I don’t know about you, but around November, and definitely by early December, all I see are Christmas markets on social media. Germany and Austria are suddenly EVERYWHERE. Holiday lights, mulled wine, hand-crafted goods, river cruises make stops along the Danube, and crowds are all you will see.
While I do want to make it to these famous holiday markets one day, I was curious how the rest of Europe celebrated the winter holidays. So, naturally, when a cheap Aer Lingus flight to Ireland popped up on GOING, I called my friend Marcie (she’s always game for an adventure), booked all of our hotels and a rental car in under 45 minutes, and a few weeks later we were on our way back to the Emerald Isle.
Christmas Market Ireland Road Trip
If you’re dreaming of a magical holiday getaway without the crowds, Ireland during Christmas was pretty darn amazing. Twinkling lights, cozy pubs, tiny Christmas markets, loads of holiday sales at the shops, and charming towns draped in festive decor created a winter wonderland that was just the right speed for two tired moms on a girls’ trip before the Christmas craziness at home took over.
I planned this Christmas market road trip to take us through four of the more popular Christmas towns, known for their decor, special events, markets and carnivals. By the end, Dublin, Waterford, Killarney, and Galway, along with several of the smaller towns in between, offered us the best of Ireland’s holiday spirit and scenic beauty, as well as a bit of whiskey, shopping, and music along the way.
So, pack your bags, put on your cutest warm coat and waterproof winter boots (these saved my feet!) , and follow this festive itinerary for an unforgettable Irish Christmas road trip.
Day 1: Arrival in Dublin – Get Festive in the Capital
Arrive in Dublin and settle into Zanzibar Locke, my favorite Dublin hotel, located right on the River Liffey. With modern amenities, a fully equipped kitchen (hooray for saving money!), and larger rooms than most Dublin hotel options, it’s the perfect base for exploring the capital city of the Republic of Ireland.
The price of rooms does fluctuate depending on the seasons. While Christmas was super cheap, May was not when we first stayed at this hotel.
Alternatively, consider Hotel 7 for a cozy option at a more moderate price (depending on when you visit). Keep in mind it’s a little farther from the city center, but not by much, so most attractions are still easy to walk to, or you can hop on the city train system.
Ease into the holiday spirit with dinner at The Shack right across from THE Temple Bar, where Irish staples like stew and fish and chips are served in a festive atmosphere. Despite the hyper-tourist location, the food was good and the perfect start to our trip to Ireland, especially while battling jet lag.
Alternatively, head to The Brazen Head, Ireland’s oldest pub, for traditional fare and a warm, cozy vibe.
After dinner, head to the Dublin Castle Christmas Fair, where twinkling lights, cocktails, mulled wine, food trucks, local artisan goods, a carousel, and festive treats create a magical holiday setting.
While Dublin Castle’s market isn’t as big as Germany’s, it’s still fun to see the castle dressed up for the holidays. If the staterooms and chapel (two separate entrances) are open, pop in for free to see how the rooms are decorated.
In the chapel, check out one of the most impressive nativity scenes I’ve ever seen- floating angles and all!
For extra sparkle, take an evening bus tour to see Dublin’s spectacular Christmas lights, and definitely walk down Grafton Street to check out the department store displays and festive lights strung between buildings.
TIP: Many of the hop-on, hop-off bus tours (like this one) in Dublin offer an evening tour add-on for a small fee. This is the perfect way to explore the city by day and then see all of the holiday lights and projection shows at night.
Where to Stay in Dublin:
- Luxury: Zanzibar Locke (spacious, central, modern amenities)
- Moderate: Hotel 7 (cozy, great value for money)
- Budget: Generator Dublin (lively hostel, private and shared rooms)
Day 2: Dublin’s Christmas Markets & Festive Highlights
Start the day with a fun Flytographer photoshoot to capture holiday memories in Dublin’s picturesque streets. We loved wandering the city with our Flytographer to capture not only the famous sights of Dublin but also the holiday magic in the Temple Bar area before the crowds gathered at night.
Next, embrace the whimsy of Irish folklore at the National Leprechaun Museum, where storytelling brings Ireland’s myths to life. This isn’t your typical museum. There are no exhibits of tiny leprechauns, pots of gold, and rainbows.
This is a storyteller museum, where you will hear three tales, all different depending on which guide you get, making it easy to visit several times.
In the afternoon, indulge in a luxurious festive tea at the Shelbourne, complete with seasonal sweets and elegant holiday decor. When we popped in there was even a harp player performing live music.
Spend the rest of the day exploring Dublin’s many Christmas markets.
Depending on the dates of your visit, you can stop by Gifted Contemporary Craft Fair, Smithfield Market, and Temple Bar Christmas Fair for artisan goods, local crafts, and unique pop-up stalls. Smaller markets in St. Stephen’s Green and Merrion Square are perfect for finding handmade gifts, but you must check the dates of when these markets are happening and plan your trip accordingly.
Enjoy pre-dinner cocktails at Fade Street Social and a leisurely stroll along Grafton Street to admire the dazzling holiday window displays at Brown Thomas.
Stop for dinner near your hotel at Bar Italia Ristorante, where authentic dishes are served, and the staff is even Italian.
For extra holiday magic, wander the city searching for Dublin Winter Lights, a festival of lights and projects on iconic landmarks, buildings, bridges, trees, statues, and Merrion Square Park. It’s easy to spot the ones on the River Liffey, but make sure you walk up O’Connell Street near the Spire and the Bank of Ireland on College Green.
End the evening with a cozy drink at Hole in the Wall, one of Dublin’s most festive pubs.
Where to Stay in Dublin (same as day 1):
- Luxury: Zanzibar Locke (spacious, central, modern amenities)
- Moderate: Hotel 7 (cozy, great value for money)
- Budget: Generator Dublin (lively hostel, private and shared rooms)
Day 3: Dublin to Waterford – A Scenic Drive with Festive Stops
Pick up your rental car at Dublin Airport and begin the journey to Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city. Stop in Kilkenny to explore its medieval streets and tour the impressive Kilkenny Castle. Thrift shops along the main street are worth a quick browse for hidden treasures.
For an extra scenic stop, detour to the charming village of Enniskerry where the Disney movie Disenchanted with Amy Adams was filmed.
Not only is it an easy stop outside of Dublin, but we had the best mincemeat pies of our entire road trip at Kingfishers Kitchen. We also indulged in a bagel with salmon and cream cheese (and the bagel was actually great!) and a very healthy salad to counter all of the holiday treats we were indulging in.
If you have time, you can also stop at Powerscourt House and Gardens, or my personal favorite, Killruddery Estate. If you want to tour the home of Kilruddery, you will want to book tickets ahead of time. Killruddery is a scheduled, guided home tour, so you must be on time.
As you head towards Wicklow, do a little Christmas shopping at the original Avoca Mill. Not only can you tour the mill, but you can also buy the goods they create onsite.
This is my favorite spot to pick up woolen products, baked goods, cookbooks, and sweets to bring home. When I’m hungry, I’ll grab a to-go snack and coffee (or tea). The onsite Avoca Cafe also has lunch items if you need something more substantial.
As the sun begins to set, stop at Beyond the Trees Avondale in Wicklow, a stunning treetop walkway offering sweeping views. While brisk in winter, this is where you want to be to see holiday lights in one of the most unique ways in Ireland. I love the suspended balls of light along with the Christmas tree in the center. As you work your way up to the top, the view changes with every step.
OK, it’s been a very long, fun-filled day. Finish your drive as you arrive in Waterford and check into The Fitzwilton Hotel, a modern and comfortable hotel in the heart of the city.
The hotel provides parking, but if they are all filled up, there is a cheap parking lot across the street on the river. Just make sure you park in a 24 hour spot.
Once you get settled, pop next door for a hearty dinner at Grattan Bar, our favorite pub, to enjoy a traditional Irish beef stew and whiskey ginger (opt for Paddy’s whiskey over Jameson- both Irish, but Paddy’s is better). The owners are fantastic and will make you feel like family in no time. Live music happens on the weekends.
Where to Stay in Waterford:
- Luxury: Granville Hotel (historic charm and river views)
- Moderate: The Fitzwilton Hotel (modern with a central location)
- Budget: Viking Hotel Waterford (affordable, modern, located in the outskirts of the city)
Day 4: Waterford Winterval Christmas Festival
Start the day with brunch at Hook & Ladder, a cozy spot known for its warm drinks and great food. Then, dive into the festive spirit at the Waterford Winterval Christmas Festival, the largest Christmas festival in Ireland. Highlights include the Glenveagh Christmas Market, the Polish Christmas Village, and the must-visit Garter Lane Craft Fair, where artisan crafts and gifts abound (I spent a LOT of money here loading up on handmade gifts for family and friends).
Just like in the USA, the winter holidays are sales season in Ireland. Waterford is filled with local shops and thrift stores (or charity shops as they are called in Ireland). Fill your suitcase with candies you can only find in Europe, clothing, teas, household items, and more.
In the afternoon, hop on the Winterval Train to explore the festival layout and take note of family-friendly attractions. If time allows, visit the Medieval Museum and Waterford Crystal to see stunning exhibits and festive displays.
Insider Tip: we have yet to find a decent afternoon tea in Waterford, outside of Waterford Castle. If you don’t have time to drive out to the castle, just skip tea in this town. The coffee shops are better anyway.
Dinner awaits at Momo, a restaurant that prides itself on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. End the day with Winterval Illuminates, a free light show that brings Waterford to life every evening.
CAUTION: If it is very windy and raining, events may be canceled for safety. While disappointing, remember that everyone, even the people working the festival, deserves to stay safe.
Where to Stay in Waterford:
- Luxury: Granville Hotel (historic charm and river views)
- Moderate: The Fitzwilton Hotel (modern with a central location)
- Budget: Viking Hotel Waterford (affordable, modern, located in the outskirts of the city)
Day 5: Waterford to Killarney – Coastal Charm and Holiday Spirit
Begin the day with a scenic drive to Cobh, a charming port town famous for its colorful buildings and stunning harbor views. Plus, it’s the last stop the Titantic made before heading across the Atlantic Ocean.
Grab lunch at Sea Salt and Deli (if they have a Thanksgiving-sounding sandwich, even the vegetarian one, order it!), then stroll up the iconic Deck of Cards and visit St. Colman’s Cathedral, a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. If you have time, take a Titanic walking tour or pop into the Titanic Experience Cobh, a museum right on the harbor.
Alternatively, stop in Cork to experience the Glow Festival, where Bishop Lucey Park is transformed into a festive winter wonderland. The Marina Market Christmas Village and Corkmas Market are also worth a visit.
By afternoon, arrive in Killarney and check into the Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa, a luxurious hotel in the heart of the town. Make sure you take photos of the outside of the hotel, which is always decorated, and the lobby, which is filled with Christmas trees, lights, and even a roaring fire in the fireplace.
Spend the evening exploring the tiny Killarney Christmas Market, filled with handcrafted goods and seasonal treats. Don’t miss the Killarney Magical Parade, a spectacular event featuring festive floats and twinkling lights on the weekends in December.
Insider Tip: Traffic on the nights of the parade is HORRIFIC and is only topped by how hard it is to find parking. This is the only time I have ever seen an Irishman be unkind (I had a gentleman steal a spot I’d been waiting for by going down the wrong way in a lot). Arrive early in the day so you can get a spot in the hotel lot, or a spot in the parking lots behind the main street through town.
For dinner, enjoy fish and chips or a refreshing salad at Hillards, or sip a cocktail at Café Du Parc, where the bartenders can mix up custom drinks using Irish spirits. Their menu leans on the sweet, tiki cocktail side, but if you know how to ask for it, they can make it (including a traditional whiskey sour with egg white!).
Where to Stay:
- Luxury: The Europe Hotel & Resort (lake views, spa, five-star luxury)
- Moderate: Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa (central, elegant, great amenities)
- Family: Hotel Killarney (Comfy hotel with a pool and free parking)
Day 6: Killarney & Kenmare Holiday Exploration
Take a morning drive to Kenmare, a town beautifully decorated for the holidays. Stop for brunch at Maison Gourmet to order croissant and other pastries, plus salmon quiche, tarts and decent espresso drinks.
Load up on wool at shops like Quills (great store employees who are happy to chat) and discover unique artwork at Kenmare Courtyard Gallery (another perfect spot to support local artists and find all kinds of decor for your home).
On the drive back to Killarney, make stops at Moll’s Gap for shopping at Avoca, Ladies View for stunning scenery, and Muckross House and Gardens to tour the house and grounds. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a jaunting cart ride through Killarney National Park for an unforgettable winter experience.
One thing not to skip is a stop at Muckross Abbey. Pull over into the small parking lot and walk over to this abbey that is no longer in use, but still a beautiful ruin to explore.
If you need one more thing to add to your road trip of Killarney National Park, you can stop at Torc Waterfall. The hike is short and very, VERY green (unless there is snow… then it is white).
In the evening, unwind with dinner and a whiskey tasting at Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder, or enjoy a cozy pub dinner at The Laurels.
Where to Stay:
- Luxury: The Europe Hotel & Resort (lake views, spa, five-star luxury)
- Moderate: Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa (central, elegant, great amenities)
- Family: Hotel Killarney (Comfy hotel with a pool and free parking)
Day 7: Killarney to Galway – Scenic Stops and the Cliffs of Moher
It’s time to depart Killarney and start the drive to Galway. Drive through Adare, a picturesque village with thatched cottages, to use the restrooms in the visitor’s center, before heading to the Cliffs of Moher.
The Cliffs are a bit of a detour, but worth the extra time to see. There are much fewer crowds in the winter, which allows for uninterrupted views. Some of the paths might be blocked off for the season for safety, so do not jump any barriers.
Stop for lunch at Gus O’Connor’s Pub in nearby Doolin, my dad’s favorite spot for traditional Irish fare. In fact, every time we are in Doolin, this is pretty much the only place we have dinner, even when staying multiple nights in a row. Order the beef stew and an Eton mess. You won’t be sorry.
Continue on to Galway and check into The Park House Hotel, a classic hotel known for its elegant charm and central location right off Eyre Square.
Spend the evening at the Galway Continental Christmas Market in Eyre Square. Ride the Ferris wheel for festive views of the city, and enjoy dinner at McSwiggans Restaurant, where steaks and fish dishes never disappoint, plus, their whiskey selection is epic, along with their cocktail menu.
Where to Stay:
- Luxury: The Hardiman (historic elegance, central)
- Moderate: The Park House Hotel (classic charm, great service) or Hyde Hotel (Comfy rooms and fun, floral bar)
- Budget: Eyre Square Hotel (affordable, close to all attractions)
Day 8: Galway Christmas Market & Spa Day
Start the day with a visit to the Galway City Museum and a stroll past the historic Spanish Arch, a landmark with medieval roots. Next, walk along the river to explore Galway Cathedral, where the stained glass windows and artistic mosaics create a unique space to worship.
After a morning of sightseeing, indulge in Afternoon Tea at The Hardiman. This is one of the few decent afternoon teas we had in Ireland, even around the holidays.
For some well-deserved relaxation, book a spa session at Spirit One Spa in the Galmont Hotel, where you can choose from several treatments, and even 30-minute mini treatments perfect for anyone in a rush. This is a true day spa though, which means there are pools, saunas, steam rooms, and even a hammam. Pack your swimsuit so you can enjoy all of the amenities BEFORE your treatment, and after as well.
In the evening, head to HYDE Bar for a final festive dinner in Galway. Known for its chic, botanical-themed interior and excellent seafood, it’s the perfect way to toast the end of your Irish Christmas holiday.
HYDE Cocktail Tip: Like many bars in Ireland, the cocktails at HYDE tend towards the sweet, and the servers don’t always know just how sweet a cocktail will be. When in doubt, order your usual, or be ready to indulge in a sugar-filled beverage.
Where to Stay:
- Luxury: The Hardiman (historic elegance, central)
- Moderate: The Park House Hotel (classic charm, great service) or Hyde Hotel (Comfy rooms and fun, floral bar)
- Budget: Eyre Square Hotel (affordable, close to all attractions)
Day 9: Galway to Dublin – Return Journey and Departure
Begin your return journey to Dublin, stopping in Athlone for a quick visit to Athlone Castle and a coffee break along the scenic River Shannon. If time permits, explore Belvedere House Gardens & Park for one last taste of Ireland’s countryside.
Arrive in Dublin for your departure flight, and say goodbye to the Emerald Isle. Don’t worry; you just get to share your magical Irish Christmas with friends and family back home and start planning your next Ireland road trip.
Alternative Ireland Christmas Market Itineraries
Not everyone has 10 days to fly to Ireland and explore four Christmas towns. That’s OK! Since you are exploring four distinct areas, you can easily break up the itinerary into three or four day chunks. Personally, I’d set up in Dublin or Cork and day trip from there.
3-Day Dublin Christmas Itinerary
If your homebase is Dublin, you can day trip to Enniskerry, Wicklow, all of the surrounding markets outside of downtown Dublin, and even Waterford if you want a very long day trip. You can quickly fill a weekend with fun when you are based in Dublin.
3-Day Cork Christmas Itinerary
Cork is one of my favorite cities, and not just because it is home to one of my favorite cocktail bars, Cask. From Cork, you can visit Waterford, Killarney, Kenmare, Kinsale, and Cobh. There are plenty of holiday events and Christmas decor in these towns, as well as throughout Cork. Plus, there are quick flights to Cork from Dublin, other countries in Europe and even a few from the United States.
Ireland Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best time to visit Ireland for Christmas markets?
Most Christmas markets in Ireland run from late November through December. Plan your trip between early December and mid-December for the best experience and to catch the most events. Be mindful that many events are only Friday-Sunday, so plan accordingly.
How cold is Ireland in December?
Temperatures typically range between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Bring warm layers, waterproof jackets, and comfortable walking shoes or waterproof boots like these (best travel gear purchase I’ve made in a while!).
Do I need a car for this road trip?
Yes, renting a car allows you to explore at your own pace and visit charming towns and scenic stops along the way. Check DiscoverCars.com for the best prices, and remember that you do need CDW insurance on your rental car through your rental car company, NOT your credit card. Book this with your car instead of getting price gauged when you pick up your car.
Learn more about renting a car in Ireland and how to drive in Ireland as a U.S. driver.
Are the Christmas markets family-friendly?
Absolutely! Many markets have activities for kids, including Santa visits, light shows, festive train rides, and tons of holiday treats for parents and kids.
What currency is used in Ireland?
Ireland uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s helpful to carry cash for smaller markets and vendors. Honestly, I rarely have Euros on me and have always done fine with just a credit card.
Is it easy to find vegetarian food in Ireland?
Most restaurants and markets offer vegetarian and even vegan options, especially in larger cities. The smaller the city, the harder it might be to find a solid vegetarian meal, but it’s not impossible.
