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 hope was a break over the last few years.

Last year, we had an email from Dun Laoghaire Tourism to say that the market wasn’t taking place. Hopefully this year will be a different story.

In this guide, you’ll find info on what the market was like in previous years.

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

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

1. Location

The festivities sprawl around Dun Laoghaire Harbour and the town centre area with some great live entertainment, market stalls and iconic (and slightly random) Hollywood inspired features.

2. 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):

3. 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

4. A festive spot for a day out

The Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market 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.

About the Christmas market in Dun Laoghaire

a cup of mulled wine at the Dun Laoghaire Christmas market

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

However, there’s hopefully no reason that it won’t be back in 2023 during the last weekend of November.

In previous years, the launch of the markets coincides with the turning on of the Christmas lights in Dun Laoghaire, with Santa doing the honours.

Over the course of the following weeks in the lead up to Christmas, thousands browse the stalls, ride the 55 ft retro Ferris Wheel and soak up the festive buzz.

What to expect if you’ve never been to the Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market

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The Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market is much more than just a run-of-the-mill market – there’s a whole festival planned for the lead up to Christmas.

Below, you’ll get a sense of what to expect if this years market goes ahead. Just keep in mind that these are features that were present during previous years.

1. Santas arrival and carols

If you’re looking for festive things to do in Dun Laoghaire, make sure you get down to santa’s arrival, and the festivities that follow.

The festival usually kicks-off at the end of November with Santa’s arrival at the Harbour Plaza. The Christmas Carols and live music then roll out from early-evening.

2. Some ‘Famous’ features

It also features some iconic additions such as the 55 ft Ferris Wheel. The Christmas market in Dun Laoghaire also usually boasts vintage Chair-O-Planes that were used by AMC in the TV Series ‘Into the Badlands’.

It’s like a Hollywood inspired Christmas Market with mighty harbour views.

3. A variety of market stalls

The Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market also has an array of vendors selling authentic gifts and handmade treats. The vendors spread out opposite DLR Lexicon from 11:00 am to 19:00.

If you’re feeling a little peckish for Christmas treats then you’ll also be able to snack on gourmet sausages, fresh falafel, gingerbread and steaming hot chocolate.

4. The Vintage Carnival

There’s also a Vintage Carnival at Moran Park that has classic family attractions such as retro Hobby Horses, a rollercoaster and Santa’s Post Box.

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

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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.