With a varied and vast landscape, Ireland covers an 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, also known as Irish Gaelic. And with such a demographic, Christmas in Ireland is the largest celebration of the year. Traditionally, 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 members along with several customs with a special Irish twist to them.
Things To Do On Christmas In Ireland 2024
Traditions for Christmas in Ireland and other 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 In Ireland
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Belfast is a beautiful place to celebrate Christmas in northern Ireland. The Belfast Christmas Continental Market is a great one. This Christmas market is located in 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 Dublin Ireland won’t disappoint you either. You can shop for the most quirky and quaint gifts here at these vibrant markets.
Location: Belfast’s Christmas Market in Ireland
Pricing: Free
Highlights: Gifts, hot chocolate, live music, and mulled wine.
Also Read: Things To Do In Ireland
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2. Meet Santa and his reindeer
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Planning to spend your Christmas holidays in Ireland? Then you should meet Santa’s reindeer. The playground of deer is 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 raises the Christmas spirit in one! Celebrate Christmas excitingly and uniquely by meeting the cute reindeer! 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 Dublin’s Grafton Street shine 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 for Christmas in Dublin Ireland, 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
Related Post: Places To Visit In Ireland
4. Try horse racing
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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
5. Head to the Irish pubs
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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 centre 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 2024. 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 tradition
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6. Enjoy Christmas racing festivals
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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 2024, this resort offers the best of facilities.
Location: Fota Island
Pricing: Starting at $325
Related Post: Christmas In London
8. Visit the Dromoland Castle
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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 a golf course for sports enthusiasts. Head to the castle if you plan to celebrate Christmas here and have an amazing time here.
Location: Dromoland Castle
Pricing: Starting at $352
9. Christmas Pantomime
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A distinctly Irish and English comic theatre style is found in the pantomime. A well-known fairytale can take the shape of the most pointed attacks. This can be based on society or the government. These dramas are loaded with various sentimental songs and even political satire.
Location: Gaiety and the Olympia theatres in Dublin
Pricing: $54
Highlights: The sentiments and the unusual satire of the play
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10. The Abbey Theatre
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The highlight of one’s Ireland visit this Christmas might be one’s visit to this elegant theatre. In 1904, this theatre first opened its doors. This iconic theatre is associated with prominent writers who belong to the 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
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The facts about Christmas in Ireland mentioned above are surely fascinating. Book your trip to Ireland with TravelTriangle and be a part of the Christmas celebration in Ireland. Know of more Irish Christmas traditions? Please write to us below.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas In Ireland
How is Christmas celebrated in Ireland?
Ireland has a lot of Christmas traditions like the Wren Boy Procession, Laden Table, Irish Christmas decorations, and many more. Visiting Christmas markets in Dublin Ireland is a popular activity for Christmas Eve where the family can go out and celebrate and buy gifts for each other, neighbours and relatives.
What do people eat in Ireland for Christmas?
The primary food for Christmas in Ireland is usually a roast turkey or a goose along with baked ham, crispy goose fat potatoes, steamed Brussels sprouts, buttery sweet carrots, crispy parsnips, and more.
What is the Irish Santa called?
Santa Claus is called Daidí na Nollag (Father of Christmas) in Irish. Santy is a popular name to call Santa by with also.
Does Ireland have Christmas trees?
Yes, Ireland has Christmas trees. Christmas in Cork Ireland, for instance, is celebrated by decorated majestic Noble Fir and Nordmann Fir trees.
Does it snow in Ireland during Christmas?
While it doesn't snow a lot and it is rare to see snow in the lowlands, Christmas sees a bunch of snow in the higher hilly regions of the country.
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