17 Nov 2025 If you're thinking of a magical place, full of history, legend, and beauty, you may not know it, but you're thinking of Dublin.
The Irish capital is all that and much more if you visit it during the most magical time of year: Christmas. Its streets are lit up, the entire city is dressed up, and the warmth of the Christmas spirit makes Dublin one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Beyond the Christmas lights, there's a very Christmas-themed attraction in the streets of Dublin that we can't forget and that you absolutely must visit: Christmas markets.
There's something very curious about Dublin: officially, it only has one Christmas market. Many have come and gone over the years, but the Dublin Castle Christmas Market seems to have established itself as the most important.
This is the main Christmas market, but even if it's temporary, there are also others that we're going to tell you about here. Some are making their debut this year, or are returning after a hiatus.
Whatever your circumstances, here we'll give you all the information you need to know about all the Christmas markets you can visit during your stay in Dublin during the Christmas season.
The history of the Dublin Castle Christmas Market doesn't date back to ancient local traditions, far from it. It's a young market, but it's already experienced enough to count on it without having to check any calendar.
The castle is decorated with lights and Christmas motifs to welcome locals and tourists from late November to mid-December. Its doors usually close a week before Christmas Day.
The market itself is held in the castle courtyard, a perfect place to enjoy this holiday, where you can enjoy its carousel, an outdoor bar, and dozens of stalls selling Christmas-related items; from decorations to crafts.
Now we begin a review of the best and most popular local Christmas markets based on experiences from previous years and what locals think about them.
Within Dublin's city centre, we arrive at the Smithfield neighbourhood, which boasts one of the most beloved Christmas markets among locals, thanks to its fantastic location, unique atmosphere, and highly acclaimed organization last year.
Last year, visitors to the Smithfield Christmas Market were able to enjoy a large Ferris wheel with views of the entire city, as well as an ice rink and an ice museum. In fact, this is the first ice museum in Ireland.
Among its wooden stalls and red roofs, you can find the most typical Christmas products, and even a souvenir or gift for someone who wants to experience a little bit of Dublin this Christmas.
In the south of Dublin, we find this market that shares its name with the street that hosts it. It usually takes place for a few days at the beginning of December, two or three in particular.
That's why you should pay close attention to the official announcements made on their channels: social media and website. The Fumbally Christmas Market has many advantages and positive points for visiting, although perhaps the one that stands out above the rest is the fact that it's the only market held indoors.
The ability to shelter from the low temperatures, and the more than likely rain, is a very advantageous aspect compared to other markets. The stalls offer a wide variety of food and drinks, as well as products made by independent artists and artisans.
On the outskirts of Dublin, about 50 minutes away by public transport, is Swords Castle, a place of high cultural significance. But now we have to add to its history the fact that it hosts a fantastic Christmas market.
It boasts around 50 stalls where you can find everything from local crafts to typical Christmas food. Plus, you can meet Santa Claus. The only problem is that you have to pay close attention to the official website because it's only open on specific days. So don't lose sight of it and visit this charming corner of the country.
At Christmas, Dublin's Botanic Gardens has another attraction to add to its list: its very own Christmas market.
It takes place for just one weekend in mid-December and brings together the most sustainable and environmentally conscious artisans and artists. They use traditional working methods, always considering the impact their work will have on nature.
For this reason, the Glasnevin Botanic Gardens is the perfect place to host this Christmas market. Here you might find a perfect souvenir of your visit to Dublin or even give a gift for Santa Claus.
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17 Nov 2025 