Ireland's best Christmas markets in 2026 are Belfast, Galway, Cork, Waterford's Winterval and Kilkenny's Yulefest, and the one stretch when all of them are running is 28 November to 22 December. Most markets are free to enter, and several of the best are less than two hours apart, so you can see three or four on one trip.

We are a family-owned Irish travel agency in Dublin. This is our market-by-market guide for 2026, with dates, what each one is like, and how to visit several on one festive trip. For the wider picture, read our guide to Christmas in Ireland.

When are Ireland's Christmas markets open in 2026?

Here are the 2026 dates. Some organisers had not confirmed dates when we checked in October 2026, so those are marked "expected". Always check the official site before you travel.

Our tip: Belfast closes on 22 December and Winterval only runs at weekends. If those two matter to you, plan your trip for the first three weekends of December.

Is the Belfast Christmas Market worth the trip?

Yes. It is Ireland's biggest Christmas market, with about 100 wooden chalets around Belfast City Hall and food from all over the world, as well as local crafts. It is open every day, and until 10pm from Thursday to Saturday.

Belfast is about two hours by road or train from Dublin, so you can see it on a day trip. It is better as an overnight stay, though, combined with Titanic Belfast and a drive up the Causeway Coast.

What is the Galway Christmas Market like?

Galway's market in Eyre Square is the most Bavarian-feeling in Ireland, with over 50 chalets, a big wheel, a beer tent and Santa's cabin. It also runs the longest, from early November right through to New Year's Eve.

Galway is a lively, walkable city, and the market sits right beside the shops and pubs of Shop Street and the Latin Quarter. It pairs well with a day in Connemara.

What is Winterval in Waterford?

Winterval is Ireland's largest Christmas festival, held across Ireland's oldest city. The Christmas market is only one part of it. There is also an ice rink on the quay, a light show projected onto the city's historic buildings, a funfair, panto, live music and Santa's grotto in the underground caverns beneath the Medieval Museum.

It runs at weekends only, from 13 November to 23 December. The market and many events are free, but the ice rink, Santa's grotto and concerts need tickets, so book those ahead.

What is on at Corkmas in Cork?

Corkmas is Cork city's Christmas celebration. Wooden chalets at Emmet Place, beside the Opera House, sell local crafts and hot food, and there is a Ferris wheel and vintage carousel on Grand Parade. It runs every day from 15 November to 31 December, except Christmas Day.

Don't miss the English Market while you are there. It is a covered food market that has been trading since 1788 and is at its busiest and best before Christmas.

What is Yulefest in Kilkenny?

Yulefest is Kilkenny's Christmas festival, running from 28 November to 23 December. There are market chalets near Kilkenny Castle, a light and sound show, live music, and Santa switching on the lights on the opening night.

Kilkenny is a small medieval city, so it is easy to walk from the castle to the market and on to the pubs. It is about an hour and a half from Dublin and works well as a stop on the way to Waterford.

What Christmas markets are there in Dublin?

Dublin Castle's Christmas market will not run in 2026, because the castle is closed to the public during Ireland's EU Council Presidency. Instead, Dublin has:

• TwinkleTown at Smithfield Square (northside) and St Patrick's Park (southside), with free entry and a ticketed ice rink.

• Everwinter, a new Irish-makers Christmas market at the RDS in Ballsbridge with an ice rink, a circus and a vintage fairground, closed on Mondays.

• Wicklow Christmas Market at Wicklow Historic Gaol, about 45 minutes south of Dublin, on select weekends.

Can I visit several Christmas markets on one trip?

Yes, and the south of Ireland makes it easy. Here is a route that takes in five markets in seven nights, with short drives between them.

To add Galway or Belfast, add two or three nights. Because December days are short and roads can be wet and dark by 4:30pm, we recommend a private driver for a market trip. You can enjoy a mulled wine at every stop, and nobody has to drive home in the dark. Read more in our guide to Ireland tour styles.

Plan a Christmas market trip with us

Tell us your dates and the markets you would love to see, and we will build a festive itinerary with hotels, a driver and every market in the right order. December hotels fill quickly, so the sooner we start, the better.

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Ireland Christmas markets: frequently asked questions

What is the biggest Christmas market in Ireland?

Belfast's market at City Hall is the biggest, with about 100 chalets. Waterford's Winterval is the biggest Christmas festival overall.

When do the Christmas markets open in Ireland?

Galway is expected to open first, on 6 November 2026. Most others open between 13 and 28 November. All of the major markets are open between 28 November and 22 December.

Do you have to pay to enter Irish Christmas markets?

Most are free, including Belfast, Galway, Cork, Kilkenny and Dublin's TwinkleTown. Rides, ice rinks and some festival events are ticketed.

Is there a Christmas market at Dublin Castle in 2026?

No. The castle is closed to the public in late 2026 during Ireland's EU Council Presidency. Dublin's main markets this year are TwinkleTown and Everwinter.

Which is better, Belfast or Galway Christmas market?

Belfast is bigger and more international. Galway is smaller, more Bavarian in style and runs for longer, until New Year's Eve. Both are excellent.

Last updated: October 2026. Dates come from the organisers and published listings and may change, so please check before you travel.

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