Christmas Markets in Dublin
Luke McLeod | Last Updated 03 Jul 2023 | 5 Minute Read
Dublin at Christmas is a magical space to explore. Reel in excitement from the visits of Santa Claus to the grotto, the aroma of mulled wine filling the air of restaurants and warm lights illuminate Dublin’s streets. While Dublin’s Christmas Markets may not be as well-known as others. The Christmas markets in Dublin are a hidden gem filled with crafts, toys, and food.
Organising a Christmas market break in Dublin allows you to discover the city and its markets. While still giving you time to spend in the busiest shopping district in the country. Staying in one of our 4* boutique rooms ensures that your Christmas break is full of rest and relaxation.
Our boutique 4 Star hotel located in Dublin city centre near St. Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street. The perfect base to discover Dublin and Ireland’s best Christmas fairs.
Our guide will help you find some of the best Christmas markets in Ireland to visit this winter. Last year in Dublin, there was one real Bavarian style market, with other fairs taking place in locations in Fingal, City Centre and South Dublin.
With a lack of “Traditional” style fairs in Dublin, often you can experience a quirky market. Over the years, the Arthaus has had a market on its doorstep. We hope to see it’s return very soon! Since the return of these fairs after a break period, Dublin has launched a handful of new markets.
Christmas in the Castle 2024 has yet to confirm that it will take place this year. But it is expected to be between 6th to the 22nd of December 2024.
Found in the grounds of the historic Dublin Castle, this is Dublin’s only Bavarian style market. With wooden huts showcasing the finest of Irish craft designers. It is not long until you find a tasty treat that is synonymous Christmas markets across the globe.
Christmas in the Castle 2024 usually runs from 12 noon until 9pm. Last year, Dublin Castle have announced that Christams in the Castle 2023 would be unticketed. Meaning you do not need to prebook! This was the first year that this happened, and it is unknown whether they will have tickets in 2024. Getting to Dublin Castle is just a 12-minute walk from the Arthaus hotel.
At Christmas in the Castle there will be love music from local acts and maybe a couple of well-known performers. You can entertain the little ones on the vintage carousel ride while indulging in a glass of mulled craft cider from the open-air bar.
The State Apartments are also open during the market hours. Take some extra time to walk through history at the Castle. From century old paintings to historical furniture with a real story behind it, Dublin’s culture is alive and well even at peak festivity.
We think that Christmas in the Castle 2024 will be the best of the Christmas Markets in Ireland. Now that you don't need to get your hands on a ticket, it is an unmissable experience with friends or family.
Do I need Dublin Castle Christmas Market Tickets?
No, As of 2023, Christmas in the Castle no longer needs any tickets. You can turn up on the day and walk right in.
Fingal County Council launched a brand-new market in recent years. Since the first year back in 2019, this market has entertained all who pass through the castle gates. In 2024 the Swords Castle Christmas Market will be held on 28th November - 30th of November, then again on Sat 7th of December & Sunday 8th.
Originally the Christmas Fair was held over one weekend, but with popularity rising, it now spans over two.
Last year the market was a wonderful mix of indoor and outdoor. Pine huts lined the perimeter of the wall with offerings of crafts, jewellery, artisan products and much more.
The centre of the walled garden had a large covering with a bar for those lovely Christmas punches, and a stage to hear carols and more!
Bring the kids along to this Swords Christmas Market 2024 to visit Santa in the grotto. After you’re finished, there are plenty of dining options close by.
The Swords Castle Market is also held on a smaller scale further north by the beach in Balbriggan. With dates alternating between the two markets, it makes it easier to attend at least one of them.
The Bremore Castle Christmas Market 2023 will have a Santa's Grotto. The visit to Santa will be a free event for the local community with a gift for each child. However a donation bucket will be available at the entrance with all donations going to the local charity "Meals on Wheels".
The Castle market will also showcase Carol Singers, Festive Christmas Decorated Cabins, Face Painting & a Balloon Artisit. This is alongside an extensive amount of traders, food stalls and much more.
This years Christmas Market is as follows 26th November, 10th December & 17th December. Each day the market will start at 11am and finish each day around 4pm.
Mellow in the ultimate festive cheer at Ardgillan Castle in December. The Castle will host a Christmas Gift Fair on Sunday the 10th of December from 1pm until 5pm.
Choose gifts from unique local craftspeople including jewellery, artworks and festive inspired wood carvings. The event will have a wonderful piece of entertainment from Balbriggan Gospel Choir and an exhibition of some of the local artists recent works. There will be mulled wine and Christmas snacks available on the day in the Castle Cafe.
Ardgillan has recently received a lot of TV coverage including the blockbuster Gothic tale "Lies we tell" as well as being featured on RTE's "Spooked". Currently there is a major film being recorded, which is set to end just as the Castle Christmas Fair begins.
I love the National Botanic Gardens in the warmer months of the year. However even in the depths of winter, a visit to such beautiful gardens offers a hint of Christmas cheer.
In the Gardens, there are stalls both indoors and outdoors against the backdrop of the historic glasshouses. You will find over seventy stalls featuring an array of sustainable gift ideas, decorative craft, and tasty seasonal treats.
The craft fair will take place on the 7th and 8th of December and there is no need for tickets. Getting to the Botanic Gardens Sustainable Christmas Market from the Arthaus Hotel is a 15-minute drive over 5km.
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Over on the south side of the city, the Royal Dublin Society host a market with a twist. Featuring tonnes of Designers, Makers, and Artisan Food Producers. The RDS Christmas Fair is the perfect destination if you love craft, design, unique independent brands and delicious food.
With everything you could need for your Christmas entertaining as well as a wide variety of gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan foods and a host of healthy ideas
Like the market in the Botanic Gardens, The RDS will feature a selection of eco-friendly gifts, clean beauty companies as well as sustainably produced fashion and some incredible vintage clothing to take home with you or to gift. This years event will run between Wednesday 4th December - Sunday 8th of December 2024.
Christmas markets in Dublin are not as big as those in Belfast, or in Europe. However, it is a great starting point for a winter break, before heading into a show at one of Dublin’s Theatres or Christmas meal with friends, family, or co-workers.
Shopping in Dublin at Christmas time is also an extremely popular reason to vacation in Dublin. There are hundreds of stores to shop in. Walking down some beautifully illuminated streets, with the Christmas cheer.
Take the stress out of travelling and stay in Dublin’s Shopping District, just seconds form one of Ireland’s most well-known parks.
Enjoy a luxurious overnight stay in one of our boutique rooms in the heart of Dublin. Inspired by the best of the Bauhaus Art Movement our stylish and creative rooms are the perfect touch of luxury to begin your Dublin journey.
Our artwork in the Boutique rooms features works inspired by the Bauhaus teacher Wassily Kandinsky, often hailed as the pioneer of abstract art. In his own words, ‘’Colour is a power which directly influences the soul.
Stay two nights at the Arthaus Hotel and get €20 off per night.
When you arrive in Dublin, you may be a little excited and forget some of our essential travel tips!
Winter temperatures in Dublin average about 9 degrees Celsius, which is about 48 in Fahrenheit. Pack accordingly for this, as a lot of Christmas markets are outdoors and open to the elements. Unfortunately, the elements in Dublin generally is rain rather than snow. Be prepared with a raincoat and umbrella when taking a holiday to Dublin.
While staying at the Arthaus, the most convenient way to travel is by public transport or taxi. Coming from Dublin Airport, you can take a taxi to our hotel. All the Christmas Markets in Dublin are within a 30 minutes' drive and some within a 15-minute walk.
While Dublin’s Christmas markets may not offer traditional dining options you see on the continent. You can find brilliant bars and delicious restaurants on the doorstep of the hotel.
When planning your trip, you can find the links to each market below. Double check that the market will take place on the day you are visiting. Often some markets are weekends only, or may close Mondays etc.
In previous years, Dubliners and tourists enjoyed plenty of festive cheer at Christmas Fairs and 2024 will be no different. With a variety of markets planned all around the city, I’m certain this winter has entertainment in store for us.
There are pop up markets yet to be announced, which generally take place in places like The Well, Eatyard and other venues. Check these out if you want to modernise your market experience!
Staying at the Arthaus during the festive season is sure to be a wholesome weekend. From checking into your 4* boutique room, to strolling down Dublin’s famous Grafton Street and being mesmerised by the Christmas Lights.
Book your Christmas stay at the Arthaus Hotel today and enjoy your winter break in luxury.
Our boutique 4-star hotel found in Dublin city centre near St. Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street is the perfect place to stay over the Christmas season.
You can expect to find a variety of Christmas markets in Dublin, including a Bavarian style market and other fairs taking place in Fingal, City Centre and South Dublin.
Yes, during the Christmas season, Santa Claus visits a grotto and delicious mulled wine can be found in restaurants. The live crib at St.Stephen’s Green is a traditional event that kids go to see each year.
You will find all kinds of crafts, handmade toys and artisan food at the Christmas markets in Dublin.
Booking a Christmas market break in Dublin is a great way to explore the city and its markets, as well as having time to spend in the busiest shopping district in the country.
The first Dublin Christmas Market 2024 will start in Bremore on November 26th
Meet our passionate and seasoned Travel and Culture Editor, Luke McLeod. With an insatiable wanderlust and an unquenchable thirst for cultural exploration, Luke is your trusted guide to unlocking the soul of Ireland.
With years of experience in the realms of travel and culture journalism, Luke has made it their mission to hand-pick the most captivating and authentic experiences that the Emerald Isle has to offer.
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