Christmas markets in Ireland 2026: dates, cities and tips

The Christmas markets in Ireland The towns are more intimate than elsewhere in Europe, but the atmosphere is warm and welcoming: wooden chalets, traditional music in the pubs, and twinkling lights in the squares. From Galway to Belfast, via Dublin and Waterford, we have been organizing trips to Ireland since 2012 and are pleased to present our 2026 dates.

In short: Ireland’s Christmas markets 2026: Galway from 6 November to 31 December, Waterford from 13 November to 23 December and Belfast from 14 November to 22 December. Galway’s market in Eyre Square is the largest in the Republic, with over 50 stalls, and Waterford hosts Winterval, the country’s biggest Christmas festival. Entry is free, but almost everything – including public transport – shuts on 25 December.

Dates of Christmas markets in Ireland in 2026

Here are the main dates announced by the organizers.

TAKE THE TEST

Ireland or Scotland: which destination suits you best?

5 questions, less than a minute.

Question 1 of 5

Which landscape appeals to you the most?

Wild mountains, lochs and valleysCliffs, ocean and major coastal roads

Question 2 of 5

What kind of atmosphere are you looking for?

Highlands, castles and whiskyPubs, music and welcoming villages

Question 3 of 5

Your ideal day

A hike with spectacular viewsA road trip punctuated by small ports and beaches

Question 4 of 5

Which setting do you dream about the most?

Skye, Glencoe and the CairngormsConnemara, Kerry and the Wild Atlantic Way

Question 5 of 5

For your next trip, you prefer…

A spectacular and mountainous landscapeA friendly atmosphere and an ever-present coastline

• Galway, Eyre Square: from November 6 to December 31, 2026, according to Galway Tourism.
• Waterford, Winterval festival: from November 13 to December 23, 2026, mostly weekends.
• Belfast, City Hall Continental Market: from November 14 to December 22, 2026.
• Cork, Bishop Lucey Park events: weekends from December 6, 2026.

In Dublin, several neighborhood markets are returning, but their dates are not all confirmed. We therefore update our guides as announcements are made.

Galway Christmas Market

It is by far the largest Christmas market in the Republic of Ireland. It occupies Eyre Square, right in the centre, with more than 50 chalets, a Ferris wheel, a carousel and a Bavarian beer hall.

Galway is also the capital of traditional music. After the market, the pubs of the Latin Quarter extend the evening with music. The city is easily accessible by train from Dublin in just over two hours: see our guide to... train in Ireland.

Winterval, the great Waterford festival

Winterval is Ireland's largest Christmas festival. For six weeks, Waterford offers a traditional market in the cultural quarter, a Christmas train, shows, and light trails, detailed on the Winterval's official website.

The city, founded by the Vikings in 914, is also worth visiting for its Viking Triangle and museums. It is therefore an ideal stopover between Dublin and the southwest.

Belfast and Northern Ireland

The Belfast Continental Market sets up in the City Hall gardens, with around a hundred exhibitors from all over Europe. Entry is free, and the atmosphere is particularly lively in the evenings.

Take advantage of your stay to discover Titanic Belfast and the Antrim coast, featured in our guide to the...’Northern Ireland.

Dublin and Cork

Dublin, on the other hand, doesn't have a huge central market, but the city shines in December: Grafton Street is illuminated, shop windows are animated, and pubs are filled with music. All our tips are in our guide to... Christmas in Dublin.

In Cork, Christmas activities are concentrated around Bishop Lucey Park and the city centre, with workshops and shows for families on weekends in December.

Our tips for visiting Christmas markets in Ireland

• Book your accommodation early: December weekends are in high demand in Galway and Belfast.
• Pack warm and waterproof clothing, as temperatures often range between 3 and 9 °C.
• Combine two cities by train, for example Dublin and Galway, or Dublin and Belfast.
• Keep in mind that almost everything closes on December 25th, including transport.
• Finally, book your weekend dinners, because restaurants fill up quickly.

Combining Christmas markets in Ireland and the United Kingdom

Belfast is just over two hours from Dublin by train, and Scotland is only a short flight away. Dates for Belfast, Edinburgh, and London are also included in our calendar of Christmas markets in the United Kingdom. You can therefore combine several atmospheres in the same trip.

For comparison, consult our guides to Christmas markets in Scotland, of the Christmas markets in England and Christmas markets in London.

To learn all about two of the island's most beautiful markets, consult our guides to... Galway Christmas Market and of the Belfast Christmas Market.

Also read: New Year in Dublin 2026 ; Ireland in winter: weather, things to do and itinerary.

Frequently asked questions about Christmas markets in Ireland

What is the largest Christmas market in Ireland?

It's the one in Galway, on Eyre Square, with more than 50 chalets. Waterford, meanwhile, hosts the country's largest Christmas festival, Winterval.

When will the Christmas markets open in Ireland in 2026?

Galway opens first, on November 6th. Waterford follows on November 13th and Belfast on November 14th, 2026.

Are Christmas markets in Ireland free?

Yes, entry remains free. Only attractions, such as the Ferris wheel or certain shows, require payment.

How many days should I allow for Christmas markets in Ireland?

Generally, three to four days are enough for a city and its surroundings. Allow a week to combine Dublin, Galway and Belfast.

Go to Ireland for Christmas with Brightside Travel

Our team knows Ireland well in winter. We offer, in particular, a Irish cultural and musical getaway during the holidays, adaptable to your dates, and we can integrate it into a tailor-made trip to Ireland.

BRIGHTSIDE TRAVEL

Do you want to experience this trip?

Our local team creates your tailor-made itinerary in the UK and Ireland.

Create my trip