Log fires, great walks, good atmosphere, Christmas markets... we look at the top 5 places to celebrate Christmas in Ireland.

Waterford Winterval



Winterval at Waterford is by far the largest celebration of the festive season in Ireland. This year there is a trail of over 30 different events and activities and most of these are free of charge. Some of the family favorites include the Singing Christmas Tree, the Horse Drawn Victorian Sleigh and this year there will be a free Toy Museum featuring a ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Transformers’ theme. There is a Polar Express Train and a Santa Experience also at Winterval.


Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market
Dun Laoghaire is always a picturesque and lively place to spend Christmas with the beauty of the coastline nearby, while still close to Dublin city and the variety of choices available there. This year from 21st November to Christmas Eve, there will be a Christmas Festival held in the town. There will be an open-air Christmas market, old-world children’s amusements, fireworks and free treasure hunts. There is also a Santa’s Grotto and traditional Christmas crib, in addition to carol singing and all sorts of festive fun.

Glow in Cork City



The county of Cork is pretty unbeatable when it comes to a choice of Christmas entertainment and celebration. In addition to the charms of the city, there is an amazing landscape and choice of beaches and stunning walks all over the county. This year the Glow Christmas Celebration provides a brilliant lead-up to Christmas. From 27th November to 20th December, a family-friendly wonderland has been created in Bishop Lucey Park in the heart of the city at Grand Parade. The Park will be transformed in to Santa’s Workshop and children can watch elves working and playing with interactive toys, post a letter to the North Pole and enjoy carol singers and musicians.

Dublin at Christmas
A winter craft market at Saint Stephens Green in Dublin sets the tone for the magical atmosphere of Dublin city at Christmas. Marvel at the lights of Grafton Street and Henry Street and enjoy walking around listening to the buskers. This year ‘I Believe’, Ireland’s first winter food, drink, craft and horticulture festival will be held at the CHQ Custom House Quarter and admission is free. A huge Christmas tree has been erected and there is a village with picture-postcard scenery and 28 days of family entertainment from 28th November to 23rd December.

Galway – Continental Christmas Market



The City of the Tribes sees the return of the Galway Continental Christmas Market this year from Friday 20th November to Tuesday 22nd December. The Galway Continental Christmas Market had over 400,000 visitors last year. The atmosphere is very seasonal, transforming Eyre Square with over 50 wooden chalets including Santa’s Grotto. This year an Enchanted Garden has been installed and there will be live performances including puppet shows, school choirs and carol singing.

Have a very Happy Christmas – wherever you choose to celebrate it this year across Ireland.