Merry Christmas! A Festive Journey Around Ireland with Lulu.

Hi everyone. I hope I find you all well and looking forward to the festive season with your nearest and dearest. I just want to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year from all of us here in The Irish Store. I also want to thank you all most sincerely for your continued support and loyalty to The Irish Store over the past year-it really means a lot.

Time for a little trip around the Emerald Isle decked out in all its festive finery! Enjoy!

Christmas In Ireland

1. Belfast

First up we’re heading up north to the city of Belfast. I think Belfast probably hosts one of the best Christmas markets in the country. This is due to the fact that it is located right bang in the middle of the city center. It also has the magnificent City Hall as its backdrop. This iconic Belfast building which first opened it’s doors in 1906 looks amazing at this time of year. Apart from all the great shopping at the market, you can also enjoy foods from around the world, sip a mulled wine or hot cider and take a slide down the vintage helter-skelter!

2. Galway

Time to head west to the vibrant City of Tribes. With it’s winding streets festooned with twinkling lights, Galway is brimming with festive cheer. There’s nothing like a warming hot port or Irish Coffee in one of the many cozy pubs after a day of Christmas shopping. Galway also boasts its very own atmospheric Christmas market on Eyre Square.

3. Killarney

It wouldn’t be Christmas in Ireland without a visit to the Kingdom of Kerry. In Killarney, they kick off the Christmas season in style with their Big Magical Christmas Parade. Of course Santa Claus is the guest of honor! Mini-parades continue each week throughout December to keep that festive spirit going. 

4. Waterford

Heading cross country to the south east now. Waterford boasts Ireland’s largest Christmas festival. Winterval runs for the month leading up to Christmas. The wealth of festive fun on offer includes the Santa Experience, the Winterval Express Train, the Horse Drawn Sleigh and Winterval on Ice. 

5. Dublin

So we simply have to end our Christmas In Ireland trip in the capital. Of course I am biased as it’s my hometown and The Irish Store headquarters are just up the street from the iconic GPO (pictured) But really, for me there’s nothing quite like the festive atmosphere in Dublin. I just love the hustle and bustle of Grafton Street and Henry Street thronged with shoppers. Other highlights include Carols by Candlelight at Christchurch and the Moving Crib which takes me back to my childhood. 

Wishing you all a happy and healthy holiday season!

Take care of yourselves and each other,

Slán go fóill!

Lulu