Christmas markets are very recent in Ireland. But is getting increasingly popular, attracting locals and visitors with live entertainment, festive treats, and gift shopping.

Nothing beats the atmosphere of a good Christmas Market with tempting aromas in the air, Christmas music, cute gifts to browse and nice food to nibble on as you walk around. Here are some of the Best Christmas Markets in Ireland. Updated Dec 2021

Some of the best Christmas Markets in Ireland

1. Belfast Christmas Market at the City Hall

christmas market ireland belfast

Running until 23rd December.

Visit the Belfast Christmas Market in the City Hall grounds for an award-winning taste of Christmas.

With over 30 international traders offering incredible foods and delightful gifts ideas, you’ll never be stuck for choice!
All the delicious foods are served alongside fantastic quality produce from local artisan food and craft producers.

A visit to the Christmas Market just isn’t complete without a meeting with Santa! Bring the kids along to visit Santa in his festive grotto and take a ride on the vintage carousel or a slide down the Helter Skelter.

Plan a trip to Ireland  4 days – 3 nights in Dublin + Belfast for 360€ pp

2. Christmas Winterland Market in Derry

Derry Christmas Market 2021

Running until Dec 12th

Spread some Christmas cheer. The Winterland Market welcomes the best of artisan traders, offering a family-friendly shopping experience with a wide selection of specialty Christmas foods and handcrafted products. Tickle your tastebuds with homemade jams, chutneys and sauces artisan breads & cakes, a range of organic meats, and of course some sweet treats.

There will be a family-friendly bar serving draught craft beer, mulled wine spirits using locally sourced products.

Discover the main cities of Ireland this Winter

3. Christmas Market at Dublin Castle

Christmas Market Dublin Castle 2021

Running until 21st December.
Set in the heart of the nation’s capital, Christmas at the Castle will have something for everyone: a boutique open-air Christmas Market, evening carol singing, a Neapolitan crib and complimentary evening access to the traditionally decorated State apartments among some of the festive offerings.

The historic courtyard of Dublin Castle will be filled with over 30 traditional alpine market stalls featuring an array of decorative crafts and inspiring gift ideas. Come and indulge in traditional fare sold by artisan producers and soak up the festive atmosphere with evening carol singing.

There will be a vintage carousel on site for children and at weekends a horse and carriage ride around the Castle grounds and gardens.

With over 1,000 years of history in Dublin Castle and plenty of festive food, crafts, music and entertainment – there will be something for everyone to enjoy this festive season

4. Wicklow Christmas Market

Wicklow Christmas Market

Running until Dec 21st.
Wicklow Christmas Market
 is set within the Magical Abbey Grounds, in Wicklow town just 25 minutes from the M50. You will find plenty of craft stalls to get you in the Christmas mood. So why not come on down and try out some of the local artisan foods, buy some decorations or find a gift for a loved one family or friend. There is something for everyone so make sure you don’t miss out on this year’s fantastic Christmas Market.

Entry into the Wicklow Christmas Market is Free – browse local, artisan craft and food stalls, and soak up the Christmas atmosphere. New for 2021, is the Eco Ice Skating Rink, and of course the popular Santa Express experience is back! Tickets are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.

The Santa Express will transport you on a magical journey. Of course, Santa will be waiting to meet all the boys and girls so they can tell him about their wishes for Christmas. Each family will meet Santa individually and each child will get a special gift from Santa.

5. Glow, Cork Christmas Market

cork christmas market

Running until January 9th 2022

The Christmas Market is back at the Grand Parade in Cork every weekend (Friday to Sunday) in the run-up to Christmas.
Visit the festive installation in Bishop Lucey Park, soar high above Cork on a giant Ferris wheel and indulge in market and entertainment on the Grand Parade this Christmas.

6. Galway Christmas Market

Galway christmas market

Running until 22nd December.
The Galway Christmas Market is back.
All of your favorites are there, Hot Dogs, Crepes, Gluwein, and many more Santa will be in residence and gifts and stocking fillers will include wooden toys and jigsaws, paper stars, jewellery and accessories, wood sculptures and ceramics. Also all manner of seasonal indulgent treats including the ever-popular Czech chimney cakes, classic French crepes, authentic Belgian waffles, German bratwurst and gluhwein, donuts, handmade Italian chocolates, candied nuts and Irish fudge.