Happy Holidays! A Christmas Journey Around Ireland.

Written by Lulu O'Sullivan

Christchurch Cathedral Dublin. A beautifully decorated Christmas tree twinkles with lights in a park, surrounded by historic stone buildings illuminated at night. A small, lit tree can also be seen to the left, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

Hi everyone. I hope I find you all well and looking forward to the holiday season with your nearest and dearest. First of all, 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 at The Irish Store. I also want to thank you all most sincerely for your continued support and loyalty over the past year-it really means a lot.

With the time of year that's in it, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to take a trip around Ireland in all it's Christmas glory- enjoy!!

Christmas In Ireland

1. Belfast

Belfast Christmas Market. Aerial view of a large crowd gathered in a city square at night, illuminated by colorful lights and decorations. Various vendors and food stalls are set up, with notable historic buildings visible in the background. — Courtesy of Kyle Brickley- Ireland's Content Pool

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

Galway City at Christmas. A nighttime street scene adorned with colorful decorations. Red, white, and silver hanging ornaments sway above shops and buildings painted in bright colors. Illuminated storefronts add to the festive atmosphere. — Courtesy Chaosheng Zhang. Ireland's Content Pool

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

Killarney at Christmas. A festive parade float featuring Santa Claus in a sleigh, pulled by reindeer, decorated with snowy accents. The night scene includes illuminated buildings and holiday lights in the background. A crowd watches and some individuals take photos. — ©Fáilte Ireland/Tourism Ireland

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

Waterford City at Christmas. A bustling town square illuminated at night, featuring a brightly lit carousel in the center. Crowds of people gather around the carousel, with shopfronts and festive decorations visible in the background. A Christmas tree adds to the holiday atmosphere. — Courtesy Ireland's Content Pool

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

GPO Dublin at Christmas. A brightly lit Christmas tree stands in a plaza, surrounded by people walking past. In the background, a classical building with columns is illuminated against the evening sky. The scene conveys a festive holiday atmosphere. — Courtesy Failte Ireland

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.

Grafton St at Christmas. Illuminated building at night, featuring festive decorations and lights. The structure reflects a vibrant urban atmosphere with pedestrians walking past. Shops display various items in the windows, adding to the lively scene. — Courtesy Failte Ireland

Other highlights include Carols by Candlelight at Christchurch and the Moving Crib which takes me back to my childhood.

If you're still in the mood for some bargain hunting then do check out our unmissable Winter Sale!

Wishing you all a happy and healthy holiday season!

Take good care,

Slán go fóill!

Lulu

LULU O'SULLIVAN

Hi everyone. I'm Lulu O Sullivan and I founded The Irish Store in 2011 fuelled by my passion for all things Irish; its places, its people, its culture and its craft. At The Irish Store we are dedicated to bringing you, our worldwide community of valued customers, the very finest Ireland has to offer. Thanks for dropping by!