Where to Find the Best Santa Trains in Ireland

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Are you looking for something unique and fun to do with the kids on the Emerald Isle this festive season? Then, why not take them to see Santa on a train. In this guide, you’ll find ideas for the best Santa trains in Ireland and where to find them.

NOTE: We highly recommend you pre-book your tickets early to avoid disappointment. These events are always popular and can sell out quickly.

Updated September 2022 – Note that there are a small number of events yet to be confirmed for 2022, but many are already confirmed with tickets already on sale!

Table Of Contents
  1. Best Santa Trains in Ireland
  2. Final thoughts
Santa on the Polar Express

Best Santa Trains in Ireland

This guide is divided into two sections, one with the best Santa train Ireland has this year and one with the best Santa train Northern Ireland has to offer. So, if you have been wondering are there any Christmas trains near me, this list is sure to answer that question.

Best Santa Trains, Ireland

Santa Express, Donegal

Address: Oakfield Demense Oakfield Demense, Raphoe, Co. Donegal, F93 XY1R

Taking place at Oakfield Park is the Santa Express. As one of the best Christmas trains Ireland has to offer, this is a must if you are based in or near County Donegal. Hop onboard the Santa Express into your own compartment and enjoy onboard entertainment and a hot drink. You will meet Santa on the journey and each child will receive a wrapped present.

For more information and to book your tickets, CLICK HERE. But hurry, tickets are selling out fast.

A picture of the Oakfield Park Santa Express standing in the station with a sign saying Oakfield Park with tinsel around it
Picture Source: Oakfield Park

Santa Express, Waterford Suir Valley Railway, Waterford TBC

Address: Train Station, Kilmeadan, Co. Waterford

If you are looking for one of the best Christmas trains Ireland has to offer, head to the Waterford Suir Valley Railway this festive season. Santa is returning to the Kilmeaden Station this year.

Set off on the Santa Express beside the Waterford Greenway on a magical 25-minute journey before meeting Mrs Claus and friends in the Magic Woods. Fairies in the woods have been making special fairy dust that will help Santa find your house on Christmas Eve and Mrs Claus has some for each child.

After your journey, you will arrive at Santa’s Cottage where each family will have a private chat with Santa before the kids receive a present from him.

Note that this event has not been announced yet for 2022. Keep an eye on the website for further details.

A picture of Santa, Mrs Claus and a Snowman on the Santa Express, Waterford Suir Valley Railway
Picture Source: Waterford Suir Valley Railway

Winter Wonderland, Westport House, Mayo

Address: Quay Rd, Westport Demesne, Westport, Co. Mayo

Winter Wonderland takes place at Westport House. Visitors will enter Tinsel Town and meet Santa, before enjoying face painting, decoration making, and more. Afterward, enjoy a ride on the Winter Wonderland Express train to Westport House to enjoy the lights and decorations.

For more information and to book your tickets, CLICK HERE.

A picture of the front engine and half a carriage of the Westport House Santa Train
Picture Source: Westport House

Santa Visit’s Big Top, Rathwood, Carlow

Address: Rath East, Tullow, Co. Carlow

Ireland’s most popular Santa Train Experience can be found at Rathwood in County Carlow. Journey through the Enchanted Forest to visit Santa and the Elves as they prepare for the big day. The train will take you to Fossett’s Big Top where you’ll see Santa, Mrs Claus, and the Elves perform a spectacular show.

For more information and to book your tickets for the Rathwood Santa train, CLICK HERE.

Santa Express, Galway Christmas Market, Galway

Address: Eyre Square, Galway City

Santa’s Express Train returns to the Galway Christmas market this year in Eyre Square. Kids can take a ride on the train and also visit Santa in his grotto where they will receive a gift.

As well as Santa’s Express Train, there will be lots of things taking place during the Galway Christmas market including market stalls, a Big Wheel, amusement rides, and more.

For more information, CLICK HERE.

The Amber Springs Express Santa Train Experience, Wexford

Address: Wexford St, Knockmullen, Gorey, Co. Wexford, Y25 FY07

Follow the glimmering lights and sparkling trees on the Santa Express to the Amber Christmas Village. Disembark to explore the village while enjoying a festive treat and see the elves hard at work. Then have a personal visit with Santa to top off the experience. Note that tickets for the Santa Express are reserved for guests staying as part of the Santa Train Experience for a 1- or 2-night stay.

For more information and to book your Santa Train Experience stay at the Amber Springs Hotel, CLICK HERE.

Christmas Island, Hidden Valley, Wicklow

Address: Lower Main St, Glasnarget North, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow

Take a magical train ride through the Fairy Forest at the Christmas Island Santa Experience at the Hidden Valley Resort in Wicklow. Enjoy meeting the Elves and getting creative with them, meet Mrs Claus, write your letters to Santa, and enjoy a personal meeting with Santa himself where each child will receive a present.

For more information and to book your tickets, CLICK HERE. You do not need to be a guest to book tickets.

A picture of Elves and Mrs Claus standing on or beside the Hidden Valley Santa Train
Picture Source: Hidden Valley

Santa Express, Christmas Market, Wicklow

Address: Leitrim Place Wicklow Town, Wicklow

The Santa Express at the Wicklow Christmas Market in Wicklow Town will transport visitors to the North Pole home of Santa and Mrs Claus. Have fun with the mischievous train drive, Oribel the Elf, as you journey on the train to see Santa. After disembarking you can enjoy a story with Mrs Claus before it is time to visit Santa himself. Each child will receive a gift from Santa once their visit is over. And you can also post those all-important letters to Santa.

For more information and to book your tickets, CLICK HERE.

Wicklow Christmas Market Santa Express
Picture Source: Wicklow Christmas Market

The Polar Express, West Cork Model Railway Village, Cork (Dates TBC for 2022)

Address: Inchydoney Road, Desert, Clonakilty, Co. Cork, P85 HR26

Santa and his Elves are visiting the West Cork Model Railway Village this festive season.

The Polar Express is an indoor and outdoor, immersive, walk-through Christmas event at the Model Railway Village, Clonakilty, Cork.

West Cork Model Railway

Jump onboard the Polar Express for a festive ride to remember. Meet Santa’s hard-working Elves who are getting the train carriage loaded with presents before meeting the big man himself in your family booth. After this enjoy a UV torch experience to discover where the Elves live and help them find Dasher who has gone missing.

For a Santa train experience not to be missed in Cork, head to the Model Village for this amazing Christmas event.

For more information and to book your tickets, CLICK HERE (Booking not open yet). You can sign up HERE for news about the release of tickets.

A picture of the advertisement of The Polar Express, West Cork Model Railway Village
Picture Source: West Cork Model Railway Village

Bunratty Castle Trail of Lights Polar Express, Clare

Address: Bunratty West, Bunratty, Co. Clare

There will be a Polar Express train ride at the Christmas Trail of Lights at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park this festive season. Hop on board the Bunratty Polar Express and enjoy a magical train ride through the woodland winter wonderland. Pass the enchanting fairy village, enjoy the twinkling lights of Bunratty House and Ardcrony Church.

Afterwards, wander through the village and encounter colourful Christmas characters, see more Christmas light displays and enjoy a ride on the carousel. There will be puppet shows, a Christmas wishing tree, and more to enjoy. Note that this is a Santa-free event meaning there is no meeting with Santa.

For more information and to book your tickets, CLICK HERE.

A picture of the advertisement for Trail of Lights at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
Picture Source: Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

Best Santa Trains, Northern Ireland

Christmas Experience, Glenarm Castle and Gardens, Antrim SOLD OUT

Address: 2 Castle Lane, Glenarm, Ballymena, Co. Antrim, BT44 0BQ (UK)

One of the best Santa Trains Northern Ireland has to offer is the Polar Express at Glenarm Castle and Gardens. Hop onboard the Polar Express train adventure and start your visit to the Christmas Experience.

The grounds of the castle are transformed into a winter wonderland, and visitors can enjoy a nativity scene with live animals, gingerbread making with Mrs Claus, and a visit with Santa who will give each child a gift.

There is also story-telling and plenty of Elves to see, along with carousel rides, and complimentary refreshments for adults and children.

This is a Santa train Christmas experience not to be missed in Northern Ireland.

For more information and to book your tickets, CLICK HERE. SOLD OUT – Contact the venue to see if any cancellations become available.

A picture of a Santa Claus reading a book in an advertisement for the Glenarm Castle Christmas Experience
Picture Source: Glenarm Castle

The Polar Express, Slieve Donard Resort, Down TBC

Address: Downs Rd, Newcastle, Co. Down, BT33 0AH (UK)

If you are looking for the best Santa’s train ride Northern Ireland has to offer, then head to the Slieve Donard Resort. Hop onboard the Polar Express for an unforgettable Christmas event the whole family will love.

Take a magical journey to visit Santa and his Elves in their busy workshop as they prepare for Christmas Eve. Children will journey around the magical grounds of the Slieve Donard Resort onboard the Polar Express, place their Christmas wishes on the special Wishing Tree, enjoy the magnificent Winter Wonderland, and of course, meet Santa who will have a gift for each child.

For more information and to book your tickets, CLICK HERE. This event is yet to be confirmed for 2022, but 2021 sold out so keep a close eye on the website for confirmation that this event is going ahead this year and when tickets go on sale.

A picture of the Santa Train, Slieve Donard Resort lit up at night
Picture Source: Slieve Donard Resort

Railway Preservation Society of Ireland Santa Express Steam Train, Antrim

Address: trains depart from Belfast Lanyon Place, East Bridge St, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT1 3NR (UK)

This year the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland is running a Santa Train between Belfast and Whitehead over 3 weekends before Christmas. Families can hop on board and take the 35-minute journey to Whitehead, during which there will be a visit from Santa. Upon arrival, Santa’s elves will present each child with a gift and there will be a 40-minute time period during which you can get pictures with Santa. Other activities will also be available. If you are based in or near Belfast, book your tickets today for this Santa Express Steam Train experience.

Find more information and book your tickets by clicking here.

Final thoughts

So, there you have it. Some of the best Christmas trains rides, Santa Special trains, and Santa train rides in Ireland. If you know of any others taking place, let us know and we’ll add them to the list.

Read more about Christmas in Ireland:

A picture of a 'Polar Express' train with text overlay saying Best Santa Trains in Ireland
A picture of a festive train winding its way through a snowy forest with text overlay saying Amazing Christmas Trains in Ireland
A picture of a festive train in a snowy forest with text overlay saying Christmas Trains in Ireland
by Cath Jordan
Cath is an Irish expat and the founder of Travel Around Ireland. She and her husband both come from Dublin, where the rest of their family remains. They regularly return to the Emerald Isle to explore the country with their son as well as to visit family. Through Travel Around Ireland, Cath shares her local expertise and knowledge with travellers and visitors to Ireland. Find out more about Cath here.

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