Like many, I was greatly disappointed when Wicklow Gaol closed its doors earlier this year, but this December, it reopens temporarily with a brand new purpose.
The launch of the Wicklow Wrapped Christmas Market is giving the old building a new lease of life, transforming its courtyard into a festive showcase of the county’s best makers, producers, and craftspeople.
It’s hard not to get excited about this one. The lineup reads like a celebration of everything Wicklow does well – food, craft, community, and creativity.
The Wicklow Gaol Christmas Market
Although a visit to the Wicklow Gaol Christmas Market is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Dates and location
Wicklow Wrapped takes place in the courtyard of Wicklow Gaol, right in the heart of Wicklow Town. It runs from Friday, December 12th (5 – 8pm) through Saturday and Sunday, December 13th – 14th (10am – 7pm). Entry is free.
2. Attractions and demonstrations
The market will feature live music, wreath-making workshops, and outdoor demonstrations like blacksmithing and basket weaving. It’s a clever use of the Gaol’s historic setting – festive, local, and atmospheric all at once.
3. The market and food area
You’ll find 26 stalls filled with handcrafted gifts, artisan foods, and homegrown produce. Expect textiles from Shuttleknit, lighting by Copperfish, handmade ceramics, and local produce from the likes of Wicklow Farmhouse Cheese, Glendalough Whiskey, and Wicklow Rapeseed Oil.
4. Entertainment
Alongside the live music, visitors can expect a festive buzz throughout the weekend, with family-friendly activities and a few seasonal surprises to be revealed closer to the event.
Other festive markets in Wicklow
Photos via Beyond the Trees Avondale on FB
Wicklow Wrapped isn’t the only festive event happening in the Garden County this year. The long-running Wicklow Christmas Market, normally held in the town, is taking a break from its seaside home and temporarily relocating to Avondale Forest Park for 2025.
Visitors can look forward to an ice rink, Wicklow On Ice, set in front of historic Avondale House, and the Treetop Night Lights, where the park’s elevated walkway and 38-metre tower glow with seasonal colour after dark. There’ll also be artisan stalls, local food vendors, and family activities throughout the grounds.
Further afield, there are plenty of Christmas markets in Ireland, from the Dublin Christmas markets and the Galway Christmas markets to ones in Cork, Belfast and Waterford.
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.