Christmas in Ireland is a magical time of year! The streets light up with festive lights, buskers fill the air with Christmas carols, and spirits are high. There are endless Christmas activities to enjoy, from festive markets to advent calendars and much more.
We have gathered our favourite festive activities from counties all across Ireland to help you fill your Christmas calendar with that Christmas cheer.
Starting off in Dublin, the city that is filled with magic, sparkly lights, festive markets and plenty of seasonal activities to enjoy. Hop into the spirit of Christmas with Do Dublin’s Christmas tour, a tour filled with laughter, love and the Christmas spirit (make sure to keep an eye out for Gus on the bus!!). Soak up some nostalgic charm on the vintage tea tour or enjoy a spooky seasonal twist with the Christmas ghost bus tour. For the food lovers there is plenty for you, with our top pic being the Guided Holiday Donut Tour where you can indulge in some of the best donuts in Dublin while walking around the city and soaking in the atmosphere. With the city electric with events, decorations, lights and places to explore, Dublin City is the perfect place to soak up Christmas.
Next up is Cork where the streets are filled with Christmas cheer as colourful lights line the streets of the city. The Cork Christmas market is one not to miss as it is filled with festive food, handmade gifts and a lovely atmosphere to put you into that Christmas spirit. If you are looking for something a bit different to do in Cork this Christmas, the Holiday Donut adventure is definitely one to try as you get to explore the city while tasting donuts from all different types of shops. If donuts aren’t really your thing, the Cork food tour is perfect for you, with a guided walking tour around the city with stops into local food spots and as we all know there is nothing more comforting than some delicious food while tucked away from the cold weather.
Moving next onto Galway, the city that comes to life at Christmas. To start, you should take a trip to the Galway Christmas markets which is filled with festive stalls, twinkling lights and seasonal treats. If you prefer a more cosy indoor activity, the Galway escape rooms is the perfect activity to escape the cold or you can immerse yourself in local flavours on the Galway craft beer tour, Whiskey Tour or Beer tour, all the perfect winter evening activity. Finish off the perfect day of Christmas celebrations with the Trad on the Prom night, a lovely night filled with Irish music and dance.
Now we have Kilkenny, the city that transforms into a winter wonderland at Christmas time, with Yulefest Kilkenny filling the streets with markets music and seasonal treats. Explore the charm of the old city this Christmas with the Kilkenny city walk where you will visit all the main landmarks around the city by foot. If you’d prefer something more cosy the Smithwick’s Experience is perfect for you as you can indulge in some Smithwick’s while also learning all about it in the comfort of being indoors. The history lovers can also step inside Kilkenny Castle after spending some time in the markets and learn about the history behind these old stone walls.
Finally, Belfast! This stunning city is full of Christmas charm from the Christmas market at city hall to the light display across the city. Take a step into another world with the Game of Thrones studio tour where you can see the iconic sets while also having lots of photo opportunities. Enjoy the streets of Belfast with a twist with the Belfast city detective mystery tour, the perfect activity for some family fun (or friends). Winter is also a great time of year to visit the giants causeway where you can see the dramatic coastal scenery in full swing! Don’t forget to take some time so soak in the atmosphere and visit some of the landmarks including the cathedral quarter or visit one of the city’s breathtaking Christmas shows, there really is something for everyone here is this beautiful city.
