Christmas Markets Fairs and Markets in Ireland

I am delighted to see that the magic of a good Christmas market is casting its spell over more and more Irish towns each year. Traditional Christmas Markets, held in cities, towns and villages throughout the country, are becoming increasingly popular. Not only do they evoke an enchanting festive atmosphere but in the ever present economic doldrums, they present the perfect and powerful answer to supporting your local economy!

For my book, I can simply not think of a better way of getting hold of that unusual or rare Christmas pressie that doesn′t smack of commercialism.  These markets are full of craft work, artisan foods and gift ideas that are not mass-produced but guaranteed real quality. Add to that a good splash of mulled wine and your favourite Christmas carols and I think you′re in for a real treat!!  Below I have listed the Chrismas markets I myself know about, and also those that our readers have kindly flagged to me!!  No doubt I have missed lots, so if you know of one that isn′t listed here, please drop me a quick email and I will be happy to add it!

Clare

Bunratty Castle Christmas Craft Fair – (Clare)
Bunratty Castle Hotel Christmas Craft Fair.  To coincide with the ever so popular “Santa Experience” at the castle and the Hotels’ organised childrens party.

Closest Date:     06-12-2009
Time:    11:00 – 17:00
Contact Person:     Paula Murchan
Phone Number:     0863798308
Email Address:     pmurchan@gmail.com
Facilities:     Toilets, Baby changing area, Wheelchair Access, Invalid Toilets, Parking, Places to Eat

Doonbeg Christmas Market – (Clare)
Doonbeg is establishing its own Christmas market this year. We would like to invite you to participate as a retailer in our first annual two-day event. The courtyard at Doonbeg will be transformed into an Old-World town square where retailers, with an expected footfall of more than 5,000, will capture the audience of local customers and visiting guests of Doonbeg and surrounding towns. The market will take place at the Lodge Doonbeg Golf Club on Saturday 12th December at 10am – 8pm, and Sunday 13th December at 10am – 6pm. The retailer cost for the two days is 350euro, retailer fee includes one 10 ft. x 10 ft. pre-erected stall complete with flooring, a light, and one double socket. Limited spaces, so early booking is advised. Registration is required by November 6, 2009.  Doonbeg will run significant print and radio ads to promote the Christmas market prior to the event.

Closest Date:     12-12-2009
Time:    10:00 – 20:00
Contact Person:     Seamus Dooley
Phone Number:     065 90 55618
Email Address:     Seamus_Dooley@DoonbegGolfClub.com

Cork

Cork City:   A Christmas Celebration on the Grand Parade

Come to Cork and celebrate the magic of Christmas with four weekends of free Christmas events. Join us in our wonderful food and crafts Christmas Market featuring the best of local artesian food and craft producers. Get into the spirit of Christmas as local choirs and bands perform on the Grand Parade. Send your letter to Santa at the Christmas Illuminations in Bishop Lucy Park created by Peter Kelly from Weddings by Franc.

A Christmas Celebration on the Grand Parade will be happening on Friday, Saturday and Sunday on the weekends of November 27th, December 4th, December 11th and December 18th.

Market Opening Times

Friday                              9 am – 8 pm
Saturday & Sunday  12 am – 8 pm

Mahon Point Christmas Farmers Markets

Corks most exciting Farmers Market hold special festive markets in the days running up to Christmas with all your favourite usual producers joined by some talented local craftspeople and artists.

Dates:  22nd,23rd and 24th of Dec from (I think these times are correct) 10a.m-3p.m Regards, Noelle
Times: 10am – 3pm

Kinsale Christmas
A Christmas festival which will run throughout December – a packed programme of festive activities including christmas markets, concerts, carol singing, competition and fun events. See website for full list of events.

Date:     01-12-2009
Website:     www.kinsalechristmas.com

Skibbereen Christmas Food & Crafts Market
The markets will be selling a variety of local festive produce including food, crafts, jewellery, gifts, cards, flowers and wreaths. Market takes place every Saturday & Sunday in December 2009 up till 20th December and is located in Abbeystrewry Church Hall. Teas, coffees, light refreshments and home baking available. If you are interested in booking a space at the market please contact Sharon O’Sriscoll on 028 34444 or 028 36999(evenings)

Date:     05-12-2009
Time:    13:00 – 18:00
Contact Person:     Sharon O’Sriscoll
Phone Number:     028 34444

Dublin

Marlay House Christmas Craft Fair – (South Co. Dublin)

Date:     27-11-2009
Time:    09:00 – 16:00
Email Address:     marlaycraftfair@hotmail.com

The (RDS) – National Craft & Design Fair – (North Co. Dublin)
Stock up on Christmas presents at the Royal Dublin Society’s annual craft fair, with work from around 450 artists, designers and craftspeople from all over the country. Expect everything from silk work and ceramics to candles and chocolate. Event takes place from 2nd – 6th December.

Date:     02-12-2009
Time:    09:00 – 18:00
Phone Number:     01-670 2186
Email Address:     nfo@nationalcraftsfair.ie
Website:     www.nationalcraftsfair.ie

The Crafty Market – (Dublin
The market holds up to 45 stalls which change on a regular basis to ensure a different shopping experience each time you visit! There is a wide selection of handicrafts and artwork at the market, ranging from paintings to homewares, jewellery to babyclothes, hats to handbags. Original handmade gifts. Address: 12 Newmarket Square, Dublin 8 Held on: 1st Sunday each month

Closest Date:     06-12-2009
Time:    11:00 – 17:00
Contact Person:     Ailbhe O’Connell and Louise Gambrill
Email Address:     thecraftymarket@gmail.com
Facilities:     Wheelchair Access, Parking, Places to Eat

12 Days of Christmas Market – (Dublin 1)
The 12 days of Christmas will be held on the George’s dock, IFSC, Dublin Docklands. The market will run from 12th – 23rd December 2009 from 12pm -8pm. The 12 days of Christmas market is your chance to relive all the best bits, bursting with food stalls, stocking fillers, bands, hot cocoa and rides for all of the family. New to this year’s market Santa’s will be on hand at the weekends to hear all the wishes of the little ones.

Closest Date:     12-12-2009
Time:    12:00 – 20:00
Contact Person:     Jackie Spillane
Phone Number:     087 9573647
Email Address:     market@dircoco.ie
Website:     www.dublindocklands.ie

Clontarf Craft Fair – (North Co. Dublin)
This is a craft Market with numerous items available from Cakes to Jewellery.

Day of week : Second Sunday of every month 10am-5pm at St Anthony’s Hall, Clontarf.

Time:    10:00 – 17:00
Phone Number:     01-8321978 (after 6pm please)

Temple Bar Christmas Market – (Dublin 2)
Temple Bar Christmas Market – Thursday December 14th – Sunday December 17th, 11am to 7pm Temple Bar will come alive this Christmas as it plays host to a spectacular outdoor Christmas market for 4 days only this December! Over 50 stallholders will take to the streets of the Old City area of Temple Bar offering you that alternative gift this Christmas. Homemade Mangers, silver jewellery, Brazilian bags, jewellery, knitwear and handmade beauty products are just some of the great gift ideas on offer at the Temple Bar Christmas Market this December.

Dates:     Thursday December 14th – Sunday December 17th
Time:    11:00 – 19:00
Phone Number:     + 353 1 677 2255
Email Address:     info@templebar.ie
Website:     www.templebar.ie

Galway

Kilcolgan Craft Fair – (Galway)

Date:     29-11-2009
Time:    11:00 – 17:00
Email Address:     events@yahoo.com

Church lane Market – (Galway)
The market is open Saturdays and Bank Holidays from 8.00am to 6.00pm and Sundays 2.00 to 6.00. Galway’s famous bustling market has been trading in Church lane by St Nicholas’ Church in the centre of the city for literally centuries. You will find hundreds of stalls selling fresh produce and locally produced crafts. There’s a great variety of food available, Madras curry, Yummy Crepes, Japanese Sushi, and mouth watering handmade chocolates among many others!

Date:     28-11-2009
Time:    09:00 – 17:00
Phone Number:     +353 91 53 7700

Kerry

Killarney Open Air Christmas Market – (Kerry)
Can you remember the Christmas of your youth, the frosty winter evenings, the excitement of visiting Santa, the magical atmosphere, the twinkling Christmas lights? Welcome to Killarney where the stress and hassle are taken away and where you and your family are invited to discover the magic of the festive season. Throughout the festival experience an array of events including Open Air Christmas Markets, Santas Grotto, Concerts and Shows. Our Open air markets showcasing the very best of Irish Food and Crafts will once again be a main feature of the Christmas in Killarney Festival. These will take place on December 5th & 6th and 12th & 13th. The Markets will take place in Killarney’s Fair Hill market.

Date:     05-12-2009
Time:    00:00 – 00:00
Phone Number:     +353 (0)64 663 6622
Email Address:     info@christmasinkillarney.com
Website:     www.christmasinkillarney.com

Waterville Winter Market – (Kerry)
This market features homemade foods organic produce fresh foods and crafts. Location: Concourse along Appleton Street in Waterville, Maine.

Dates:     every Third Thursday December to April.
Time:    14:00 – 16:00
Contact Person:     Downtown Waterville Farmers’ Market
Email Address:     shannon@watervillemainstreet.org

Kildare

Christmas Fair – (Kildare)
Celbridge Community Council is organising a Christmas fair in the Mill Centre in Celbridge, kildare on Sat 5th and Sun 6th Dec. We are looking for people who make/source unique but affordable products. Interesting foods also a must. This is our first fair so we want it to work – will have face painter/balloon maker and art corner for the kids – if interested contact rhoda

Dates:     Sat 5th and Sun 6th Dec
Time:    00:00 – 00:00
Contact Person:     Rhoda
Phone Number:     087-6368985
Email Address:     judger@live.ie

Kilkenny

Craft Fair in MacDonagh Junction – (Kilkenny)

Closest Date:     06-12-2009      monthly
Time:    09:00 – 16:00
Contact Person:     Josephine Plattenberg
Phone Number:     086-8958538
Email Address:     ideasunlimited@eircom.net

Limerick

Pallasgreen Christmas Fair
Christmas food, wreaths, decorations and crafts.

Date:    Sunday 6th December:

Longford

BALLYMAHON A PRE CHRISTMAS CRAFT & GIFT SALE. – (Longford)
DEAN EGAN LIBRARY Main Street Ballymahon Co Longford. Indoor pre Christmas craft & Gift sale market only for 2 days

Dates:      28th november and 12th december.
Time:    10:00 – 18:00
Contact Person:     Trudy
Phone Number:     0863550205
Email Address:     yrbaute@hotmail.com
Facilities:     Toilets, Indoor Market

Mayo

Westport Food & Craft Producers Market – (Mayo)
Westport Food & Craft Producers Market on The Mall Westport each Saturday from 8.30 to 5.30 pm.

Closest Date:     28-11-2009      Every Saturday
Time:    08:30 – 17:30
Contact Person:     Brenda Maloney Market Secretary
Phone Number:     098 64014 mob 0872210800
Email Address:     bredamaloney@eircom.net
Website:     www. clewbayquilting.com
Facilities:     Parking, Places to Eat, Outdoor Market

Meath

Christmas Market – (Meath)

Closest Date:     06-12-2009
Time:    11:00 – 17:00
Phone Number:     087 6654128 anytime.

Offaly

Edenderry Farmers Market – (Offaly)
Farmers Market and craft fair starting in Edenderry on Oct 22nd and continuing each Thursday including Christmas week ( 17 – 24 Dec ).

Closest Date:     03-12-2009      every Thursday
Time:    10:00 – 15:00
Contact Person:     Eileen
Phone Number:     085 1047974
Email Address:     eileenmoconnor@eircom.net
Facilities:     Toilets, Parking, Places to Eat, Outdoor Market

Roscommon

Craft Fair at King House – (Roscommon)
The Fair takes place on Friday 27th November between 7pm and 10pm and Saturday 28th November between 11am and 5pm. Admission to the Fair is free so everyone is welcome to browse around for that special Christmas gift. With such an assortment to choose from you will be able to get presents for every member of the family and treat yourself!

Dates:     27th  &  28th November
Time:    11:00 – 22:00
Phone Number:     +353 (0) 71 966 3242
Email Address:     sgadsby@roscommoncoco.ie
Website:     www.kinghouse.ie/specialevents.html

Boyle Origin Farmers Market – (Roscommon)
Described in the Bridgestone Irish Food Guide as one of the big food success stories of the North west the market has been running all year round since April 2005. Local organic meat, fish, organic fruit and vegetables, bread, home bakes, preserves, Irish fruit juices, organic eggs, health foods and farmhouse cheeses are among the delicacies available every week, alongside local crafts and take away food to eat alfresco. There are special events throughout the year with local musicians and cookery demonstrations a regular feature. Admission is free and there is ample free parking nearby. Come and watch basket weavers following their traditional craft during the market, while shoppers can fill up on hand made chocolate truffles, fudge and brownies, delicious organic ice creams and fruit sorbets, a large selection of fresh fish, local pork including sausages, rashers and gluten free pork sausages, A large selection of Irish farmhouse cheeses from Cheese Etc and smell the aroma of freshly made French Crepes…….

Date:  Every Saturday
Time:    10:00 – 14:00
Contact Person:     Patricia Golden
Phone Number:     071 9663033
Email Address:     unabhan@indigo.ie

Christmas Fair – (Roscommon)
Christmas Fair in Silver Eel, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. Sunday 6th December from 12-6. Join us for this fabulous festive event.

Closest Date:     06-12-2009
Time:    12:00 – 18:00
Contact Person:     ursula
Email Address:     sales@hamperit.ie

Tipperary

Ballylooby Christmas Fair (Located in a little village between Ardfinnan and Clogheen)

Christmas food, wreaths, decorations and crafts.

Date:  Sunday 6th December:

Westmeath

Glasson Christmas Craft Fair – (Westmeath)
We are running an indoor Christmas Craft Fair in the very picturesque village of Glasson just outside Athlone. Stalls will include art, woodwork, soaps, sugarcraft etc.

Closest Date:     20-12-2009
Time:    00:00 – 00:00
Contact Person:     Deirdre Brady
Phone Number:     0876797830
Email Address:     Deirdra.brady@gmail.com
Facilities:     Toilets, Baby changing area, Parking, Places to Eat, Indoor Market

Wicklow

Christmas Fair – (Wicklow)
This is a fabulous old building recently renoveted by Carlow and Wicklow County Council. There will be 30 stalls in the Main Hall and some artists and photographers displaying in the Drawing Room. There will be Christmas Trees & Wreaths for sale in the Courtyard and the Campus Cafe will be open during the fair. Free admission and parking for the public.

Closest Date:     27-11-2009
Time:    00:00 – 00:00
Contact Person:     Sinead
Email Address:     christmasclermont09@gmail.com

St. Davids Arts, Crafts & Antiques Fair – (Wicklow)
St. David’s in Greystones, Co Wicklow is holding its third annual Arts, Crafts & Antiques Fair during the first weekend of December which is the weekend of Dec, 5th & 6th. This is a school fundraising event.

Dates:     5th & 6th November
Time:    10:00 – 11:00
Phone Number:     087 2917519
Email Address:     askay@shoestringbiz.ie