Top 3 Dublin Christmas Markets to Pop by
I added a fourth from Wicklow because…why not?
Picture this: You and the lads have been trying to decide all week what Christmas Market you’re going to visit over the weekend. You finally decide you want to take a stab at getting into the Dublin Castle only to find out it’s been sold out for ages… You’re still in luck! And if you play your cards right, you still might yet have a chance at enjoying the Christmas festivities within the regal confines of a castle!
Howth Castle, Howth
We’ll jump right into the Dublin Castle replacement. The Dublin Castle Christmas experience sold out too quickly... it it is a shame but it’s to be expected. A free Christmas event in the heart of Dublin IN A CASTLE?! Little did we all know that a Christmas themed one stop shop for you and the whole family was brewing on the horizon.
The established Circus Gerbola is inhabiting Howth Castle for the month of December! Opening December 9th at Howth Castle, this festive, Bavarian happening is about a 30-minute drive North of Dublin. (Don’t worry you southerners, I have something closer for you later on.)
Howth Castle has its origins in medieval times. In 1177 Almeric, the first Lord of Howth, came to Ireland with John de Courcy. The architecture will only add to the magic of the merry proceedings.
The festivities will include a Christmas Circus, a Festive Fairground, ‘Santa’s Post Office, and of course a Christmas Market. This experience will be available between December 9th, 2022 - December 31st, 2022. From what we could tell, tickets are only necessary if you would like to attend the circus element of the festivities.
“Circus Gerbola is proud to present Santa’s Christmas Circus at Ho-Ho-Howth Castle this holiday season! Santa’s Christmas Circus is not just a Circus – it’s a festive experience suitable for the whole family!”
2. Dublin City Center Christmas stalls
A view down a bright, festive Grafton Street on Christmas Eve.
It’s not Christmas in Dublin without taking a trip into the city to do a spot of festive shopping under the twinkling lights. If you are a native you know that there’s something crazy and unique to Dublin that happens every year. You don’t just get the chance to peruse the permanent variety of stores that line the wonderful paved streets but you get to EXPERIENCE the temporary Christmas stalls. An experience indeed, you will hear the vendors calling to you, you will see the steam of their voices hitting the cold air and the flurry of lights and sparkles will overwhelm your eyes.
‘Toblerones, get yer toblerones’ This in and of itself is quintessential. And most certainly where you should purchase your Toblerone chocolate, stockings, hats, toys and much more. Skip the queue indoors and instead enjoy the jolly experience of making an exchange with the charming Dublin street vendors calling your name. This is a different kind of Christmas market, not cute and curated as one vibe or aesthetic but instead an eclectic and eccentric mix of toys and treats and Christmas decorations in the most exciting way to purchase that Dublin can offer.
You truly have not shopped at Christmas time in Ireland if you haven’t had the chance to see this. We highly recommend grabbing a hot cup of something to go, and wandering down from St. Stephen’s green along the famous Grafton street, then make your way across the Liffey river. There you will find the treasure that is Henry street. Not only does it have the biggest Penney’s in town (the store the Irish can’t live without) but the carts and stalls that line the path to the spire will whisk your heart away to another time.
These stalls bring a bustling, joyful, sparkling burst of fun and fantasy to the otherwise everyday street scenes. There’ll be buskers and buses and your hands will be chilly from the cool breeze but trust us, you’ll warm right up in the Brazen Head pub by the fire before you head back home with your gathered goods. It is the true essence of ‘Crimbo’ * in Dublin.
* Dublin slang for Christmas
3. Dun Laoghaire Family Christmas Funfair, Dublin
Dun Loughaire fun fair ride at night.
Located a 25 minute train ride south of Dublin city center, Dun Loughaire is a hidden, coastal gem for anyone new to the city. Easily accessible via train and bus there’s no need to nail down to scramble for a parking spot. With a retro ferris wheel erected right on the coast of the Irish Sea and a host of other standard Christmas-market features, this is a one stop shop for the whole family. Dun Loughaire boasts a sensational local shop scene and there is no shortage of opportunities to support local. Pop by Two Beans for a flat white and a pastry to energize yourself for all the walking you’re about to do. Running from December 3rd, 2022 until January 8th, 2023 this is a must stop for anyone in the area.
Here’s what Vintage Carousel has to say about the event:
“Dun Laoghaire's Favourite Family Funfair is Back With a Bang this Christmas!
Vintage Carousel Co. is excited to announce that we will be returning to Dun Laoghaire this Christmas for a winter full of festivity, excitement, and family fun! 🎄
Direct from the North Pole, experience Ireland's only Santa Magic Sleigh Ride in Dun Laoghaire this Christmas. Fly with Santa and his reindeers high in the sky for a magical Christmas experience that you won’t want to miss. 🦌
In addition to Ireland only Santa Magic Sleigh Ride, Dragon Coaster, Chari-o-Planes, Cup and Saucers, Kiddies Toy Set plus many more! 🎡
We are thrilled to announce that we will be providing all your favourite Christmas treats this year. Our very own Christmas Trailer will be stocked with Candy Floss, Hot Dogs, Hot Chocolate, and many more!
We look forward to seeing you at Dun Laoghaire Plaza to give you and your family the most amazing family experience this Christmas!
Join us every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from the 3rd of December were we will open from 12pm to 7pm each day! Different hours will apply during the Christmas Holidays!
⛄Our pre-Christmas Opening Hours
Fridays: 12pm - 7pm
Saturdays: 12pm - 7pm
Sundays: 12pm to 7pm
⛄ 21st of December onwards:
Open Daily 12pm - 7pm
Christmas Eve: 12pm to 4pm
New Years Day: 1pm to 5pm
We urge all families to purchase your tokens for rides in advance through our website at a much discounted price! But don't worry, if you run out of tokens on the day you will be able to purchase additional ones from our ticket office on site!”
4. Kilruddery House and Gardens, Bray (Wicklow)
Photo Credit Kilruddery House and Gardens
We’re slightly biased…or at least I am. I was married to my partner here and it is SUCH a hidden gem. Accessible enough from Dublin but still in the sticks enough to have the magic of Wicklow this was one of our favorite Sunday outings when we lived in Bray. It’s not really accessible via public transport so you will need a car but there’s always space for free parking. Hosting a myriad of local producers, Killruddery House and Gardens champions sustainability and connecting buyers to the local delicacies of the land around it. If you have time, take a moment to explore part of the 800-acre estate. This place is a sustainable, bio-diverse farm that includes flowering woodlands, a painterly formal 17th-century garden, a high-hedge Sylvan theatre, long ponds, and a walled garden. It gives you a great view of the Sugar Loaf Mountain as well. It is nothing short of other-worldly on its day.
Here’s some info about the Christmas Market:
Bringing you organic vegetables from An Tairseach, baking from Days Kitchen, Sweet & Savoury Crepes from The Crepe Box, and freshly prepared, locally sourced street food from Flip ‘n’ Awesome. The market features both local and world arts, crafts, fashion, body care, homeware and vintage items, as well as their own Farm Shop.
TIMES
10.00 – 17.00 – Saturday + Sunday – 19th + 20th, 26th + 27th November
10.00 – 17.00 – Saturday + Sunday – 3rd + 4th, 10th + 11th, 17th + 18th December
13.00 – 20.00 – CHRISTMAS NIGHT MARKET! Thursday – 22nd December
10.00 – 17.00 – Friday – 23rd December
10.00 – 15.00 – Saturday – 24th December