Unmissable Christmas Experiences in Ireland for a Festive Family Escape
From traditional Christmas markets filled with twinkling lights, Santa visits, mulled wine and festive treats, to yuletide festivals featuring seasonal crafts, delicious goodies and live music, Ireland truly comes alive with holiday cheer at Christmas time.
Whether you're looking for a magical day weekend trip with the kids or a cosy winter escape with friends, there's no shortage of merry celebrations to enjoy across the country.
Below, we’ve rounded up the very best Christmas attractions to add to your festive bucket list, along with the most magical places to stay nearby, all bookable with your Go Anywhere Gift Card.
Galway Christmas Markets
The Galway Continental Christmas Market will light up Eyre Square from mid-November 2025 to early January 2026. This epic festive market boasts over 50 wooden chalets offering a range of gifts, crafts and food options, a Big Wheel, Carousel, Santa’s Express Train, enchanted light gardens and live entertainment including choirs and theatrical performances.
Visitors can enjoy festive food such as bratwurst, pretzels, crêpes and waffles, along with artisan gifts from local and European traders. Families can also visit Santa’s Grotto and enjoy magical moments in this winter wonderland.
Where to stay:
Lough Rea Hotel and Spa
Located just 20 minutes from Galway City, Lough Rea Hotel & Spa offers stunning views over Loughrea Lake and the Galway countryside, making it the ideal Christmas getaway option. Guests can relax in the Rooftop Garden Bar & Sky Lounge, enjoy Afternoon Tea or treat themselves to a hot chocolate or mulled wine in the Lir Lounge or unwind at the award-winning Shore Island Spa.
Ideal for a winter family escape or a Christmas couples treat, the hotel features spacious rooms, full Irish breakfast and a perfect base for exploring Galway, the Wild Atlantic Way or the renowned Galway Christmas Markets.
Lough Rea Hotel & Spa
The Galmont Hotel & Spa
Located just a three-minute walk from Eyre Square and steps from Galway’s main bus and train stations, The Galmont Hotel & Spa is nestled in the heart of the city along the Wild Atlantic Way. Popular spots like Shop Street and Quay Street are within a 10-minute stroll, while Connemara and The Burren are less than an hour’s drive away.
Guests can unwind at the Spirit One Spa or make the most of the on-site facilities, including the Energize Fitness & Leisure centre featuring a pool, sauna, jacuzzi, gym and outdoor hot tub. With a range of dining options, including Marinas Restaurant, Coopers Bar & Lounge and a large heated outdoor terrace overlooking Lough Atalia, guests will be spoilt for choice with activities whilst exploring the city and Christmas attractions.
Dublin Christmas Markets
While there are a range of Christmas markets to enjoy in our capital city, the Dublin Castle Christmas markets are the ones to head to. Situated in the impressive grounds of Dublin Castle, you’ll enjoy taking in the sights of the castle decked out in fairy lights, as well as the grounds being lined with over 100 Christmas trees!
Held in the castle courtyard, guests can expect Chstmas stalls, festive goodies, a carousel and an open-air bar.
Where to stay:
The Bracken Court Hotel
Located in the heart of the charming seaside town of Balbriggan, just 15 minutes from Dublin Airport, The Bracken Court Hotel blends historic charm with modern comfort and exceptional service.
Guests looking to enjoy the festive season will be welcomed with warm Irish hospitality. Take your pick from stylish rooms and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere that makes every visit memorable.
Conrad Dublin
Celebrate the season in style at the Conrad Dublin, perfectly placed in the heart of the city and just a short drive from Dublin airport. With 192 luxurious rooms (including 15 suites) to choose from, you’re sure to enjoy the luxury of every room and the amenities at The Conrad.
After taking in the Christmas lights and musicians on Grafton street, indulge in seasonal dishes at the hotel's Alex Restaurant or join the locals at Alfie’s Bar & Grill for some holiday cheer.
This Christmas, let The Conrad Dublin wrap you in five-star comfort and festive charm.
Conrad Dublin
Kilkenny Yulefest
Christmas in Kilkenny is pure festive magic! From November 29th to December 23rd, Kilkenny Yulefest transforms this medieval city into a winter wonderland featuring twinkling Chrustmas lights, Santa sightings, live music, festive markets and family fun!
Whether you're after a cosy Christmas getaway, festive shopping, or magical moments with the family, Kilkenny has it all during the holiday season. Yule love it!
Where to stay:
Butler House & Garden
Step into Christmas magic this festive season at this elegant 18th-century gem. Tucked beside the majestic Kilkenny Castle, Butler House & Garden brings together history, charm and festive cheer. Whether you're staying over, popping in for a seasonal bite or celebrating something special, it’s pure Christmas romance in the heart of Kilkenny.
Wander through twinkling Georgian walled gardens, explore the Castle Yard’s artisan studios and soak up the festive vibes just steps from the Medieval Mile - the perfect cosy hideaway for a magical holiday moment.
Newpark Hotel Kilkenny
Celebrate the magic of Christmas at the 4-star Newpark Hotel, set on 40 acres just outside medieval Kilkenny. Enjoy luxurious rooms, a relaxing Health Club & Spa and fun kids’ activities, including the on-site Jurassic Newpark, one of Ireland's only dinosaur-themed parks. Perfect for a festive family getaway!
Waterford Winterval
Ireland’s largest Christmas festival is set to return to Waterford, crowned the European City of Christmas, from November 21st to December 23rd 2025!
Get ready for 21 days of twinkling lights, festive fun, magical moments and merry memories for all ages. With new events, reimagined favourites and holiday cheer on every corner, Winterval 2025 is the ultimate Christmas countdown.
Where to stay:
Faithlegg Hotel
Celebrate the festive season at Faithlegg, a beautifully restored 18th-century mansion nestled in the heart of Waterford’s countryside and just six miles from the city. With roaring fires, elegant seasonal dining and luxurious rooms, it's the perfect Christmas escape.
Guests can take advantage of award-winning cuisine by Executive Chef Jenny Flynn in the two AA Rosette Roseville Rooms Restaurant, unwind in the health and fitness centre, or treat themselves to a winter walk followed by a swim or sauna. With self-catering lodges, family-friendly facilities and an 18-hole championship golf course, Faithlegg has something for everyone this Christmas.
The Tower Hotel
Nestled in Ireland’s oldest city with stunning views over the marina, The Tower Hotel offers 146 cozy rooms perfect for your festive getaway. Feast on delicious meals at Hobson’s Quayside Restaurant or unwind with live weekend tunes at Pier 37 Bar & Grill.
Need some holiday R&R? Dive into the leisure centre’s 20-meter pool, steam away stress in the sauna, or keep fit at the gym, all wrapped in festive cheer!
Waterford, with its rich history, glittering Waterford Crystal, and charming streets, is the perfect Christmas backdrop.
Tower Hotel
Corkmas
Get ready to sleigh your way through Cork City this Christmas as the festive magic returns bigger, brighter and more joyful than ever! The iconic Ferris Wheel will once again light up the skyline, while the city streets sparkle under a canopy of twinkling lights.
Corkmas 2025 promises the return of all your holiday favourites, from the enchanting Corkmas Parade, the bustling Christmas Market full of treats and treasures, live entertainment, cosy festive corners and surprises around every corner.
Whether you're wrapping up gifts, sipping hot chocolate, or soaring above the city on the Ferris Wheel, Corkmas is the place to be for festive feels and merry moments.
Where to stay:
Leonardo Hotel Cork
Celebrate the festive season in the heart of Cork at Leonardo Hotel, perfectly located just minutes from the train station, shopping centres and the city’s best night life and Christmas markets. Overlooking the River Lee, it's an ideal base for soaking up the city’s seasonal charm.
After a day of exploring, unwind with a drink at the stylish bar or enjoy a festive bite in the seasonal restaurant. Whether you're visiting Cork for a festive escape, a magical winter wedding or simply a fireside feast, Leonardo Hotel provides the warmest of Irish welcomes and a touch of holiday magic.
Castlemartyr Resort
Tucked away in Cork’s winter-kissed woodlands, Castlemartyr Resort is where Irish history meets festive elegance. Set on 220 acres of frosty grounds, this magical 5-star escape combines a grand 18th-century Manor House with the atmospheric ruins of an 800-year-old castle, making it the perfect backdrop for a Christmas straight out of a fairytale!
Once home to legends like Strongbow and Walter Raleigh, the resort now welcomes guests to 108 luxurious rooms and 36 private residences, all beautifully restored with modern sparkle and timeless charm.
Castlemartyr Resort
Discover magical Christmas attractions all across Ireland. From sparkling lights and winter markets to Santa experiences and cosy countryside stays, all easily booked with your Go Anywhere Gift Card.
Enjoy unmissable Christmas experiences for a magical family escape.
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