With a varied and vast landscape, Ireland covers the area of 27,136 square miles. The complete population of 4,109,086 as estimated in July 2009 speaks the mixed language of English and Irish. This combination is also known as Irish Gaelic. And with such a number of population, Christmas is the largest celebration of the year, in Ireland. Traditionally, December is viewed as the start of Christmas. This is marked by putting up decorations and Christmas trees. One can see people decorating their homes and putting gifts under their Christmas trees for kids and family memebrs.
Things To Do On Christmas In Ireland
Ireland Christmas traditions and the Western cultures, along with doing their Christmas shopping, are mostly similar. Some of the great festivals and events during Christmas in Ireland are listed below.
1. Shop at the Christmas markets
This Christmas market is located at a perfect place, which is in front of the City Hall. This place is good for the festive season and is a perennially available hall. Killarney hosts an open-air affair and a traditional Christmas market in the city which is organized by Waterford Winterville. If you are looking for Christmas gifts in Ireland then the Christmas markets in Ireland won’t disappoint you. You can shop for the most quirky and quaint gifts here at these vibrant markets.
Location: Belfast’s Christmas Market
Pricing: Free
Highlights: Gifts, hot chocolate, live music, and mulled wine.
Must Read: 10 Fun & Exciting Things To Do In Ireland
Looking To Book An International Holiday?
Book memorable holidays on TravelTriangle with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.
2. Meet Santa and his reindeer
Planning to spend your Christmas holidays in Ireland? Then you should definitely meet Santa’s reindeers. The playground of deer is the Dublin’s Phoenix in Ireland. Annually chances are offered by the park to meet Bambi’s herd members. One can also listen to the park’s keepers. This makes the atmosphere merry and arises the Christmas spirit in one! Celebrate this Christmas in Ireland in 2022 in an exciting and unique way by meeting the cute reindeers! It is one of the best activities to do in Ireland during Christmas if you are visiting with family, especially kids.
Location: Mourne Mountains
Pricing: Free
Highlights: Woodland trail for children
3. Buy Christmas crafts
The Christmas lights at the Dublin’s Grafton Street shines like many of the Christmas wishes and these lights look the best on Christmas Eve in Ireland. The sure treat here is shopping underneath this lit environment. For interesting crafts and artistic design in the city, head to the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre and indulge in shopping for the best crafts and designs. Have a great time shopping for artsy Christmas crafts in Ireland!
Location: Dublin’s Grafton Street
Pricing: Free
Highlights: Beautiful crystal from Waterford’s Irish Glass Company
Suggested Read: 10 Most Popular Resorts In Ireland: Epitomes Of Class, Elegance, And Stunning Views
4. Try horse racing
Post-Christmas dinner and exchange of Christmas presents, it is time for more activities. This is how Christmas in Ireland is celebrated. One of the Ireland Christmas traditions is to participate in horse racing. It is also an ideal way to bring together everyone like a Christmas get together. Head to a game of horse racing and have a great time with your friends and family.
Pricing: Free
Highlights: Royal’s Boxing Day Races
Suggested Read: 15 Hotels In Ireland That Let You Experience Irish Hospitality
5. Head to the Irish pubs
The festival is never fully enjoyed without some Irish Christmas food and drinks with your friends and family. On Christmas Eve, the pub is the center of small villages nearby, towns and even some cities. This place is usually the hub of friends and families reuniting over food and drinks, signifying the cool tradition of Christmas in Ireland. The place is seen with people wrapping hands around whiskeys by the fireplace.
Location: Irish pubs
Pricing: Free
Highlights: Straw costumes, live music and a sense of a tradition
Suggested Read: 24 Fabulous Places To Visit In Ireland: The Ultimate Irish Bucket List For 2022
Planning your holiday but confused about where to go? These travel stories help you find your best trip ever!
Real travel stories. Real stays. Handy tips to help you make the right choice.
6. Enjoy Christmas racing festivals
An exhilarating day for socialites, sports fans, and thrill seekers is offered by Christmas racing festivals. A fantastic festive feast of racing is provided at the racecourse in Greenmount Park. Many amazing and thrilling experiences can be enjoyed here, along with the fun-filled spirit, that can help one enjoy Christmas at its best. Head with your loved ones and have a great time at the races!
Location: Greenmount Park.
Pricing: Free
Highlights: Greenmount Novice Chase and Tim Duggan Memorial Handicap Chase
7. Head to the Fota Island Resort
East Cork promises to provide the whole family with an enthralling winter wonderland. This is amidst the forest that surrounds this 5-star luxury property. Sports like golf can be enjoyed here along with bars to chill at, with great Christmas vibes. Head to the Fota Island Resort and have a great Christmas chilling at this amazing place. Whether you wish to have an exciting time or you want to spend a relaxing Christmas in Ireland, this resort offers the best of facilities.
Location: Fota Island
Pricing: Starting at $325
8. Visit the Dromoland Castle
The Dromoland Castle was completed in 1835. The site itself is found to be associated with the Gaelic nobility. This Irish property is a five-star luxury hotel and is known for being an amazing and beautiful destination. The property also boasts of a golf course for the sports enthusiasts. Head to the castle if you plan to celebrate Christmas in Ireland and have an amazing time here.
Location: Dromoland Castle
Pricing: Starting at $352
9. Christmas Pantomime
A distinctly Irish and English comic theater style is found in the pantomime. A well-known fairytale can take the shape of the most pointed attacks. This can be based on the society or on the government. These dramas are loaded with various sentimental songs and even political satire. Watch one this Christmas in Ireland.
Location: Gaiety and the Olympia theaters in Dublin
Pricing: $54
Highlights: The sentiments and the unusual satire of the play
10. The Abbey Theatre
The highlight of one’s Ireland visit for this Christmas might be one’s visit to this elegant theater. In 1904, this theater first opened its doors. This iconic theater is associated with prominent writers who belong to Irish Literary Revival. 20th-century actors like Sean O’Casey, William Butler Yeats, and Lady Gregory are some of them who have been associated with this amazing place.
Location: The Abbey Theatre, Dublin
Pricing: $56
Further Read: This Famous Game Of Thrones Castle In Ireland Can Now Be Your Home!
The facts about Christmas in Ireland mentioned above are surely fascinating. Book your trip to Ireland with TravelTriangle and be a part of these Christmas traditions in Ireland. Know of more Christmas traditions? Write to us below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas In Ireland
Q: What are the Christmas traditions in Ireland?
A: Ireland has a lot of Christmas traditions like the Wren Boy Procession, Laden Table, Irish Christmas decorations, and many more.
Q: What do people eat in Ireland for Christmas?
A: A turkey or goose is eaten in Ireland for Christmas.
Q: Does Ireland have Christmas trees?
A: Yes, Ireland has Christmas trees.
Looking To Book A Holiday Package?
Book memorable holidays on TravelTriangle with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.
