Best Places to See Christmas Light Displays in Ireland

Looking to find the most magical Christmas Light Displays in Ireland this festive season? Then look no further.

I’ve done the research so you don’t have to, and I’ve compiled this list of the best Christmas lights to be found in Ireland.

My guide will help you discover where to find them across the Emerald Isle including:

• Christmas lights in Dublin
• Christmas lights in Kilkenny
• Christmas lights in Galway
• Christmas lights in Belfast.

Christmas is a magical time of year and a great thing to get the family out and about during the festive season is seeing Christmas light displays.

If you are based on the Emerald Isle or will be visiting during the festive season, then here is a handy list of the best places to see Christmas light displays in Ireland.

Originally published in October 2021. Updated in November 2023. Some venues are yet to confirm whether their event is returning for this year. For some others, tickets are already on sale and in some cases, selling fast.

Whether you are based in Northern Ireland or the Republic, if you have been wondering are there Christmas light displays near me, then this post is sure to help answer that question. These are among the best festive light displays across the Emerald Isle. It is broken down into counties for easy navigation too.

Best Places to see Christmas light displays in Ireland

Christmas lights displays in Dublin

Wonderlights

Address: Malahide Demesne, Malahide, Co. Dublin, K36 C432

Wonderlights, first held in 2019 at Palmerstown House Estate, is taking place at Malahide Castle in an event called ‘The Magic of Winter’.

A magical mix of lights, colour and nature on an enchanting 1.8km walk in the castle grounds and forest, this event is suitable for the whole family.

More information.

Winter Lights

Address: Various locations across the city

This spectacular event is returning for 2023. Various locations around the city are transformed with festive lighting and colourful projections to bring cheer to the city of Dublin.

Locations with Christmas lighting displays in previous years included City Hall, The Custom House, The GPO, The Mansion House and Trinity College.

For the very best displays of Christmas lights Dublin has to offer, keep an eye on the website for updates for this year. Note that early indications are that the lights will be turned off earlier each night in comparison to previous years to become more energy efficient.

More information.

Wild Lights

Address: Dublin Zoo, Saint James’ (part of Phoenix Park), Dublin 8

Running from mid-November to January, this is a hugely popular event and has some of the best festive lighting Dublin has to offer in the exciting weeks before Christmas.

This incredible night-time event takes visitors on a journey through ‘The Enchanted Zoo’ during which you can discover the secret life of the zoo by night.

You’ll be transported through worlds of magic and wonder as you learn about, and meet, the nocturnal creatures and guardians of the mystical creatures and animals of the zoo. Book your tickets now.

More information.

Christmas light displays in Kildare

Kildare Village Enchanted Christmas Lights (TBC)

Address: Nurney Road, Co. Kildare, R51 R265

Each day in November and December the Enchanted Lights are turned on at 4pm throughout the festive season. It is a great event to catch while stocking up on those all-important Christmas presents in the Village.

More information.

Christmas lights displays in Westmeath

Land of Light

Address: Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, N91 EF80

Taking place until the 23rd of December, the Land of Light returns to Belvedere House, Gardens & Park in County Westmeath in 2023.

Walk through a forest trail and be amazed at the spectacular light show and illuminations complete with music. Set on the grounds of the country house, Land of Light is a unique, family-friendly experience.

So, if you are looking for Christmas light displays to music and are based in the east of the country, head to Belvedere House.

More information.

Christmas lights displays in Wexford

Gorey Christmas Lights

Address: Across Gorey Town

Every year, Gorey in County Wexford there is a festival for the Christmas Lights Switch On which includes music, celebrations and an appearance by Santa.

The lights are switched on and Santa arrives to take letters from children. This is a great family event and the lights remain on throughout the festive season across the town.

The Big Switch-On takes place on Saturday 25th of November in 2023.

More information.

Christmas light displays in Galway

Light Up Galway Festival

Address: Eyre Square and various locations across the city

If you are based in Galway and have been wondering “will there be Christmas lights displays near me?” this festive season, then you are in luck.

Galway City is holding a Light Up Galway Festival which will combine light with colour. The festival will begin on Eyre Square with an official Light-Up Ceremony before other iconic buildings and landmarks are also illuminated for the festive season such as the Latin Quarter, Spanish arch, and Commercial Court.

The official ceremony is going to be a big one and takes place on the 10^th of November at Eyre Square.

More information.

Christmas lights displays Roscommon

Strokestown (TBC)

Address: Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

Strokestown is another great place to catch a festive light display in Ireland.

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without lights

Strokestown

Following a series of successful fund-raising campaigns, the Christmas Lights team work tirelessly to create the annual Winter Wonderland in the centre of town, and like previous years, this year will be no exception.

The wonderful team of volunteers will transform the centre of town with a beautifully illuminated read Christmas Fir tree with the street-scape of Strokestown wrapped in ice-white lighting along all four boulevards.

Each year the GRAND SWITCH-ON is arranged to coincide with the opening night of Strokestown Christmas Market (find details of that here).

Keep an eye on the Strokestown Facebook page for more information about the grand switch-on and Christmas market events.

Christmas lights displays Kilkenny

Yulefest Kilkenny

Address: Across Kilkenny

Yulefest is the Christmas festival that takes place in Kilkenny, and during this time various places across the city are illuminated including Kilkenny Castle and the Kilkenny Design and Craft Centre.

There are Christmas markets, live music performances and more during the festive season, all under beautiful Christmas light displays. The official switch-on usually takes place at the end of November.

Castlecomer Discovery Park and Nore Valley Park also have Christmas light displays for visitors to enjoy.

More information.

Christmas light displays in Clare

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park

Address: Bunratty West, Bunratty, Co. Clare

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park are holding their Christmas Trail of Lights in which the Folk Park is illuminated with festive Christmas lights for the season. Visitors can enjoy the illuminated Christmas displays which include snowmen, a nativity scene, and more.

There is also a Polar Express train ride around the grounds which passes the fairy village and Bunratty House and Ardcrony Church, both illuminated with festive lights. Visitors can also enjoy the lights around the Folk Park where colourful Christmas characters can be seen.

And even more exciting, Santa is back at Bunratty after a 3 year absence!

There will also be a carousel, puppet show, and lots more entertainment.

More information.

Christmas lights displays in Waterford

Winterval

Address: Various locations across the city

One of the biggest events of the year in Waterford City is returning this year to celebrate 11 years of Winterval. Winterval is the Waterford City Christmas Festival that turns the city into Ireland’s Christmas Capital.

As well as a Christmas market, live performances, Santa train, Christmas tree and more, the city will be illuminated with amazing Christmas light displays.

More information.

Christmas lights displays in Cork

Solas

Address: Patrick Street, Bishop Lucey Park  and other locations in the city

Each year, Cork City Council and community groups and local businesses rally together to illuminate the city with a spectacular light display show. Christmas trees, giant baubles and more are illuminated at the official switch-on ceremony and the lights will run 7 days a week between 4 pm and 11 pm..

This year’s festival, Solas, invites you to

step into a wondrous world of light and sound as you enjoy the buzz in Cork city.

This year’s light display is centred around Emmet Place, the plaza outside the Crawford Gallery and Cork Opera House.

In past years there has also been a Christmas window trail, Ferris wheel, pantomimes, and more.

More information.

Christmas light displays in Limerick

Light Up Limerick

Address: O’Connell Street and across Limerick City

Light Up Limerick is the annual Christmas festival in Limerick which used to start with the Christmas lights switch-on in O’Connell Street. ents across the city and county including pantomimes and music performances.

However, for the second year running, the switch-on event on O’Connell Street will not be taking place, although the lights will be illuminated in November.

The streets of the city are illuminated with festive lights and there is usually a month of festive and family-friendly ev

More information.

Christmas light displays in Meath

Winter Wonderland Lightshow

Address: Loughcrew Estate, Loughcrew, Oldcastle, Co. Meath, A82 X4Y1

The Winter Wonderland Lightshow at the Loughcrew Estate in County Meath returns for 2023.

This year’s trail of light wanders through Loughcrew’s idyllic landscape as it winds through its historic gardens, adventurous woodland and ultimately bringing you back though history to St. Oliver Plunkett’s family church.

Father Christmas will be there for the little ones to meet him as well. This incredible lighting spectacle in an idyllic environment is a not to be missed Christmas event.

More information.

Places to see Christmas light displays on homes in Ireland

There are many private homes that get into the festive spirit by adorning their exterior and garden with Christmas light displays.

If you are wondering where to see these homes, here is a list of places to check out. Driving around these neighbourhoods with the kids is a cheap and free way to see outdoor Christmas lights in Ireland.

• Dublin – Lucan, Sallynoggin, Crumlin, Tallaght, Dalkey, Sandymount, Cabra, Finglas
• Kildare – Rathangan,
• Limerick – Bruree, Shanagolden, Templeglatine, Askeaton, Hayes in Shanagolden
• Cork – Drimleague, Macroom
• Galway – Lurgan Park, Tuam
• Wexford – Arklow, Drinagh
• Carlow – Bagnelstown
• Mayo – Foxford
• Donegal – Kerrykeel

Best Places to see Christmas light displays in Northern Ireland

Christmas light displays in Antrim

Enchanted Winter Garden

Address: Randalstown Rd, Co. Antrim. BT41 4LH (UK)

The Enchanted Winter Garden takes place on the grounds of Antrim Castle where visitors can enjoy a beautiful Christmas lights display including an amazing light tunnel.

There will also be a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and food stalls. Visitors can also enjoy a magical trip through an enchanted Wonderland Wood.

More information.

Belfast Lights Up for Christmas

Address: Various locations across the city including the Titanic Quarter, City Hall and Victoria Square

Belfast comes alive at Christmas with light displays across the city. The iconic City Hall is adorned with festive lights, Victoria Square is lit up from top to bottom, and even Titanic Belfast gets into the festive spirit with a Christmas light display.

Note that there will be a special switch-on event this year only at Titanic Belfast.

More information.

Bright Lights Botanic, Belfast Botanic Gardens (not running in 2022 or 2023)

Address: College Park Ave, Botanic Ave, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT7 1LP (UK)

Bright Lights Botanic was an amazing new illumination show brought to the Botanic Gardens in Belfast by the same people who create the “Wild Lights” in Dublin Zoo each year (see further below).

The Botanic Gardens were transformed into a magical Winter Wonderland, and the magical winter trail lit up the evening skies during the festive season. Visitors could take a leisurely walk and enjoy the after-dark festivities as they were taken on a Christmas journey and follow the trail of BOBO the gnome.

With plenty of tree lights, colourful lanterns and more, this was a Belfast Christmas event not to be missed. However, this event has been cancelled for at least the next two years (see here for further details).

Lisburn Light Festival

Address: Market Square, Lisburn, Co, Antrim, BT28 1AG (UK)

Lisburn is going to be transformed in 2023 with a lights dispaklys to get everyone in the festive spirit.

Locals and visitors alike can enjoy the Light Canopy on Bow Street, Enchanting Christmas Tree and the Christmas Garden Light Trail in Castle Gardens. There is also an illuminated Arctic fox in Carryduff and spectacular Reindeer in Dundonald.

More information.

Christmas lights displays in Down

Christmas at Hillsborough Castle

Address: The Square, Hillsborough, Co. Down, BT26 6GT (UK)

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens will be transformed into an illuminated enchanted wonderland with sparkling tunnels, giant lit baubles, and more including a fire garden.

This year’s illuminations is a Walking with the Snowman event and is sure to be hugely popular.

If you are looking for a mesmerizing Christmas light display in Northern Ireland, head to Hillsborough Castle.

More information. Book your tickets for this limited capacity, timed event now.

Other places to see Christmas lights in Northern Ireland

There are a few other places to enjoy Christmas lights across Northern Ireland. They are:

• Montalto Estate
• City of Bangor
• Newtownards
• Ballymoney
• Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne and Whitehead (read more here)

Final thoughts on the best places for Christmas light displays in Ireland

These are some confirmed Christmas light displays in Ireland for this year, as well as some that we anticipate will take place again this year.

If you know of any light displays in other places across the Emerald Isle, please let us know so we can add them to the list for this year.

Read More about Christmas in Ireland:

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