Hi Everyone. I hope I find you all well as the festive season fast approaches. It goes without saying that this will be a Christmas like no other after a long hard year. I hope wherever you are, that you are keeping safe and well and managing to stay in touch with your loved ones near and far. Christmas is a time for gatherings, for traditions, many of which are sadly curtailed or cancelled this year but here’s hoping there’s better times ahead. With that mind, I thought it would be fun to take yuletide trip around Ireland in all its usual festive glory and hope we can all look forward to enjoying our towns and cities to the full in the not so distant future.
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 festive 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 is directly facing 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 a happy and healthy holiday season!
Take care of yourselves and each other,
Slán go fóill!
Lulu
8 comments
Thanks so much Lulu for the brief tour of Christina in Ireland. My wife and I visited several years ago and loved everything about it. Her family is from Tipperary so it was especially meaningful for her. Again, thanks for the trip.
John & Honora Berninger
Hi John,
I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks so much for reading.
Happy New Year!
Lulu
Thank you Lulu, I brought a group to Ireland a few years ago for St. Pat’s day and had the best fish & chips and the weather was perfect for taking in all the sights throughout the country. Bought my first coatigan in Dublin. Fond memories. Cheers, Pat Gardner – Oak Harbor, Washington
Hi Pat,
Thanks so much for reading and it’s great to hear that you had such a great St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland!
Happy New Year!
Lulu.
Lovely decorations in all your cities. You all seem to know how to do it up right!
Thanks for reading Mary Jane.
Happy New Year!
Lulu
Merry Merry and Happy Happy to you and your staff, Lulu!
I must say, I’ve been a customer from the States for some years now, and it’s been on my Bucket List to get to Ireland for a visit. Four years ago I was diagnosed out of the blue, and without prior, stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer. I recently moved from upstate NY to central FL due to the increased bone pain. Statistics are 3-5yrs from point of diagnosis. I just hit my 4yr mark mid-September. I am Blessed to be alive, Blessed to have made it to FL, and Blessed that my son, who recently turned 20yrs old, moved with me. I am Hopeful that I will make it to Ireland for a visit. I have a decent amount of Irish in my genes!! In the meantime, I will enjoy my Coffee Mugs that I bought myself for Christmas!! Hope you have a great Holiday and Thank You for sharing such gorgeous pictures!!
Hi Melissa,
Thank you so much for your good wishes and congratulations on your recovery. i hope it continues and that you get to Ireland soon! We’ll be waiting to give you the warmest of welcomes!
Happy New Year!
Best regards,
Lulu