The Best Christmas Markets in Ireland to Visit This Year

Christmas markets are hugely popular on the continent but are gaining in popularity in Ireland as well. Cute little huts selling crafts, Christmas decorations, mulled wine and more. And they can be one of the best ways to get into the festive spirit. Discover some of the best Christmas markets in Ireland to visit this year in this guide.

Updated in September 2022. Some venues are yet to confirm whether their Christmas market is going ahead this year and some are finalising details.

Best Christmas markets in Ireland

The sites and smells of a Christmas market are becoming a festive tradition the world over and as mentioned, they are becoming ever more popular on the Emerald Isle. In this post, I am sharing with you some of the best Christmas markets Ireland has to offer, both in the Republic and Northern Ireland.

Best Irish Christmas markets, Republic of Ireland

If you are based in the southern half of Ireland and have been wondering “are there any Christmas markets near me”, then this section is for you. You’ll find a guide to the best Christmas markets taking place in the Republic of Ireland this festive season.

Winterval, Waterford

Address: Various locations in Waterford City

Dates: Nov 18th to Dec 23rd

Winterval, possibly one of the best Christmas markets in the world, is taking place in Waterford City, Ireland’s Oldest City, and is celebrating 10 years in 2022. With a packed program of events for all ages, Winterval is one of the biggest Christmas markets in December in Ireland.

Winterval is the largest celebration of the festive season in Ireland and this year there is a trail through Ireland’s oldest city offering over 50 different events and activities with 14 of those events on offer free of charge

visitors to Winterval can expect festive city quarters, live performances, plenty of family attractions, seasonal surprises, and of course, Christmas markets. There will be Christmas light displays, Santa grottos, and more for families.

City quarters will include

• Winterval Christmas Market (Georges Street, Gladstone Street and O’Connell Street)
• Santa’s Central Station (City Centre)
• Winterval on Ice (The Quay)
• Glow (New Street Gardens)
• Elves Workshop (George’s Court Shopping Centre)
• Waterford Eye (Waterford Quay).

There will be both free and ticketed events, details of which can be found on the website by clicking here.

There will be a party atmosphere this year as it is the 10th year of Winterval and it promises to be the biggest and best yet. For a truly unforgettable Christmas event, head to Waterford this festive season.

For more information, CLICK HERE.

Kilkenny Christmas Markets, Kilkenny

Address: The Parade, Kilkenny City

Dates: Every weekend in December and Christmas week between 26th November and 23rd December.

The Kilkenny Christmas market returns as part of Yulefest Kilkenny and takes place over weekends and Christmas week in December.

Local artisans and craftspeople will be showcasing their products, and there will be entertainment in the form of live music, food stalls and more. Enjoy a truly festive experience as you stock up on those all important gifts.

For more information, CLICK HERE.

Mistletown Christmas Festival, Dublin (Not running in 2022)

Address: City Fruit and Veg Market, St Michan’s St, Smithfield, Dublin 7

Dates: 4th to 23rd Dec (2021 dates)

The Mistletown Christmas Festival returned to Dublin in 2021 and was a free Dublin Christmas market. The city’s fruit and veg market was transformed into a magical Christmas experience with an artisan food village, craft market, vintage carnival, and entertainment.

The artisan food village was serving festive treats including bratwursts, crepes, mince pies and more. In the craft market, you could find stalls selling handmade Christmas gifts, jewellery, toys, and more.

If you were looking for Christmas markets for kids in Ireland, then the vintage carnival at Mistletown was for them, with its carousel, helter-skelter, and fairground games. There was also a bar for hot and cold drinks that can be enjoyed with the entertainment which includes bands, choirs, school performances and more.

So, if you were looking for one of the top Christmas markets Dublin had to offer in 2021, then Mistletown was the place to be.

For more information, CLICK HERE.

Tuam Christmas Craft Fairs, Galway

Address: Little Mill – King Rory O’Connor Park off Shop Street, Townparks (4th Division), Tuam, Co. Galway

Dates: 26th Nov and 10th Dec

The Tuam Christmas Craft Fairs returns this year, showcasing a range of crafts and talented makers. Items for sale will include candles, ceramics, paintings, handmade cards, and much more. This is a great little market to grab some handmade gifts for a loved one if you are looking for Christmas markets in Galway.

For more information, CLICK HERE.

Castletown House and Parklands, Kildare

Address: Celbridge, Co. Kildare, W23 V9H3

Dates: Sunday, 4th December

Castletown House and Parklands are holding their Christmas market this year on the 4th December. Taking place in the stable courtyard, come and discover what treats you can buy from the different sellers.

For more information, click here.

Wicklow Christmas Market, Wicklow

Address: Leitrim Pl, The Murrough, Corporation Land (1st Division), Wicklow

Dates: Nov 19th to Dec 18th

The Wicklow Christmas Market is back and promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Get ready to hang up the stockings, drape the tinsel on the tree, and sip eggnog under the mistletoe, because Christmas is coming.

Entry to the Christmas market is free, allowing visitors to browse the craft stalls, food stalls and more. There will be ice skating available, as well as a Santa train for the younger members of the family, where kids can meet Mrs Claus and Santa, and receive a gift from Santa after having a chat. These two events are ticketed events, and you must pre-book to avoid disappointment.

If you are looking for special gifts this year, you’ll find lots of ideas with handcrafted ornaments and gifts, toys, homemade chutneys, and jams for sale in the stalls.

Entertainment isn’t limited to ice skating and Santa train. There will be live performances, carnival rides, games, alpacas, and more to ensure everyone has an amazing time at the Wicklow Christmas market.

For more information and to book your Ice-skating and Santa Train tickets, CLICK HERE.

Galway Christmas Market, Galway

Address: Eyre Square, Galway

Dates: 11th Nov to 22nd Dec

Now in its twelfth year and returning after an absent 2020, the Galway Christmas Market is taking place this festive season in Eyre Square in Galway City as usual.

As well as Christmas market stalls which will include festive food, drinks, crafts and more, the carnival feel to the Christmas market will also return. Visitors can expect to see, and enjoy, the 32m Big Wheel, amusement rides, live music performances, puppet shows and storytelling for kids, as well as Santa’s Grotto and a Santa Express Train ride.

Food stalls will include continental stalls serving the likes of bratwursts, French pastries, and pretzels. There will be plenty of stalls selling gifts, so you won’t be short of ideas either.

The Galway Christmas market will also have an enchanted garden light display for everyone to enjoy which will make a great backdrop for some amazing festive family photos.

For more information, CLICK HERE.

Strokestown, Roscommon

Address: Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

Dates: 2nd – 4th December

Strokestown is holding a Christmas market this year in the fabulous setting of Bawn Street. Featuring wooden chalets, street entertainment, creative crafts, festive food, and lots of Christmas cheer, this is a Christmas market in Ireland not to be missed.

For further information, keep an eye on their Facebook page.

Lisnavagh Christmas Market, Carlow TBC

Address: Lisnavagh, Rathvilly, Co. Carlow

Dates: Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th December

The Lisnavagh Christmas market returns this year and will take place over one weekend at the beginning of December in the Garden Wing. There will be plenty of special gifts to choose from, historical house talks and lots of family entertainment.

For more information, CLICK HERE, or keep an eye on their Facebook page for additional, up-to-date information.

Mardyke Christmas Market, Cork City Cricket Ground, Cork TBC

Address: Richard Beamish Grounds, Mardyke Walk, Mardyke, Cork, T12 YN61

Dates: 18th Nov to 23rd Dec

With the Christmas market at Glow, Cork not confirmed, fear not. There is a new market coming to Cork in the form of Mardyke Market. Taking place next to Fitzgerald’s Park, the market will feature 8-10 food trucks, a Santa sleigh mobile, a Santa grotto and live music.

There will also be real Christmas trees for sale, craft and produce stalls, and a marquee seating 60. The market will be open from Thurs-Sun until the last week when it will be open for 7 days from Thurs to Thurs.

For more information, follow their Facebook page and Instagram account.

Christmas at the Milk Market, Limerick TBC

Address: The Milk Market, Limerick

Dates: Various between 3rd Dec and 24th Dec

Christmas at the Milk Market is taking place this December in Limerick, with different events taking place on select dates throughout the month. Events include

• Famous Food Xmas edition
• Christmas Outdoor Café
• Christmas Art Fair
• Christmas Antiques and Vintage Fair

For more information, CLICK HERE, or keep an eye on their Facebook page.

Clonkill Christmas Market, Mullingar

Address: Loughegar, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, N91HX78

Dates: 20th Nov

The Clonkill Christmas market is back for this year with plenty of stalls including food, crafts, and more. Visitors will be able to browse the stalls and pick up handcrafted gifts, food and drink and enjoy some entertainment as well.

For more information, CLICK HERE.

Best Christmas markets, Northern Ireland

Are you based in Northern Ireland and have been asking yourself “what are the best Christmas markets near me?”, then this section will help answer your question. One, in particular, could be considered one of the best Christmas markets in the UK.

Belfast Christmas Market, Belfast

Address: Belfast City Hall, Donegall Square, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT1 5GS (UK)

Dates: 19th Nov to 22nd Dec

If you are in Northern Ireland and looking for a great Christmas market, Belfast is where it is at. As one of the most popular Christmas markets in the UK, the Belfast Christmas market is a large Christmas event that is suitable for all ages.

Centred around City Hall, visitors can enjoy market stalls selling everything from mulled wine to festive treats, and handcrafts gifts. There are also fairground rides and amusements, Santa’s Grotto and more to entertain families, couples and visitors of all ages to the Christmas market.

For more information, CLICK HERE.

Final thoughts

Whether you are looking for the best Christmas markets in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland, these are the best ones confirmed as running for this year.

If you know of any other Christmas markets taking place that haven’t made the list yet, please let us know so we can add them to the list.

Read more about Christmas in Ireland:

• Best Christmas Tree Farms in Ireland
• Best Christmas Light Displays in Ireland
• Irish Christmas Traditions
• Traditional Irish Christmas Dinner
• Irish Christmas Sayings and Blessings
• How to Say Merry Christmas in Irish
• Best Christmas Events in Ireland
• Best Santa Trains in Ireland
• Best Christmas Sleepovers With Santa
• Best Christmas Pantomimes in Ireland