Dublin Christmas Markets 2022: 7 Worth A Visit

So, there isn’t one main Dublin Christmas Market – there are several!

The capital has been severely lacking when it comes to festive markets, but a few recent additions have given the city Christmassy boost.

And, while the last few years have been a bit of a mess, there are several confirmed Christmas Markets in Dublin in 2022!

Quick need-to-knows about the Dublin Christmas markets 2022

If you’re looking to visit Christmas Markets in Dublin in 2022, take 10 seconds to read the points below, first:

1. Don’t believe what 70% of websites are saying

So, if you Google ‘Dublin Christmas Market 2022’ you’ll find a load of websites listing off markets that no longer take place, e.g. the Dublin Flea Christmas Market or the market at the IFSC – they’re using very dated info.

2. There’s not many Bavarian-style markets

There’s endless Christmas fairs taking place across Dublin in halls and car parks. Unfortunately, there’s only one (maybe two) Christmas markets in Dublin in 2022 that are even remotely Bavarian-style (the one in Dublin Castle and potentially the one in Howth Castle).

3. There have been several cancelled markets

Mistletown (once again) it seems won’t be taking place this year. Neither will the Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market. We had hoped there would be a Guinness Storehouse Christmas Market, but that’s not looking likely either.

7 Christmas markets in Dublin confirmed for 2022

So, despite the fact that some of the larger events aren’t taking place, there are several Dublin Christmas markets confirmed for 2022 (there are plenty of Christmas markets in Ireland going ahead, too!).

Below, you’ll find the markets that are 100% going ahead this year (some have already started!).

1. The Dublin Castle Christmas Market (Dec 8th – 21st)

A couple of years back, the Dublin Castle Christmas market arrived out of nowhere and it went down reasonably well.

It was one of the only Christmas markets in Dublin that went ahead over the last two years and, although small, it’s set in the impressive grounds of Dublin Castle.

In previous years, the castle was finely decked out in fairy lights and the entrance to the castle grounds was lined with 100+ Christmas trees.

The main market was held within the courtyard where there was all of the usual stalls selling festive bits and bobs, a carousel and an open-air bar (more info here).

2. The Swords Castle Christmas Market (Nov 27th and Dec 3rd – 4th)

If there’s one Dublin Christmas market that’s stood strong in recent years it’s the one in Swords Castle.

Here, you’ll find over 50 stalls buckling with gifts, art, crafts, and food all sold by local traders. There’s also a Santa’s Grotto open between 12 and 5pm.

The market here runs between 11am – 6pm on Nov 27th and Dec 3rd – 4th and, while it for some odd reason doesn’t continue on later into December, the grounds of the castle and its exterior are very Christmassy.

3. The Howth Castle Christmas Market (Dec 9th – Jan 8th)

Next up is one of the newest Christmas markets Dublin has to offer, but it comes with a little warning. You may have seen the buzz online about the Howth Castle Christmas Market in recent weeks.

While there’s a lot of excitement, there’s very little info available, aside from the fast that it’s primarily a circus but that there’ll also be a festive market.

What we do know is that there will be a Christmas market (free according to Circus Gerbola), a circus (€15), and a fairground with rides (starting at €3).

Howth Castle’s grounds are gorgeous, and the perfect location for a festive market, but, you may want to wait for some reviews before making the drive over.

4. Botanic Gardens Eco Christmas Craft Market (Dec 10th – 11th)

The Botanic Gardens are home to one of several eco-style Christmas markets in Dublin in 2022. Here you’ll find over 70 stalls offering a range of sustainable gifts, as well as seasonal treats and decorative crafts.

It’s an indoor and outdoor market, set in and around the historic glasshouses at the Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin.

The venue will have a light sprinkling of festive cheer with performances from a local choir.

5. Rathfarnham Castle Christmas Market (Dec 10th)

Rathfarnham Castle Christmas Market is an outdoor market held in, unsurprisingly enough, the grounds of Rathfarnham Castle, an impressive 16th-century fortified house.

Throughout the day, the magical market has a range of stalls selling artisan goods, local art and crafts, plus opportunities for food and festive warm drinks. 

Kids will have the opportunity to post their letters to Santa and there’s also all-day entertainment taking place (it runs from 10:00 – 15:00 on Dec 10th).

6. The Fumbally Market (Dec 9th – 11th)

The Fumbally Market is held over three days in December, with rotating stalls featuring goods from independent artists, crafters, and traders.

It’s one of only a handful of indoor Dublin Christmas markets, which is handy if the weather isn’t playing ball!

You’ll find many a unique gift with everything from notebooks and local honey to hand-made knitwear on offer. Don’t miss out on the Scéal Bakery’s signature Christmas puddings, minced pies, and festive preserves. 

7. Bremore Castle Christmas Market (Nov 20th and Dec 4th, 11th and 18th)

A lot of Christmas markets in Dublin are taking place in the grounds of castles this year!

The Bremore Castle Christmas Market in Balbriggan is held in the walled garden of Bremore Castle, with a range of market stalls selling a variety of arts and crafts, as well as delicious food and drinks.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to ‘support local’ with a focus on local traders, artists, and businesses. The markets run from 10:00 to 16:00.

8. Christmas Markets near Dublin

If none of the Dublin Christmas markets above tickle your fancy, don’t fret – there’s a handful of markets nearby and plenty more a 2-hour drive away, depending on how dedicated you are to getting to one.

Here’s a mix of Christmas Markets near Dublin to choose from:

• Wicklow Christmas Market (1-hour drive)
• Kilkenny Christmas Market (1.5-hour drive)
• Winterval Waterford (2-hour drive)
• Glow Cork (3-hour drive)

Christmas events in Dublin in 2022

OK, there are only a few markets above, so I’ve whacked in some other festive things to do at Christmas in Dublin this year.

I’ll add more to the list below when pantos, carols, and other events are announced closer to December (find loads more things to do in the city in our guide on what to do in Dublin).

1. Pantos

If the Christmas Markets in Dublin aren’t you’re cup of tea, you can kick-back with some live entertainment at one of the many pantos taking place.

• The Gaiety Panto: The Jungle Book (Nov 27th – Jan 8th)
• The Helix Panto: Hansel and Gretel (Nov 25th – Jan 15th)
• The National Stadium Panto: Snow White (Dec 13th – Jan 2nd)
• The Civic Theatre Panto: Sleeping Beauty (Dec 7th – 31st)
• The Liberty Panto: Aladdin (Dec 21st – 30th)

2. Christmas drive-in movies

Fancy watching the Santa Clause, ELF, Home Alone or Love Actually on a big aul screen from the comfort of your car?

Retro Drive-In is an outdoor cinema that takes place at Leopardstown each year, and there’s no reason it won’t be back in 2022.

If it’s lashing rain and you don’t fancy getting drenched while sauntering around a Dublin Christmas market, take refuge in your car and catch a festive flick.

3. Christmas carols

There’s an absolute tonne of different Christmas carol events you can visit in Dublin at Christmas, with a mix of free and ticketed events on offer.

The National Concert Hall has endless festive events scheduled over the coming weeks. Christ Church also has several events running. You’ll also find hundreds of other musical events listed on EventBrite.

4. The Christmas lights

Like many of Ireland’s towns and cities, Dublin is completely lit up during the festive period. However, the Christmas light switch on in Dublin has gone a*se ways over the years.

For a number of years, there was a big switch on that people travelled in to see. However, those running the event couldn’t control the crowds, and it was cancelled.

Grab a cup of coffee and take a little stroll around O’Connell Street, Henry Street, Grafton Street and just follow the lights. Finish the festive ramble off with a bite to eat in one of the best restaurants in Dublin.

5. Christmassy pubs

Dublin’s home to many a pub, but some go all out during November and December with Christmas decorations.

The Hole in the Wall pub is one of those places that you need to visit at Christmas if you haven’t nipped by already.

The folks here go all out decorating from November, and the result is incredibly special! Find loads more bars to visit in our guide to the best pubs in Dublin.

Christmas markets Dublin 2022: What have we missed?

Although I’ve spent (literally) 7 hours researching what Christmas markets Dublin may have returning to it in 2022, it’s been a pain. Most websites are outdated and many leave providing further information until the last minute, which doesn’t help visiting tourists. Have a market to recommend? Shout below!

FAQs about Dublin at Christmas

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What’s the most German-like Christmas market in Dublin?’ to ‘Which are free?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.