OVER THE COLD Christmas period, many of us will have sunken into our couches, gotten used to the comfort of home and perhaps even forgotten that the outside world still exists.
But with the new year comes the opportunity to discover the vast array of wonderful possibilities that are waiting right outside your door, only a short journey away. 2025 can be the year that you explore Ireland and seize the opportunity to love where you live. It’s a new year, a new you, and potentially even a brand new chance to experience Ireland in a way that you never have before.
This is Ireland On Your Doorstep, so let’s see what’s on your doorstep as you start the new year on the front foot.
Howth Market, Dublin, every weekend
Over the festive period you probably had a chance to visit one of Ireland’s many glistening Christmas markets, but Dublin boasts a range of high-quality open-air markets all year round. One market that is guaranteed to give you a special day out is Howth Market in north Dublin. Open every weekend from 9am to 6pm, the market boasts over 25 stalls featuring artisanal gifts, world cuisine and a range of rare finds.
Situated in the beachside peninsula of Howth, a visit to the market also makes for a great day out, and hitting it in January might mean that you beat the crowds too.
Hiking Club Ireland, every Saturday
Based out of Dublin, Hiking Club Ireland has been hiking every Saturday for several years now, and getting involved is as easy as creating an account on their website. While the hike schedule for 2025 is yet to be released, the group has confirmed that it is coming soon. Many of the hikes take place in either the Dublin or Wicklow Mountains, but the group has been known to venture up to Co Down and as far south as the Dingle peninsula.
The hikes are open to everybody, and they vary week-by-week in terms of duration and difficulty, meaning there’s something for you whether you fancy really pushing yourself to the limit or a more leisurely starting point for a new hobby. Signing up for a hike costs only a nominal fee, often as low as €1. Find out more about Hiking Club Ireland at their Facebook page here.
Pop Up Gaeltacht, 22 January, Seamus Ennis Arts Centre, Dublin
The Irish language is certainly having a resurgence at the moment, and the start of the new year is perfect time overcome those Leaving Cert fears and learn to love your language again — and we don’t mean sitting at home on Duolingo. Pop Up Gaeltachts have been running throughout Ireland for years now and January sees one taking place at the Seamus Ennis Arts Centre in Naul.
TSEACH say ‘the event is suitable for all levels; so, if you would like to learn Irish in a low-pressure environment, then come along and join us for some coffee and chats’. Helpfully, the event is also free, though they do tend to be popular so booking is deemed to be essential.
Atlantic Irish Fest, 18-22 January, Donegal
Nestled away in Ireland’s northwest, Donegal is often thought of as one of Ireland’s forgotten counties, despite its verdant beauty, its gorgeous coastline, and its rich culture. The Atlantic Irish Fest is a celebration of all of the above and includes many low-cost trad performances should you find yourself up that way in January of the new year.
If you book through Go Visit Donegal, there are even packages available to you which include transport to and from Dublin should you need it. There is a range of ‘cultural talks and tours, outdoor activities and a full program of live music with Donegal’s best musicians’ on offer at the festival, and you can find out more here.
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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