The Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market 2026
The Dún Laoghaire Christmas Market has had a fairly stop-start existence in recent years, and its return for 2026 has yet to be confirmed.
Rather than one standalone attraction, Christmas in Dún Laoghaire consists of a collection of festive events spread across the town, with the market joined by the likes of a Santa visit and more.
The Christmas Market will hopefully return from late November, with dates for some of the other festive attractions still to be announced (see my guide to Christmas markets in Dublin for more festive markets!).
About the Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival
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 Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival takes place across the town rather than in one single location. In previous years, the festivities have been spread around Dún Laoghaire Harbour and the town centre, with the Christmas market, Santa experiences and other events taking place at different locations.
2. Dates
The 2026 dates for the Dún Laoghaire Christmas Market have yet to be announced. Last year’s wider Christmas programme ran throughout November and December, with different attractions taking place on different dates.
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 Dun Laoghaire
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
The full 2026 programme has yet to be announced. Here’s a look at what has taken place during Christmas in Dún Laoghaire in recent years. If you’re looking for festive things to do in Dun Laoghaire, here are some suggestions!
1. The Christmas Market
The Dún Laoghaire Christmas Market returned last year as part of the wider festive programme in the town. It was organised by the Dún Laoghaire Business Association and ran from late November through the Christmas period. Its return for 2026 has yet to be confirmed.
2. Ireland’s largest ice rink (not returning)
Ice skating has been one of the main attractions during Christmas in Dún Laoghaire in recent years. However, the ice skating won’t return to Dún Laoghaire for Christmas 2026, with the event moving to Blanchardstown instead.
3. Santa at the National Maritime Museum
Santa has traditionally been another major part of the festival. Last year’s programme included a Santa experience at the National Maritime Museum, running from late November until December 23rd.
4. Christmas lights and other events
The wider festival has also included Christmas lights, installations and family events around Dún Laoghaire.
There’s a traditional funfair at Harbour Plaza with long-running favourites, like Ireland’s only Santa Magic Sleigh Ride, the Dragon Coaster, Cup and Saucers, the Kiddies Toy Set and the Ferris Wheel from the movie Grease.
5. The illuminated walking trails
Last year’s wider Christmas programme included a free illuminated route at Cabinteely Park, complete with 3D light installations and the Curious Elf Tree.
6. New Year’s Eve fireworks
New Year’s Eve fireworks have also formed part of the festival in recent years, with crowds gathering around Dún Laoghaire Harbour for the display. There’s plenty more on this Christmas in Dublin to look forward to, also!
Other Christmas markets in Dublin and beyond
So, the Dublin Castle Christmas market is not taking place this year, but the Smithfield Christmas market and the new Everwinter market at the RDS are worth checking out! There are also smaller Christmas markets in Dublin to visit, like the one in Swords Castle. Or, further afield, theres:
- Belfast Christmas Market
- Kilkenny Christmas Market
- Galway Christmas Market
- Glow Cork
- Wicklow Christmas Market
- Christmas markets in Ireland
FAQs about Christmas in Dun Laoghaire
We’ve received a lot of questions about the Christmas Market in Dun Laoghaire already, and it’s only late summer.
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 Dún Laoghaire Christmas Festival 2026 dates?
The dates for the 2026 Dún Laoghaire Christmas Market have yet to be announced. I’ll update this guide when the wider Christmas programme is confirmed.
Is there a Christmas market in Dún Laoghaire in 2026?
The Dún Laoghaire Christmas Market has yet to be confirmed for 2026. It returned last year as part of the wider Christmas programme, so I’ll update this guide once there’s an official announcement.
Is the Dún Laoghaire Christmas Festival worth visiting?
Yes, particularly if you’re already in Dublin. Rather than travelling specifically for the market, I’d combine the festival with a walk along the harbour, food in the town and whichever festive attractions return for 2026.
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 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.
Hi,when you get of the dart in dun laoghaire is it far to walk to the Christmas markets?