40 things to do in Ireland at Christmas – a detailed Irish Christmas guide
As soon as the fireworks stop on Halloween night, everyone in Ireland’s attention quickly moves on to Christmas. Most of the major Christmas events around Ireland tend to get started around mid November but you will start to see Winter Lights events popping up in your area over the next week.
This Irish Christmas Guide will provide you with some of the best things to in Ireland at Christmas. This list of 40 things to do at Christmas in Ireland includes Christmas Markets, Ice Rinks, Festive Pubs at Christmas Lights switch on dates around Ireland.
We have also included hotel recommendations for each locations for anyone visiting Ireland from afar this Christmas.
DON’T FORGET
Read our other Ireland guides
DON’T FORGET
Avoid roaming charges
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Christmas Markets In Ireland
Everyone loves a good Christmas Market and there are several good options for getting your fill of hot chocolate and mulled wine – here are some of the best Christmas Markets in Ireland happening this year.
SAVE THE DATE
Christmas Markets in Ireland
- Winterval Waterford
- Galway Christmas Market at Eyre Square
- Belfast Christmas Market at City Hall
- Twinkletown, Smithfield Dublin
- Christmas at the Milk Market, Limerick
- Wicklow Christmas Market
- Buncrana Christmas Market, Donegal
- Christmas in Clifden, Galway
- Balbriggan Christmas Market, Dublin
- Doggy Christmas Market, Dublin 2
Winterval Waterford Christmas Market
Winterval is Ireland’s largest Christmas market and was recognised as the European City of Christmas 2024. This year’s event will include lots of new attractions and free and ticketed events suitable for all ages.
Dates: 21st November to 23rd December
Information: https://winterval.ie/
Where to stay:
Galway Christmas Market, Eyre Square
Galway Christmas market returns for its 11th year with over 50 stalls and almost half a million visitors expected this year.
Dates: 7th November to 4th January
Times: 12 noon until 8pm Mon-Wed; 10am-10pm Thurs-Sat; 10am-8pm Sunday
Information: https://www.christmasmarketgalway.com/
Where to stay in Galway:
Belfast Christmas Market
Belfast Christmas Market is back again this year at Belfast City Hall, with tons of great suppliers providing specialty cheeses, burgers and artisan products. If you are planning atrip to Belfast throughout the year, make sure to read our guide to Belfast.
Dates: 15th November to 22nd December
Information: https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/christmasmarket
Recommended Hotels In Belfast
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Please note that these are affiliate links and we will receive a small commission for any bookings made but this will not affect the price you pay.
Twinkletown at Smithfield
This year will see a brand new Christmas Market in Dublin with the launch of Twinkle Town in Smithfield, Dublin.
This brand new experience will feature a knee rink, Santa panto and a vintage fun fair, making it a great day out for the whole family.
Dates: 28th November to 4th January
Recommended Hotels In Dublin
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Please note that these are affiliate links and we will receive a small commission for any bookings made but this will not affect the price you pay.
Christmas at the Milk Market, Limerick
The Milk Market will be running a number of one off events throughout the month of December, from food markets to vintage fairs.
Dates: 5th December to 24th December
Information: https://www.limerick.ie/discover/whats-on/food-drink/christmas-at-limerick-milk-market
Where to stay in Limerick:
Wicklow Christmas Market
Dates: TBC
Information: https://wicklowchristmasmarket.ie/
Where to stay in Wicklow:
Cork Christmas Market
Dates: 21st November to 22nd December
Information: https://www.corkcity.ie/en/a-cork-christmas-celebration/christmas-market/
Where to stay in Cork:
Christmas in Clifden
The picturesque village of Clifden in Galway have launched a festival of Christmas events starting with the Christmas lights switch on date of November 21st.
The Christmas festival will include workshops, gifts, markets and lots more family friendly events.
Buncrana Christmas Market
Buncrana are launching the biggest Christmas Market event in the North West at the Swan Park starting on the 24th November.
A day ticket for adults costs €4 and includes access to a light show, Christmas walking trails, lots of photo spots and live music throughout. Children under the age of 16 can visit for free.
Christmas Events in Ireland
Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo
Spectacular night time experience suitable for all ages where you will be taken on a journey through time.
Dates: Early November to January from 5-9pm daily
Entry Fee: Tickets range from 19 to 26 Euro; Under 3 years old and carers can enter for free
Information: https://www.dublinzoo.ie/wildlights/
Winter Lights at Merrion Square, Dublin
Dates: 1st to 22nd December from 5pm-9pm (2024)
Entry Fee: 2 Euro per adult – each adult ticket admits two children. Tickets are limited to a maximum of 4 adult tickets per person.
Information: https://dublinwinterlights.ie/dublin-winter-lights-merrion-square/
Enchanted Garden Winter Lights at Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens, Tramore, Waterford
Dates: 29th November to 31st December from 4:30pm to 7:30pm
Entry Fee: 8 Euro for Adult; 4 Euro for Under 15
Information: https://www.lafcadiohearngardens.com/winter-lights/
Yulefest, Kilkenny
A series of festive events being held throughout Kilkenny from November to Late December. Highlights include a Christmas market, tree festival and Santa experience.
Dates: 29th November to 23rd December
Entry Fee: Varies depending on event
Information: https://yulefestkilkenny.ie/
Best Hotels In Kilkenny
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Please note that these are affiliate links and we will receive a small commission for any bookings made but this will not affect the price you pay.
Enchanted Lights at Antrim Castle
This festive family event runs for over three weeks at Antrim Castle. Local residents will receive a discounted rate and there are specific inclusive nights on the 4th and 11th December catering for anyone with additional needs.
Dates: 28th November to 30th December from 4:30pm to 9:30pm
Entry Fee:
- £15.50 Adult;
- £46.50 Family;
- £10.50 Under 18;
- Free for Under 3;
- Discounted rates for local residents
Information: https://enchantedwintergarden.com/
Wonder Lights at Malahide Castle, Dublin
Dates: 14th November to 28th December
Entry Fee:
- Adult €15.00 to €25.50
- Child (2-12 yrs) €15.00 to €23.50
- Student (13-18 yrs) €15.00 to €21.50
- OAP €15.00 to €21.50
- Infant (under 2 years) Free
- Carer Free
Information: https://www.wonderlights.ie/
Wonder Lights at Fota Island, Cork
Dates: 6th November to 28th December
Entry Fee:
- Adult €15.00 to €25.50
- Child (2-12 yrs) €15.00 to €23.50
- Student (13-18 yrs) €15.00 to €21.50
- OAP €15.00 to €21.50
- Infant (under 2 years) Free
- Carer Free
Information: https://www.wonderlights.ie/
Christmas at Hillsborough Castle, Down
Dates: 29th November to 4th January
Entry Fee: TBC
Information: https://www.hrp.org.uk/hillsborough-castle/whats-on/christmas-at-hillsborough-castle-and-gardens/
Elf Town Galway
Dates: November 21st to December 23rd
Entry Fee:
- Adult €19.95
- Child €29.95
- Child under 13 months: €9.95
Price Includes:
- Santa Visit
- 4 floors of amazing Christmas Actvities
Information: https://elftowngalway.ie/more-details-galway/#datesgalway
Adventure Lights at Sky Park, Louth
Explore 4 exciting zones of light trails split into fun, adventure, mythological and extinction. Use code POCKET10 to save on your ticket purchase.
Dates: 25th October to 4th January
Entry Fee: Adult 20 Euro; Child Over 3 20 Euro; Child Under 3 Free
Early Bird Offer available where one child ticket includes an accompanying adult
Information: https://skypark.ie/adventure-lights/
Bunratty Castle Trail of Lights, Clare
Dates: 28th November to 23rd December
Entry Fee:
- Adult: €25 per person
- Child: €39.95 per person
- Baby 0-12 months: €12 per person
Price includes:
- Personal visit with Santa Claus and Gift
- Full access to Bunratty Folk Park Trail of Lights Experience
- Ms Claus in the Golden Vale Farmhouse
- Polar Express Train Ride
- Giant Festive Illuminated Displays
- Tunnel of Lights
- Puppet & Magic Shows (*weekends only)
- Traditional Christmas Tales with our resident Seanchaí
- Meet Christmas Characters on the Village Street
- Toddler Play Area
- Festive Themed Shops
Information: https://www.bunrattycastle.ie/christmas/christmas2024/
Enchanted Christmas at Johnstown Castle
Dates: 1st to 23rd December
Entry Fee:
- Adults – starting at €15.00 per adult.
- Children – starting at €25.00 per child.
- Infants under 1 Year – €12.00 per infant
Price includes:
- Guided Theatrical Experience through our beautifully decorated Christmas Castle.
- An Individual family meeting with Santa.
- A chance to hand pick a gift for each child.
- Hot Beverage included (Hot chocolate for kids. Americano or Tea for Adults).
- The opportunity for plenty of photographs.
- Guided Theatrical Experience through our beautifully decorated Christmas Castle.
Information: https://johnstowncastle.rezgo.com/details/323262/an-enchanted-christmas-at-johnstown-castle-2023
Elf Town Dublin
Dates: November 15th to December 23rd
Entry Fee:
- Adult €19.95
- Child €29.95
- Child under 13 months: €9.95
Price Includes:
- Santa Visit
- 4 floors of amazing Christmas Activities
Information: http://elftowndublin.ie
American Folk Park Museum, Tyrone
Dates: 6th December to 3rd January 10am to 4pm
Entry Fee:
- Adult £12.50
- Child £7.65
- Student and Over 60: £9.75
- Carers, Child Under 5, Members and Accessible tickets are free
*Please note that there is a separate pricing model for weekends and for visiting Santa
Information: https://www.ulsteramericanfolkpark.org/whats-on/christmas-ulster-american-folk-park
Christmas Lights Switch on Dates in Ireland
Dublin
Date: TBC – Likely Mid November
Time: TBC
Information: https://dublinwinterlights.ie/
Cork
Date: 14th November
Time: TBC
Information: https://www.corkcity.ie/en/a-cork-christmas-celebration/corkmas%20christmas%20parade/
Galway
Date: 7th November
Time: TBC
Information: https://www.galwaytourism.ie/event/light-up-galway/
Waterford
Date: 21st November
Time: 6pm
Information: https://winterval.ie/event/winterval-launch-event
Belfast
Date: 15th November
Time: 6pm
Tickets: Available from 11am on the 5th November
Information: https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/christmaslights
Derry
Date: 21st November
Time: 4pm-8:15pm
Information: https://www.visitderry.com/whats-on/christmas-light-switch-on-p85229
Ice Skating Rinks in Ireland
IRELAND SKATING RINKS
Christmas Ice Skating in Ireland
- Sligo on Ice
- Alpine Skating Trail Dun Laoghaire, Dublin
- Alpine Skating Trail Blanchardstown, Dublin
- Drumcondra on Ice, Dublin
- Swords on Ice, Dublin
- Wexford Ice on the Quay
- Alpine Skating Trail Pairc ui Chaoimh, Cork
- Dundonald Ice Rin, Antrim
- Waterford on Ice, The Quay, Waterford
Sligo
Where: Sligo on Ice
When: November 2025
Cost:
| General Public Tickets | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (16+) | €20 |
| Child (Under 16) | €17 |
| Family of 3 | €50 |
| Family of 4 | €63 |
| Family of 5 | €78 |
| Family of 6 | €90 |
| Students (ID Required) | €17 |
| Carers | Free, but official carers ID required |
| Groups (15+ Person) | €16 Child/€19 Adult |
| Polar Bear Chair | €5 Rental |
Information: https://www.sligococo.ie/sligoonnice/
Dun Laoghaire
Where: Alpine Skating Trail Dun Laoghaire, Dublin
Cost:
- Adult Ticket €21.00
- U-18 Ticket| €19.00
- Family Of 3 Ticket €54.00
- Family Of 4 Ticket €68.00
- Family Of 5 Ticket €81.00
- Family Of 6 Ticket €94.00
- Student (Weds) €16.00
Information: https://iceskating.ie/
Blanchardstown
Where: Alpine Skating Trail Blanchardstown, Dublin
Cost:
- Adult Ticket €21.00
- U-18 Ticket| €19.00
- Family Of 3 Ticket €54.00
- Family Of 4 Ticket €68.00
- Family Of 5 Ticket €81.00
- Family Of 6 Ticket €94.00
- Student (Weds) €16.00
Information: https://iceskating.ie/
Dundonald
Where: Dundonald Ice Rink, Antrim
Cost:
| Ice Skating (Individual) | £8.00 |
| Ice Skating Junior ( 4 year and under ) | £6.00 |
| Ice Skating Family of 4 (1 adult 3 children or 2 adults 2 children)* | £26.00 |
| Ice Skating Family of 5 (1 adult 4 children or 2 adults 3 children)* | £31.00 |
| Wheelchair Users (+1 Carer Free) | £6.00 |
Information: https://www.theicebowl.com/activities/ice-skating
Cork
Where: Alpine Skating Trail Pairc ui Chaoimh, Cork
Cost:
- Adult Ticket €21.00
- U-18 Ticket| €18.00
- Family Of 3 Ticket €53.00
- Family Of 4 Ticket €66.00
- Family Of 5 Ticket €79.00
- Family Of 6 Ticket €92.00
- Student (Weds) €16.00
Information: https://iceskating.ie/
Waterford
Where: Waterford on Ice, The Quay, Waterford
When: 15th November to 5th January
Cost:
- Adult €19.00
- Child €17.00
- Family of 4 €58
Information: https://www.onice.ie/locations/waterford
Christmas Themed Bars and Restaurants in Ireland
- 33) The Ginger Man, Dublin
- 34) Hole in the Wall, Dublin
- 35) The Temple Bar, Dublin
- 36) The Harbour Bar, Wicklow
- 37) O’Donoghue’s, Kerry
- 38) O’Connor’s, Galway
- 39) Arthur Mayne’s, Cork
- 40) O’Connell’s, Meath
So there you have 40 great things to do in Ireland, from Christmas markets to ice rinks and everything in between. Whatever you choose to do, we hope you have a great Christmas in Ireland.
Our Travel Checklist
These are the the things we always make sure to plan in advance before going abroad
- Booking a Hotel – We use Booking.com to get the best rates on hotels or else we book directly with the hotel themselves
- Activities – We book all of our activities through either Get Your Guide or Viator
- Travel Insurance – We use SafetyWing to get the best ongoing insurance package
- eSim Card – The best eSim we have use to date is Airalo
- Car Rental – DiscoverCars is the best option for car rentals as it runs as a comparison site
- Airport Transfers – We use Welcome Pickups, which is available in over 100 countries
Thank You!!
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