What will this year’s Advent markets be like in Dublin? Program and important information in one place

Christmas is often considered the most wonderful time of the year, and one event that makes it magical is the Christmas market scene.

With a perfect blend of activities, stalls selling all manner of festive offerings, and a strong sense of community spirit, nothing quite beats a good Christmas market.

If you’re visiting Dublin in the run-up to the big day, why not check out our picks of the best Christmas markets in the city and see what all the fuss is about?

Dublin Castle Christmas Markets

Dublin is not a city known for its Christmas markets, but Advent has become an important season here in the last few years. Among the most beautiful and most visited are those that take place in the unique environment of the local medieval castle.

When and where will it all take place?

Dublin Advent Fair Program

One of Dublin’s most popular Christmas markets takes place in the open air at the local castle. Dublin Castle Christmas Market is loved by local and international tourists. It attracts visitors to a busy program full of carol singing and horse-drawn carriage rides.

Several dozen craft vendors offer their products here, which can become an original Christmas gift. Children can have fun on the historic carousel, and parents can enjoy a glass of mulled cider at the open-air bar.

Visitors can access parts of the castle, like the State Apartments, the Medieval Under Croft, or the Chapel Royal. Each is representative of a different part of Irish history. Other things to do in Dublin Castle include visiting some of their available exhibitions or the Chester Beatty Museum on the castle grounds.

If you need a quick pick me up, the Dubh Linn Tea Rooms in Dublin Castle is the perfect place for a delicious cake and a homemade lemonade. One of Dublin’s most loved literary and Dracula authors, Bram Stoker, worked as a civil servant in Dublin Castle.  

In the video below, you can experience the enchanting atmosphere of the Dublin Christmas Markets:

Dublin Castle Christmas Market 2023 4K Walking Tour Ireland

If you like the historical atmosphere, you can also go to other Christmas markets in Dublin, which are held at Swords Castle or Bremore Castle.

The Swords Castle and Bremore Castle Christmas Markets

The Swords Castle and Bremore Castle markets offer two unique holiday experiences with their alternating dates and distinct atmospheres.

Whether you prefer the grandeur of Swords Castle or the cozy charm of Bremore, both markets promise a memorable experience filled with festive cheer, unique gifts, delicious food, and heartwarming community spirit.

The Swords Castle Christmas Market will be open from November 28th to 30th and again on December 7th and 8th. Visitors can explore a variety of indoor and outdoor stalls offering crafts, jewelry, artisan products, and more. At the castle’s walled garden, there’s a cozy covered area where you can enjoy festive drinks, food, and live music.

The Bremore Castle Christmas Market in Balbriggan will take place on November 26, December 10, and December 17. It will feature festive stalls, food vendors, entertainment, and free visits with Santa. All donations collected at Santa’s Grotto will go towards the local charity Meals on Wheels.

Enchanting events with unique shopping experiences

Other Christmas events are also held in Dublin, such as the Ardgillan Castle Christmas Gift Fair or the Botanic Gardens Sustainable Christmas Craft Market.

First, on December 10th, Ardgillan Castle will host a Christmas Gift Fair from 1 to 5 p.m. Visitors can discover gifts from local craftspeople, enjoy entertainment by the Balbriggan Gospel Choir, and savor mulled wine and Christmas snacks at the Castle Cafe.

Then, on December 14th and 15th, head to the National Botanic Gardens for the Sustainable Christmas Craft Market, featuring over seventy stalls offering sustainable gift ideas and seasonal treats. Over 85 stallholders will be participating both indoors and outdoors. All stallholders must have ethically and sustainably produced crafts and products, preferably handmade in Ireland, to reduce our carbon footprint and support local craft workers.

Interesting places in Dublin

Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland, is a modern city that has undergone significant urban changes in recent years, especially in its central parts, but still retains its charm, which we know from many works of world literature.

Adding to this uniqueness that has made Dublin famous around the world are the statues of its most famous figures, including Molly Malone, Oscar Wilde, and James Joyce, found in the streets of the center. You can also follow in their footsteps during your visit to the Advent markets in Dublin.

Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle is located halfway between the city’s two most important churches, Christ Church and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. This old castle of Norman origin was built at the beginning of the 13th century by order of the English king John Bezzemek.

It was a symbol of English oppression on the island for many centuries. The Irish government only took control of it in 1922. Today, it is the seat of government representation and is used in official state ceremonies.

Trinity College

One of the world’s oldest and most prestigious university complexes was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I of England. Its famous students included Jonathan Swift, Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, and Samuel Beckett.

The college is located in the center of the city, and as soon as you walk through the entrance, two things immediately strike you—the grandeur of the Georgian-style buildings and the tranquility and sense of peace that the vast green spaces evoke.

Guinness Store House

The seven-story building is dedicated to the most popular Irish beer, Guinness Storehouse. It is famous worldwide for its dark color and bitter taste. Guinness Storehouse was the first brewery to produce this beer in 1759.

Each of the museum’s seven floors deals with a theme that recalls all aspects of brewing, from old photographs of the brewery to an exhibition on brewing methods, from machinery to work processes.

The tour ends with a free tasting of a freshly tapped pint of Guinness beer, which you can enjoy in the Gravity Bar, the brewery’s unique vantage point, from where you can see all of Dublin.

Dublin doesn’t have many “traditional” fairs, but there are quirky markets to explore. We are sure you will enjoy your visit there – Dublin has its magic for sure!