It’s time for the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas markets, concerts, New Year’s events, and more. Here are some of the best places I found to experience the holiday season on the Emerald Isle!
Christmas markets, light festivals, and more!The island of Ireland is known for its unique
Christmas atmosphere and we can easily see why! Cities all over Ireland are hosting Christmas markets full of local foods, crafts, and decorations.
First things first: Dublin will be as magical as it can be this holiday season:
Dublin Winter Lights finally returns throughout December,
The Wild Lights is taking place at Dublin Zoo and the city has
many more events coming up this winter, such as
Dublin 8 Christmas Market (Dec 10-11) and
Christmas at the Castle (Dec 8-21)
Up north, the
Belfast Continental Christmas Market turns the city hall into a bustling Christmas village, while
Christmas in Galway already started, making its city center even cosier than it usually is. Down south, Cork welcomes back
Glow: a beautifully lit Christmas village with a stunning Ferris wheel, right across the culinary heaven that is the English Market.
Last but not least, here’s a list of events to embrace the Christmas atmosphere all over the island of Ireland:
Ring in the New Year in style.This year marks the return of the long-awaited
Dublin New Year’s Festival after a 3-year hiatus. This year’s program includes concerts, a fireworks display, light shows, and much more! The festival lasts for two days with its traditional countdown on the 31st as well as music in Temple Bar on New Year’s day. Tickets and info can be found on
the festival’s website. Beyond the festivities, Dublin is also the best place to spend New Year’s Eve, and
for good reasons. It’s the ideal time to experience indoor attractions, winter walks with stunning views, and of course the food!
If big celebrations and crowds aren’t for you, why not choose a place a bit more laid back to celebrate the new year? Cork and Galway have intimate gatherings and galas just for you. And of course, you’ll find
live music venues and countless pubs which always come with our world-famous craic.
Eventbrite and local agendas are great places to start searching for your new year’s eve party of choice.
Do you have other suggestions to indulge in the holiday spirit on the Emerald Isle? I’m all ears!