland’s lively Christmas markets without the larger crowds found in larger cities. 

Why Cork City Christmas Market is One of the Best Christmas Markets in Ireland

Cork’s Glow Christmas Market is one of the best Christmas markets in Ireland for a local, vibrant experience. Located in the heart of Cork, this market is filled with festive stalls offering a variety of Irish crafts, seasonal treats, and local food.

• Location: Emmet Place, Cork.
• What to Expect: Handcrafted gifts, festive food stalls, and vibrant light displays.
• Perfect For: Those looking for a lively, local experience with plenty of Irish charm.
• Highlights: A welcoming, festive atmosphere with Irish-made goods and seasonal food, plus the city’s iconic holiday lights.

9. TwinkleTown at Smithfield Square

TwinkleTown at Smithfield Square is a lively and interactive Christmas market in Dublin, perfect for families or those looking for a bit of extra excitement. Here, you’ll find an ice skating rink, a Ferris wheel, and all the festive treats you could wish for. The market’s vibrant atmosphere is filled with the scent of hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts, and freshly baked pastries. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the excitement of the season with a bit of fun, as the attractions cater to people of all ages.

What makes TwinkleTown special is its mix of tradition and funfair. After you’ve spent time shopping for local crafts and gourmet food, you can relax on one of the many benches, take in the lights, and enjoy the joyful atmosphere. Whether you want to skate on the ice rink or shop for unique gifts, this market offers an experience you won’t forget.

Why TwinkleTown is One of the Best Christmas Markets in Ireland

TwinkleTown at Smithfield Square is one of the best Christmas markets in Ireland for families. With a funfair, ice rink, and plenty of interactive attractions, it offers the perfect balance of festive cheer and family-friendly fun.

• Location: Smithfield Square, Dublin.
• What to Expect: Ice skating, Ferris wheel, and festive food stalls.
• Perfect For: Families with children, thrill-seekers, and anyone looking for a lively market experience.
• Highlights: The perfect spot for some fun, with lots of interactive attractions and plenty of festive snacks to enjoy.

Which Christmas Market to Visit in Ireland?

From the grand markets in Dublin and Belfast to the quieter, more intimate settings in Kilkenny and Wicklow, Ireland’s Christmas markets offer something for everyone. Whether you’re in search of handcrafted gifts, delicious food, or a place to simply enjoy the festive atmosphere, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your needs at this magical time of year on the Emerald Isle.

Want to experience Ireland’s best Christmas for yourself? Explore our Private Experiences, where we can combine the country’s top attractions with the most magical Christmas markets. Get in touch today to start planning your dream festive getaway to Ireland.

FAQ

Does Ireland Have Christmas Markets?

If you’re wondering whether there are Christmas markets in Ireland, the answer is yes! Ireland has several Christmas markets across its cities and towns, each offering a unique experience and showcasing the best of Irish craft, food, and festive spirit.

When Do Christmas Markets Start in Ireland?

Most Christmas markets in Ireland open in late November and run through to Christmas Eve. This gives you ample time to enjoy the festivities.

Where Are the Christmas Markets in Ireland?

Ireland’s Christmas markets can be found in major cities like Dublin, Belfast, and Galway, as well as smaller towns like Kilkenny, Waterford, and Wicklow.

What is the Biggest Christmas Market in Ireland?

Dublin and Belfast are both home to some of the biggest Christmas markets in Ireland. You can expect a wide variety of stalls, food, drink and craft stalls, as well as activities, and attractions for visitors of all ages.

What Are the Best Christmas Markets in Ireland?

The best Christmas market in Ireland depends on your own personal preferences. For a lively atmosphere, Dublin or Belfast come out on top. For a quieter, more intimate experience, Kilkenny, Waterford, and Wicklow host some of the best smaller Christmas markets in Ireland. 

If you have any other questions, check our main FAQs page.