CHRISTMAS IS IN full swing and no matter where you turn there’s plenty to do, whether it be Christmas markets, trips to Santa’s grotto, or simply taking in the city lights on a cold, crisp December evening.
The festive spirit is never hard to find in Ireland, so let us help you plan out some events and activities that are sure to light up your yuletide season.
This is Ireland On Your Doorstep, so let’s see what’s on your doorstep so you can love where you live this festive season.
Glenveagh Christmas Market at Winterval
Waterford has staked its claim as Ireland’s Christmas capital, and this year it has been recognised as European City of Christmas for 2024. This year the iconic festival is also home to the Glenveagh Christmas Market, The market spans the heart of Waterford city, including Georges Street, Gladstone Street and O’Connell Street. With over 100 food, craft and drinks producers and creators, you’re bound to plenty of snacks, treats and gifts to put a smile on your face.
There are also plenty of Winterval activities and events taking place in or around the market, including 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 & Fairground Exhibition.
Dublin Castle Christmas Market
There are few cities better than Dublin when it comes to Christmas cheers, and the free Christmas market at Dublin Castle is the perfect way to spend a winter’s day. Running until 19 December, the market is open every day between midday and 9pm, and boasts ‘over 30 traditional alpine market stalls featuring an array of decorative crafts and inspiring gift ideas’.
Not only is the market in full swing, but there is also the chance to access the city’s State Apartments for free, which includes a tour around the Throne Room, State Drawing Room or even St Patrick’s Hall, all decked out with Christmas fare. Each night features musical performances, sure to leave you feeling inspired before Christmas week.
Galway Christmas Market
Anyone who’s ever spent time in Galway City at Christmas time knows that the City of the Tribes knows how to do Christmas. A ring of stalls around Eyre Square creates a vibrant and infectious atmosphere and this year it’s running all the way up until 5 January.
This year the market is stocked with more than 50 wooden cabins where you can delight in the seasonal spirit as well as much more to keep you occupied, whether you’re a couple or a family, including the Big Wheel, the Carousel, a Santa’s Grotto, and of course the German Bier Keller. Between Thursdays and Saturdays the market is open for business between 10am and 10pm, meaning you can easily fit it into your trip out west.
Corkmas 2024
If you’re planning on a trip down south this Christmas, be sure to stop by Corkmas. The city boasts the Marina Market as well as a weekly market between Thursdays and Sundays at Emmet Place. The city will be transformed by a new interactive exhibit called Solas, a large scale public lighting installation taking place this year on Grand Parade ‘where the streetscape will be which will be transformed into an immersive Christmas lightscape’. The installation is a 360 lightshow accompanied by music that is sure to delight young and old.
There is also a 32km high ferris wheel overlooking the city that is sure to give you the full sense of just how lit up the city is with Christmas joy.
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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