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Dublin Christmas Market Dates, Location and Tips
Christmas in Dublin offers a magical experience, with the city’s streets illuminated by festive lights and filled with the sounds of carolers and seasonal cheer. From unique Christmas markets to the enchanting atmosphere of Dublin Castle, there’s no shortage of holiday spirit to embrace.
Where are the Dublin Christmas markets located?
- Christmas Market at Dublin Castle: Set against the backdrop of the iconic Dublin Castle, this Bavarian-style Christmas market showcases over 30 wooden stalls, each offering unique Irish crafts, artisan products, and festive treats. The atmosphere is made even more enchanting by the festive lighting, live music performances from local artists, and a vintage carousel that adds a sense of nostalgia. For families, the market offers a wonderful experience with Santa Claus in attendance and plenty of entertainment for children.
- Christmas Market at Swords Castle: Taking place on the weekends, this delightful market, held at the historic Swords Castle blends indoor and outdoor stalls. Here, you’ll find a wonderful selection of handcrafted goods, jewellery, artisan products, and seasonal foods. Children can visit Santa in his grotto, and there are plenty of activities for all ages to enjoy. This market is perfect for those looking for a family-friendly Christmas experience with a more intimate atmosphere.
- Bremore Castle Christmas Market: For a smaller, community-focused market, Bremore Castle offers a charming and festive atmosphere. Held on select dates in November and December 2024, the Bremore Castle Christmas Market includes a range of stalls selling artisan gifts, local crafts, and festive foods. One of the highlights of this market is the free Santa’s Grotto, where children can meet Santa and receive a gift. The market also features live carol singing, face painting, balloon artistry, and more.
Do you need tickets to enter the Dublin Christmas markets?
No, you donâÃÂÃÂt need tickets to attend Dublin Christmas markets. The Christmas market is free to enter, so you can enjoy the festive fun without any additional fees.
Things to do at the Dublin Christmas Markets
The Dublin Christmas Markets are more than just a place to pick up gifts, they’re a full-on festive experience packed with lights, food, crafts, and plenty of cheer. Here’s what’s waiting for you across the city’s best-loved seasonal spots:
- Wander through the Christmas Market at Dublin Castle: Set against the stunning historic backdrop, this market features 30+ wooden chalets selling handmade crafts, Irish gifts, artisan bakes, and winter warmers like mulled wine and hot chocolate. There’s a vintage carousel for kids, a traditional nativity scene, and free entry makes it a must-visit.
- Shop at eco-conscious and creative pop-ups: Discover unique handmade goods at Glasnevin’s Sustainable Christmas Market or grab gifts with personality from the creative stalls at Fumbally Stables and Dún Laoghaire’s Irish Pop-Up Collective, complete with wreath-making workshops and cosy vibes.
- Get festive at Smithfield Square’s Christmas Spectacular: Skate on the giant ice rink, explore Ireland’s first Ice Museum, hop on the Big Wheel for views across the city, and take a break in the Nutcracker Snug with a warm drink. Expect twinkling lights and a proper wintry buzz.
- Take in the lights and street magic across the city: From Grafton Street’s famous light canopy and window displays to Henry Street’s buskers and festive tunes, the city centre itself feels like a Christmas film set. Grab roasted chestnuts, people-watch, and soak up the atmosphere.
- End the evening at Wild Lights in Dublin Zoo: This ticketed light trail features glowing animal sculptures and themed displays, making it a magical finish to a festive day out.
How to get to the Dublin Christmas Market?
If you’re planning to visit the Dublin Christmas Market, here are some easy ways to get there:
- By train: The main intercity stations- Heuston and Connolly, are well connected to other Irish cities. From either station, you can hop on a Luas tram or take a short bus ride into the city centre. Dublin Castle, where the main Christmas market is held, is around a 15-minute walk from both tram lines.
- By bus: Dublin Bus runs regular services across the city, with stops just a few minutes’ walk from the market. Key bus routes like the 9, 13, 15, 27, and 140 all stop near Dame Street and Lord Edward Street, making it convenient to reach the heart of the festivities.
- By tram (Luas): Take the Green Line to St Stephen’s Green or the Red Line to Jervis. Both stops are within a 5âÃÂÃÂ7-minute walk to Dublin Castle, offering a quick and scenic route through the city.
- By car: If you’re driving into Dublin, parking is available at nearby car parks such as QâÃÂÃÂPark Christchurch or QâÃÂÃÂPark St Stephen’s Green. Just keep in mind that city centre traffic can be busy during the festive season, especially on weekends.
Are Dublin Christmas Markets worth visiting?
Yes, Dublin is a fantastic place to visit during Christmas. The city comes alive with twinkling lights, Christmas markets, and a festive atmosphere that fills the air with holiday cheer. Visitors can enjoy a variety of seasonal events, from the historic Christmas in the Castle market to the charming Swords Castle Christmas Market. Dublin’s iconic Grafton Street becomes a winter wonderland with festive displays and street performers, while cosy pubs offer Guinness and mulled wine, and local restaurants serve up traditional Christmas meals.
Where to stay in Dublin?
For a central stay, consider booking a room at one of the 4-star boutique hotels located near St. Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street. These locations provide easy access to Dublin's Christmas markets and shopping districts, ensuring a comfortable base for your festive getaway. To snag the best discounts on hotel stays in Dublin, be sure to check out all the incredible deals and offers on this page.
Other things to do in Dublin
Dublin has a wealth of attractions and activities to enjoy beyond the Christmas markets. Here are some of the top things to do in the city:
- Guinness Storehouse: Discover the story behind Ireland’s most famous beer with a self-guided tour through seven floors of brewing history, finishing with a pint and panoramic city views at the Gravity Bar.
- Trinity College & The Book of Kells: Explore Ireland’s oldest university and marvel at the stunning Long Room library. Don’t miss the Book of Kells, a beautifully illustrated manuscript dating back to the 9th century.
- Dublin Castle & Chester Beatty Library: Tour the grand State Apartments and gardens at Dublin Castle, then visit the Chester Beatty Library next door for an impressive collection of rare books, art, and manuscripts.
- Grafton Street & St Stephen’s Green: Wander down Grafton Street to enjoy street performers, festive lights, and local shops, ending at the tranquil St Stephen’s Green for a relaxing winter stroll.
- Phoenix Park: Take a walk or cycle through one of Europe’s largest city parks, home to a herd of wild deer and Dublin Zoo.
Christmas Essentials: Christmas Shop | Christmas Gifts | Christmas Pyjamas | Christmas Decorations | Christmas Market Breaks | Christmas Jumpers | Christmas Trees