Where to celebrate, what to do, and what not to miss in the holly-jolly season
By SHELAGH BRALEY STARR
RELATED☘️ Staff
From carol-singers and Christmas markets to fireside nooks in a pub with mulled wine, live music, and hearty seasonal cuisine, Ireland fully gets into the holiday spirit. So much so, the whole country effectively shuts down for a week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day. That gives everyone time to enjoy the families and communities that are so important to them, to celebrate and uphold the old traditions that carry so much meaning.
Even before the tradition of decorating Christmas trees began with Albert, the German-born husband of British Queen Victoria, the Irish decorated their homes with all manner of greenery. Finding a holly bush with an abundance of bright berries was considered good luck for the coming year. Holly, mistletoe, and laurel are plentiful in Ireland in winter, and perfect for adding a festive feel to homes and public gathering spots. In the past, they were thought to ward off evil that might lurk in the long, dark winter’s night. Many a window will display a candle, burning bright, a welcome to guests and symbolic of welcoming Mary and Joseph in their search for shelter.
On Christmas Day, many Irish people earn their dinner! They do so by raising money for charitable causes, most often by taking a dunk in the ocean in a Polar Plunge event. Dinner tastes better, and you appreciate your warm fire a bit more after that.
Winter in Ireland offers dramatic landscapes with fewer crowds, along with a special chance to participate in seasonal traditions you’ll see no other time. Whether you’re planning a future December visit or feeling curious but cozy at home, here are some festive sights to feast your eyes on, to get you into the holiday spirit, Ireland’s way.
FARMLEIGH HOUSE & ESTATE, Phoenix Park, Dublin
The home to the Guinness family for generations, Farmleigh House & Estate opens its 78 acres for community Christmas celebrations. Special events include old-fashioned horse and carriage rides, live music, Christmas markets, food and craft booths, carols in the ballroom with the Dublin Airport Singers, Barbershop Melodies, and storytellers, puppets, and magic shows for the kids.
TWINKLE TOWN, Dublin
Smithfield Square has been magically transformed into Twinkle Town, a bustling Christmas market, with a special holiday show called Santo Panto, ice skating on the rink, art parties at the pub, live music, craft workshops, light displays and more. Open November 28th to January 4th, between 11am and 9pm, this will be nonstop fun right in the heart of Dublin. The highlight will be the illuminated views over the whole city from atop the Twinkle Town Ferris wheel. More than 25 locations across Dublin are aglow, including the GPO, the Spire, Dublin Castle Courtyard, and more. But bundle up (the temperature usually stays around 40 degrees Fahrenheit).
WESTPORT, Co. Mayo
Though it rarely snows in Ireland, visitors will be walking in a winter wonderland this December if they happen upon Westport in the enchanting county of Mayo. Charming carolers sing in the streets before the bustling Christmas market. At Westport Estate, the 18th century coach house and the surrounding land transforms for the holidays like nowhere else, with dazzling displays of holiday cheer. A train, the Winter Wonderland Express, runs along the property line, so no one misses a single light display. Inside the house, greet Mrs. Claus by the giant Christmas tree, roast marshmallows, decorate gingerbread, and more. There are seasonal food trucks, including the Grinch’s Candy Grotto, where holiday games ensue.
SANTA EXPRESS, Westmeath
The Santa Express is one of the Midlands’ most popular family Christmas events, already sold out for Dec. 13 and 14 this year. Families seeking the magic of Christmas board a real train for a journey filled with festive characters, music, and a visit from Santa himself. From the moment they step onto the platform at Mullingar, the fun and wonder begin. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their cheerful Elves tell stories as the train rolls toward Longford, with music, games and laughter along the way.
MOUNT JULIET, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny
Afternoon tea at the Manor House at Mount Juliet feels like a festive celebration, enjoying the crackling fire and the beautifully holiday-decorated Georgian estate. Filling up on three tiers of finger sandwiches, scones, macarons, and other delicacies, then chasing it all down with tea and special holiday spiced mulled wine is a fine start. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening in Kilkenny, at their special Yulefest.
Yulefest kicks off Dec. 6 with an appearance of the Santa Truck, a tractor-trailer illuminated with Christmas lights. Children will be able to board the special truck and see Santa’s Grotto. This project supports the Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice. Then head off for Christmas market gift hunting, riding the vintage carousel, taking in the tree festival, and enjoying the incredible light spectacle “Starlight” by Luxmuralis at St. Canice’s Cathedral (Dec. 14-21). Even the pets get to celebrate with Santa-Paws (Dec. 6) at Connolly’s Red Mills at Cilin Hill.
The festivities continue into the New Year, when Ireland welcomes more visitors to ring in 2026. Echoes of Ireland plays at Dublin Castle Dec. 30, 3-7pm. There’s the big Ignite and Excite Parade from 4-5 pm, the Countdown Concert matinee 4-6:30pm, Harbor Fireworks at Dun Laoghaire and Houth 6:30-7:30 pm, Countdown Concert at Dublin Castle 8pm to 12:30am, Dec. 31. Then Jan. 1 there’s the free Family Day and Concert at Dublin Castle with trad music at Meeting House Square from 1-5pm.
Get there if you can or watch from afar if you can’t. Either way, Ireland makes the holiday season unforgettable, surrounding travelers with warmth and hospitality.
Nollaig shona duit! Merry Christmas, in Ireland.
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