THE DAYS ARE getting shorter and Halloween decorations have come down. Any young family knows that means we are now officially counting the sleeps until Christmas.
The time for scarves, woolly hats and heavy coats is upon us, but that means there is also a whole slate of events, activities and things to see across Ireland. You can’t beat the crisp Irish air and twinkling Christmas lights on an evening and we’ve put together a selection of events that should help you quickly get over the days getting shorter and embrace the end-of-year-spirit.
This is Ireland On Your Doorstep, so let’s see what’s on your doorstep so you can love where you live in the lead-up to Christmas 2024.
Winterval
WINTERVAL / Vimeo
Over the past few years, Winterval has become the jewel in the centre of Waterford’s Christmas Crown — it is therefore no surprise that Waterford has been named European City of Christmas for 2024. An unmissable event if you plan on hitting the southeast over the next few weeks, the festival kicks off on 15 November.
The variety on offer at the festival is unmatched. There is live music, light shows, an ice-skating rink, an adrenaline stunt show, an exploration dome. Whatever you want your Winterval experience to be, you can make it happen. The unique winter festival includes such activities as the Winterval Mini-Express Train, the Bricks 4 Kidz Land of Lego, Santa’s VR Sleigh Ride, The Snow Globe, Live Music, the Garter Lane Indoor Craft Market, The Polish Christmas Village, and The Model Circus and Farground Exhibition. Check out the full range of what’s on here, and remember to take your time exploring the Glenveagh Christmas Market, which is proud to support multiple charity partners which will be featured at the market’s Glenveagh cabin.
Grafton St Christmas Lights
While there’s plenty to see this month all across Ireland, you don’t need to travel too far to experience one of the most magical nights of the year right here in the capital.
While there’s no official date released yet for the momentous occasion, it typically takes place a few weeks before the end of November. Last year the Grafton St lights were switched on 17 November, and you can expect something similar this year.
There’s nothing quite like Dublin city centre at Christmastime, though, so don’t confine yourself to the Grafton Quarter. Lights will be sparkling all across the city, so be sure to do some shopping after dark, grab a hot chocolate and take in the winter vibes.
Dublin Castle Christmas Market
While the dates for the Dublin Castle Christmas Market are yet to be confirmed for 2024, the free thoroughfare at one of Dublin’s most picturesque and iconic locations is an essential part of the Christmas experience. Likely launching at the end of November or beginning of December, the market is always populated with dozens of authentic, alpine market stalls serving the drinks and treats you need to keep your hands warm while you browse for unique gifts in glittering atmosphere.
Listowel Food Fair
If you fancy some time away from the city to gaze at some stars in the clear country skies, you could do much worse than taking yourself and your palate down to the Listowel Food Fair. The ideal event is the Craft and Food Fair Food Hall which will be held in the Listowel Arms Hotel on Sunday, 10 November, and is open to public with plenty of fresh produce and baked goods on sale. If you want really get into the culinary delights, there are also plenty of ticketed seminars which you can look into here.
The festival begins on 7 November and finishes on 11 November.
As one of Ireland’s largest community builders, Glenveagh is proud to support over 1,000 community initiatives across Ireland. From sporting clubs to schools, to countless local activities. Because Love Where You Live is not just what Glenveagh says, it’s what you do. Discover your new Glenveagh community today.
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