The announcement of the Dublin Castle Christmas market a few weeks back caused a grand aul stir online.
Why? Well, let’s call a spade a spade here – there has been a severe lack of decent Christmas markets in Dublin for the last few years.
The prospect of a new market in one of the most historic locations in the city got people yappin’ away.
But will the Dublin Castle Christmas market do the job? You’ll find everything you need to know in the guide below.
Related festive reads
- Check out our guide to 6 of the best Christmas markets in Ireland
- Have a nosey at our guide to the Galway Christmas market
Dublin Castle Christmas market 2019: Everything you need to know
This December, a brand spanking new Christmas market kicks-off in Dublin Castle. Now, the organisers are describing it as a ’boutique open-air Christmas Market’.
When I hear anything described as ’boutique’ (or ‘bespoke’), I immediately think that this is going to lash my pocket out of it.
But, hopefully, that won’t be the case..!
Market Dates
The Dublin Castle Christmas market takes place in, unsurprisingly enough, the historic Dublin Castle at the heart of Dublin city centre. The markets begin on Thursday, December 12th, and run until Sunday, December 22nd.
Dublin Castle Christmas market opening hours
- December 19th: 12:00 – 20:00
- December 20th: 12:00 – 20:00
- December 21st: 12:00 – 20:00
- December 22nd: 12:00 – 20:00
What to expect
There’s actually a decent bit to see and do at the markets, by all accounts. There’s evening carol singing (which sounds very festive altogether) and a Neapolitan crib (no idea what this is).
There’s also complimentary evening access to the traditionally decorated State apartments in the castle.
Visitors with kids can keep ’em busy on the vintage carousel and there are also carriage rides taking place at the weekend.
Christmas market Dublin castle: Over 30 traditional stalls boasting…
So, I had my pessimistic hat on when I was reading about these markets, and I jumped to the conclusion that there’d be a handful of stalls with lads selling jars of hummus and artisan decorations for 40 quid a pop, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.
The Dublin Castle Christmas markets will see the historic castle courtyard packed with 30 traditional stalls offering a variety of food, crafts and gift ideas.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Handsome Burger
- Olea Flatbreads
- Kono Pizza
- Swing Grill
- Beanery76
- Sweet Churro
- Arctic Stone
- The Crepe Box
- The Donut Trike
- The Brew Crew Café
- Michelle Hannon Ceramics
- Oileann Jewellery
- Ogowna Sculptures
- Living Earth Photography
- Woodcraft by BmacD
- Alphabet Jigsaws
- Wildbird Studios
- Jill and Gill
- The Truffle Fairy
Events at the Dublin Castle Christmas market 2019
There are a couple of different events scheduled to take place in Dublin Castle over the Christmas period.
One is especially for kids while the other is a festive Christmas evening. Here’s everything you need to know:
A Christmas Adventure at the Castle 14th December (a special Santa tour)
There’s a special evening for kids under 10 scheduled to take place on December 14th.
Dublin Castle’s Christmas fairy will be taking kids on a magical adventure through the beautifully decorated State Apartments.
Apparently Santa might even turn up (he’ll defo turn up)!
- Times: 11am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm
- Adult tickets: €10
- Kids tickets: Free
Christmas Evenings at the Castle (3rd, 5th, 6th, 16th, 18th, 19th of December)
Unlike the Christmas markets at Dublin Castle, the Christmas Evenings is an annual series of events that takes place each year.
Here’s how the organisers describe it, ‘Our much-loved Christmas evenings return this year. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre for a choral performance in the Chapel Royal followed by an opportunity to view the Neapolitan Crib and festively decorated State Apartments. Guests will also be invited to attend a reception in the Gothic Room.’
- Time: 6.30pm
- Tickets: €20
A very brief history of Dublin Castle
From 1204 until 1922, Dublin Castle was the seat of English in Ireland. During that time, it served primarily as a residence for the Britain’s Irish representative.
The Castle was originally constructed to act as a medieval fortress for King John of England and it remained largely intact until April 1684, when a fire caused damage to a good chunk of the building.
The castle was rebuilt in the late-17th and 18th centuries. This phase of construction saw Dublin Castle transformed into a Georgian palace.
In January 1922, Dublin Castle was handed over to Michael Collins and the newly-independent Irish state.
As I said, that was a brief history – you can read more about the castles history in advance of your visit.
Do you thing the Dublin Castle Christmas market will any use? Let me know in the comments below!
