Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market 2023: Latest Info

It has been a while since the Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market has taken place.

Arguably one of the standout Christmas markets in Dublin for many years, it, like many Christmas markets in Ireland, took what we hoped was a break over the last few years.

Alas, last year, we had an email from Dun Laoghaire Tourism to say that the market wasn’t taking place. This year, there won’t be market stalls, but there will be a new Christmas Festival.

Some quick need-to-knows about the Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival

Photos via DLR Tourism on FB

Although a visit to the Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

The festivities will sprawl around Dun Laoghaire Harbour, The National Maritime Museum, the Harbour Plaza and the new Myrtle Square in 2023.

2. Dates + a quick overview

Running from November 10th (note: some events/attractions have different dates), the Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival will feature Ireland’s largest ice-skating rink, a Sustainable Santa Experience, festive decorations, charity carol singing, a funfair, decorated shop windows, and Santa’s Postbox.

3. Parking

Dun Laoghaire can be a nightmare for parking, especially at the weekends when the town is often packed. The two car parks I tend to head to are (make sure to remember to pay):

4. Public transport

If you don’t have a car/don’t fancy driving, there’s plenty of public transport that’ll take you to the Christmas market in Dun Laoghaire. Here are several options:

By train: The southbound DART leaves from the city and takes between 15-30 minutes to get to Dun Laoghaire
By bus: The 7, 7n, 46a, 46n,59, 63, 75 and 111 all service Dun Laoigher

5. A festive spot for a day out

The Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival is a handy little spot for a day out, as you can pair it up with a bite to eat in one of the many restaurants in Dun Laoghaire or with a tipple in one of the old-school pubs in Dun Laoghaire.

What’s taking place during Christmas in Dun Laoghaire

Photo by Felix Busse on shutterstock.com

The Christmas market in Dun Laoghaire has been on hiatus for the last couple of years, giving everything that’s gone on since 2020.

This year, the markets are no more, but there is plenty taking place around the town.

1. Santa

You can visit Santa at the National Maritime Museum from November 24th until December 23rd. Times and days vary and you need to book.

It’s €8.00 for an Adult, €5.00 for a child under 1 and €15.00 for a child aged 1-12.

2. Ireland’s largest ice rink

Experience the magic at Ireland’s largest ice rink at Dún Laoghaire Harbour, opening November 10th.

Accessible by DART, there are two rinks – one for practice and a larger main rink for more confident skaters.

3. The family funfair (with famous features!)

The vintage funfair will run from December 9th, 2023 – January 7th, 2024. It’s home to Ireland’s only Santa Magic Sleigh Ride where you can fly with Santa and his reindeer.

There’s also the Dragon Coaster, Cup and Saucers, Kiddies Toy Set plus The Ferris Wheel From the movie Grease, if you’re looking for festive things to do in Dun Laoghaire.

Other Christmas markets in Dublin and beyond

So, there’s a lot of hush-hush around Christmas markets in Dublin this year, with many organisers not confirming whether or not markets will take place.

Two that are likely to return are the Dublin Castle Christmas market and the Mistletown Christmas Market. Some other Irish markets taking place are:

FAQs about Christmas in Dun Laoghaire

Photos via shutterstock.com

We’ve received a lot of questions about the Christmas Market in Dun Laoghaire already, and it’s only early Autumn.

I’ve popped in the most FAQs below, but please do keep in mind that we’re only basing these answers off what the markets were like during previous years.

What are the Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market 2023 dates?

Unfortunately, there has been no word as to whether there’ll be a market in 2023. In years past, the market has run from late November to December 23rd.

Is the Christmas market in Dun Laoghaire good?

In our opinion, it’s worth a visit as you can pair an afternoon or evening here with food and a ramble along the harbour.

Keith O'Hara

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.