The best Christmas Markets in Ireland

Don’t you know what to to at Christmas? The Christmas markets are the best option to enjoy these holidays.

The arrival of the cold doesn’t mean that you should stay at home. Although watching a film lying on the couch and covered with a blanket may seem the best plan for Christmas, there are many other options that you should keep in mind so that the cold and wait until the arrival of Santa Claus is more bearable.

If you are also one of those who loves Christmas, you are in luck because it one of the best times of the year to make plans of any kind and in any company.

Why should you go to the Christmas markets? Firstly, because in most of them there are food stalls that, on occasions, are from other countries and it is always good to try it. And, secondly, because it is a good opportunity to buy some of the presents.

So, because Ireland is one of the countries that lives the best Christmas, we have selected some of the best Christmas markets so you can go to the ones you like most. Have a look!

Dublin Flea Christmas Market: This market is perfect if you do not know what to give for Christmas. In its more than 200 stalls (which change every weekend) you will find things of all kinds: from vintage clothes to ceramic and art items or toys for children. It is a good plan to spend the day with the family and enjoy the traditional Irish food offered at the different stalls.

Where: Point Square, Dublin 1 When: 6-9 December & 13-16 December. Thursdays & Fridays 1- 8 pm; Saturdays & Sundays 11- 6 pm.

Galway Continental Christmas Market: If you aren’t from the capital or you are just going to Galway on these dates we recommend you don’t miss its great Continental market. This is it’s 9th edition and that makes it the oldest Christmas market in all of Ireland. Also this year is improved by adding mechanical attractions, puppets and school choirs, without forgetting the food stalls where you can taste all kinds of sweets.

Where: The market spans across Galway City from Eyre Square to Spanish Arch. When: November 16 – December 22, Monday – Wednesday: 12 – 8 pm; Thursday – Sunday: 10 – 10 pm.

Winterval in Waterford: It’s not just a Christmas market. During these days, the city of Waterford becomes a true paradise for lovers of this holiday. You can see Santa Claus on a horse-drawn sleigh or ride the Winterval express train to visit all the attractions of the festival. Do you have a letter for Santa? If so, you can leave it in the giant mailbox.

Where: Cathedral Square, Bishop’s Palace and Arundel Square. When: Friday to Sunday from Nov 17, and from December 19-23.

Belfast Continental Christmas Market: If you want to know what Christmas is like in other cities around the world, this is the perfect flea market. In it you can taste typical food from France, Spain or Germany while you take a look at the stalls. Ah! Here you can also see Santa Claus inside his grotto.

Where: Belfast City Hall. When: November 17 – December 22, Monday – Wednesday: 10 – 8pm, Thursday – Saturday: 10 -10pm (closes at 6pm on Saturday December 22), Sunday: 12 – 6pm.

Glow, Cork: Cork City Council organizes one of the best Christmas markets in Ireland. If you go, you should not miss their Ferris wheel of more than 30 meters but above all, the Bishop Lucey Park, which you will enter through an ice tunnel and in which, of course, Santa Claus will be! In addition, you can enjoy the food while listening to the music of Cork bands.

Where:  Grand Parade, Cork. When: From 30th November to Sunday, 2nd December; 7th December to Sunday, 9th December; 14th December to Sunday, 16th December and from 20th December to Saturday 22nd December. From 4.30pm to 8.30pm.