Christmas Markets In Ireland 2023: 7 Worth Checking Out

Several of the best Christmas markets in Ireland have confirmed that they’ll be back in 2023.

Large markets, like the Galway Christmas Markets, have dropped their dates as have some of the smaller Christmas markets Ireland has to offer, like the one in Wicklow.

In the guide below, you’ll find info on everything from when each of the markets kicks-off to which ones we’re still waiting for info on.

The best Christmas Markets Ireland in 2023

Photos courtesy Milestones Inventive

Visiting a Christmas market in Ireland has become a popular Irish Christmas tradition over the last 7 years or so.

In the guide below, you’ll discover the best Christmas markets Ireland has to offer, from Cork and Belfast to Waterford, Dublin and more.

1. The Galway Christmas Markets: Nov 10th – Dec 22nd

Photos via Shutterstock

The Galway Christmas Markets are widely regarded as one of the best Christmas markets in Ireland. And, now entering their 13th year, they’re officially the longest-running!

This year’s market sounds like it’ll be contained to Eyre Square (it was spread across the city previously) and it sees the stalls, the beer tents, the massive ferris wheel and more return.

Date wise, the Galway Christmas Markets will run from 18:00 on Friday, November 10th and will run until Friday, December 22nd 2023 (read all about them).

2. The Belfast Christmas Markets: Nov 18th – Dec 22nd

Photos via Shutterstock

The Belfast Christmas Markets is another of the more popular Christmas market Ireland has to offer, and it’s been on the go for over 12 years now!

Each year, Belfast’s City Hall is transformed into a traditional German-style Christmas market, packed to the brim with 90 masterfully handcrafted wooden chalets.

At the markets here, expect to find a food court with cuisines from 32+ nationalities, heaps of family activities and attractions, like the Santa Train, buzzy beer tents and plenty more.

The organisers have confirmed that the Belfast Christmas Markets will run from Saturday, November 18th and will run until Friday, December 22nd 2023 (read all about them).

3. Waterford Winterval: Nov 17th – Dec 23rd

Photos via Winterval on FB

Waterford Winterval is another of the more popular Christmas markets in Ireland, and it’s a great one to team up with a spin along the Waterford Greenway.

Now entering its 11th year, Winterval has gone from strength to strength and last year was ‘Its biggest and most festive programme yet’.

Visitors here can expect everything from the big market, the ice skating rink and the Illuminates feature along with the Winterval Train, the now-iconic 32 metre high Waterford Eye and more.

The organisers have confirmed that Winterval will begin on Friday, November 17th and it will run until Saturday, December 23rd 2023 (read about Winterval here).

4. Glow Cork: Dates TBC

Photos via Glow on FB

The Cork Christmas Markets (Glow Cork) are one of several Christmas markets in Ireland that tend to get overlooked by many looking to visit a festive event in Ireland.

Which is a shame, as Glow Cork packs a fine punch! Every year, the city’s already buzzy atmosphere is given an added boost with the arrival of Glow.

Visitors here can expect everything from the now-iconic Ferris wheel and the usual market stalls to some finely decked out streets.

Although Cork Christmas Market 2023 dates are TBC, if they follow the format of previous years they should run from November 24th, 2023, to January 7th, 2024.

5. Christmas Markets in Dublin: Various dates

Photos by The Irish Road Trip

The Dublin Christmas Markets have been very hit and miss over the last 7 or so years, with many long-running markets now no longer in operation.

The Dublin Castle Christmas market is one of the only festive markets that has run consistently over the last couple of years and it’s expected to be back this year from December 8th to December 21st (still TBC).

One we have a lot of hope for is the Mistletown Market (TBC) which is set, if it finally launches, set to be the largest Christmas market in Ireland.

We’re also hoping to see the return of the Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market this year but, like the ones above, it’s still TBC.

6. The Kilkenny Christmas Markets: Dates TBC

Photos courtesy Yulefest Kilkenny via Fáilte Ireland

The Kilkenny Christmas market is one of the more overlooked Christmas markets in Ireland, and it’s well worth checking out.

Last year, the market took place every weekend, starting at 10am and running until 6pm. These are your usual festive stall markets, with local vendors selling everything from food to tasty bits and bobs.

There’s also numerous events taking place around the markets, like open air movie nights, live music, DJ sets and more.

Although the Kilkenny Christmas Market 2023 dates are still TBC, if they follow the same format as last years dates they should run Friday, November 24th to Saturday, December 24th 2023.

7. The Wicklow Christmas Market: Nov 18th – Dec 17th

Photos via Wicklow Christmas Market on FB

Our next Irish Christmas market is one of the newer Christmas markets Ireland has to offer. The Wicklow Christmas market takes place in the Abbey Grounds in Wicklow town.

Those that visit can expect a Santa Express experience, an ALPACA experience, a magical funfair, craft stalls, food, fire shows and much more.

The dates for the Wicklow Christmas Market 2023 have been officially confirmed and the festivities will take place on:

• November 18th, 19th, 24th, 25th, 26th
• December 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 9th, 10th, 15th, 16th, 17th

FAQs about Christmas Markets Ireland 2023

So, we’ve had a lot of emails over the last couple of weeks about the various different Christmas markets Ireland has to offer and what the craic is in 2023.

Here’s a few of the most FAQs. We’ll update this guide over the coming months as more dates are confirmed.