Christmas in Ireland is a magical time filled with cherished traditions and festive cheer. From lighting candles in windows to indulging in mince pies, learn about the unique Irish Christmas customs that make this season unforgettable. Christmas is a great time to be in Ireland! We love the holiday spirit and really embrace the celebrations, with many customs that have been carried on in the country for generations. If this will be your first Irish Christmas, or if you just want to learn more about how we celebrate here, we prepared a complete guide with the most common Christmas traditions in Ireland:
Twelve pubs of Christmas
This is the favorite way Irish people get ready for Christmas and celebrate the holiday season with their friends. The Twelve Pubs of Christmas consists of a pub crawl for - you guessed right - twelve pubs in one single night. The idea is to have one drink in each bar, but you can also add some fun by implementing different rules for every pub. For example, in the third pub, no one is allowed to call one another by their names, only nicknames. Many bars around the country will be decorated for the season and you will likely find other groups of people playing the game too. Here’s a list of some pubs around Dublin’s city center that you can visit for your Twelve Pubs of Christmas:
1. The Stags Head
2. Temple Bar
3. The Porterhouse
4. The Bar With No Name
5. Hogans
6. The Duke’s
7. The Long Hall
8. Doyle’s
9. The Hairy Lemon
10. Kehoes Pub
11. J Grogan
12. Devitts
#FreeTip: You can buy tickets for the Pub Crawl at our reception (free beer + free shots + club free ticket + discounts)
Visit the Christmas Markets
One of the loveliest Irish traditions is the return of Christmas markets! Explore vibrant markets in Dublin, Galway and beyond, where you'll find unique crafts, delicious seasonal foods and warm drinks. Enjoy the craic as you shop for gifts and indulge in festive treats!
• Christmas Craft Markets: Head to the National Botanic Gardens for a traditional craft market filled with over 70 chalets showcasing sustainable crafts and seasonal treats.
• Galway Christmas Markets: Discover over 50 wooden chalets in Eyre Square, offering delicious seasonal treats and handmade crafts. Enjoy a ferry wheel ride for a stunning view of the city.
Tip: Check our Tourdesk for a one-day tour to Galway!
• Winteryard: Join the festivities at The Bernard Shaw and The Eatyard, where you’ll find Christmas decor, games and tasty treats. With activities like Jingle Bell Bingo and seasonal markets, there’s something for everyone.
• Stillgarden Christmas Market: Don’t miss the Stillgarden Distillery’s charming market in Dublin. Featuring live music, seasonal foods and local crafts, it’s a perfect spot to soak up the holiday atmosphere.
• Wicklow Christmas Market: This market has something for all ages, including a Santa Experience and an eco-ice rink. Enjoy local stalls and live entertainment.
Tip: Don’t miss the chance to cuddle an alpaca!
• Belfast Christmas Market: Located at City Hall, this market is a culinary delight with international treats ranging from Hog Roast to Belgian chocolates.
• Dublin Castle Market: Experience the enchanting market and light display at Dublin Castle, where historic architecture creates a magical backdrop for festive twinkling lights.
Mince pies & Christmas Pudding
As in every country, Ireland also has some traditional dishes that are only available during this time of the year. Two of the most popular are the Christmas Pudding, which has the texture of a cake but is steamed for hours and served hot with custard and Brandy, and the Mince Pies, small pastries filled with a delicious mix of apples, spices, currants, and sugar. These two treats are served every Christmas in most Irish houses, but you can also find them in local bakeries, cafes, and supermarkets around the country.
Leaving Guinness for Santa
Guinness is Ireland’s national treasure, and of course, Santa is getting some of it! It’s a tradition in many households around Ireland to leave a pint of Guinness for Santa on Christmas night, accompanied by some mince pies. Some families prefer to prepare baby Guinness, another local drink made with Kahlúa and Bailey’s - definitely worth trying even if you are not Santa Claus.
Christmas decoration competitions
Some towns around Ireland have Christmas decoration contests around this time of the year, as well as some neighborhoods in Dublin. Irish people really take it seriously and invest in incredible decorations for their houses, which brings to holidays spirits even more alive. Usually, the winner is chosen by the city council group in charge of the competition or by the locals themselves. If you are visiting Ireland during this time of the year, take some time to walk around the neighborhood where you are staying and see some really cool decorations everywhere.
The Christmas Swim
As a tradition in Ireland for the past 40 years, the Christmas Swim takes place on Christmas day, with many events happening around the coast of the country. The idea is to support local charities and fundraisings by going into the freezing sea for a few minutes. Every year you will find many people gathering together at some Irish beaches on the 25th of December to either go for the swim or watch the ones who choose to get in. If you decide to attend, make sure to bring some hot drinks and warm clothes with you, most spots will also be offering food and beverages to participants.
Pantomime
Enjoy the joy of traditional pantomimes in local theatres. These lively shows are filled with humour and music, perfect for a family outing.
Scenic Drive
Enjoy a leisurely drive through Ireland’s beautiful countryside, where charming villages and festive decorations create a picturesque holiday setting. Adare in Co. Limerick is famed for its thatched cottages and medieval charm, while Kinvara in Co. Galway offers stunning coastal views and a vibrant local culture. Carlingford, perched between mountains and the sea, is perfect for exploring medieval history. Cong in Co. Mayo boasts lush scenery and the majestic Ashford Castle, and Kinsale in Co. Cork is known for its colourful streets and gourmet delights. The lively Dingle in Co. Kerry offers breathtaking landscapes, while nearby Kenmare provides a peaceful escape. Enniskerry in Co. Wicklow is a charming village with access to Powerscourt Gardens, and Inistioge in Co. Kilkenny is a serene riverside retreat. For rugged beauty, Roundstone in Co. Connemara is hard to beat, with its coastal views and mountain backdrop.
Christmas Lunch & Dinner
Indulge in a traditional Irish Christmas lunch or dinner at local restaurants, featuring hearty dishes and festive desserts shared with family.
Tip: You can book a table via OpenTable.ie that provides you better prices and discounts.
Wonder Lights
Get ready for a magical experience at Malahide Castle and Gardens this festive season with Wonder Lights: Castle of Light! You can explore breathtaking light displays and accessible multi-sensory trails set in the beautiful gardens of this historic castle. It's the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit!
Ice Skating
Experience the joy of ice skating at pop-up rinks across the country. It’s a fun way to spend time with loved ones and create lasting holiday memories.
Santa Train Ride
Hop on a festive Santa Train Ride for a unique holiday experience, perfect for families looking to enjoy the season together. There are plenty options in Ireland.
Winter Solstice
Attend Winter Solstice events or visit ancient sites like Newgrange for special winter solstice events, witnessing the breathtaking sunrise illuminating this mystical location.
Charity Run
Get active by joining local charity runs during the Christmas season, such as the “Santa Dash”. Dress up festively and enjoy a day of fun while supporting a good cause.
Christmas Lights: Grafton Street
Grafton Street truly comes alive during the holiday season, transforming into a dazzling festive wonderland. The iconic Dublin shopping street is decked out in stunning Christmas lights and eye-catching decorations, creating the perfect backdrop for some seasonal shopping. As you stroll along, you’ll be treated to live street performances, from carol singers to musicians, adding to the magical atmosphere. It’s the ideal spot to find unique gifts for your loved ones, with plenty of high-end shops, boutiques and local vendors to explore.
No matter which traditions you’re most looking forward to, the festive season in Ireland is sure to be filled with joy, warmth and plenty of holiday cheer. Whether it’s exploring Christmas markets, enjoying traditional Irish treats or simply soaking in the magical atmosphere, there’s something special for everyone.
Which of these traditions are you most excited to experience this year? We hope you will enjoy all of them! Have a wonderful time and a very Merry Christmas in Ireland!
If you need to book accommodation in Dublin and countryside, don’t forget to take advantage of discount rates by booking here.
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