Perfect Christmas gifts from Irish businesses

Barry Walsh looks at a variety of Irish businesses whose products make for the perfect Christmas gift ideas.

In recent weeks we looked at a variety of Irish food, drinks and toy businesses.

Irish companies offer a variety of festive Christmas products that celebrate local economy. From Christmas cards and ornaments to food and clothes decorations featuring Irish designs.

For seasonal clothing, Aran Woollen Mills and IrelandsEye Knitwear provide cosy sweaters and accessories. Gourmet hampers packed with artisan Irish foods and drinks are available from businesses like Erin Hampers and Irish Gourmet. Families can also enjoy magical Christmas markets, unique experiences, and Santa visits across Ireland, ensuring something special for everyone while supporting local enterprises

Christmas Cards

Christmas cards.

Photo by Richard Bell on Unsplash

A variety of Irish companies offer unique and artistic Christmas cards perfect for adding a personal touch to your Christmas Cards. Designist in Dublin provides quirky pop-up and humorous designs crafted by local artists, while Fab Cow Design incorporates iconic Irish landscapes for a cultural twist. The Handmade Soap Company features eco-friendly, seasonal illustrations, and Red Rufus adds playful charm with their sock animal-themed cards. The Irish Design Shop showcases contemporary and traditional Irish creativity through collaborations with local illustrators, ensuring there’s something special for every style.

Designist

Based in Dublin, Designist offers a range of quirky and artistic Christmas cards. Their collection includes pop-up cards, humorous designs, and beautifully illustrated options created by local artists. Notable cards feature themes like Christmas dogs and festive Santa illustrations, making them perfect for adding a personal touch to holiday greetings

The Handmade Soap Company

In addition to their popular soaps, this company offers a selection of beautifully designed Christmas cards featuring seasonal illustrations. Their products are crafted with care and often include eco-friendly materials, making them a thoughtful choice for holiday greetings

Fab Cow Design

Based in Dublin, Fab Cow Design creates unique and artistic Christmas cards that often feature iconic Irish landscapes and cultural elements, adding a touch of Irish flair to the season.

Red Rufus

Their cards are cute and playful, often featuring their signature sock animals in various Christmas-themed scenes, perfect for children and animal love

Irish Design Shop

The Irish Design Shop works with local artists to create unique Christmas cards that showcase Irish creativity. Each card often features designs by Irish illustrators, with options that blend contemporary and traditional elements.

Christmas Clothes

Woman wearing woolly hat on a snowy day.

Irish brands offer a fantastic range of festive clothing to suit every taste this Christmas. Irish Socksciety, based in Galway, specialises in quirky socks with Irish sayings like “Feck it” and “Grand Soft Day”. The Hairy Baby provides humorous Christmas-themed t-shirts and hoodies for all ages, blending wit with festive spirit. Funky Christmas Jumpers create bold, playful knitwear perfect for family gatherings or festive nights out. For sports fans, O’Neills Sportswear combines GAA pride with Christmas cheer in their durable jumpers featuring team colours and crests. Christmas Jumpers Ireland offers classic and novelty designs for the whole family, ideal for traditions like the “12 Pubs of Christmas”. For sustainable fashion with cultural flair, Begley & Bowie uses eco-friendly materials to craft jumpers inspired by Irish folklore. Lastly, The Sweater Shop in Dublin provides high-quality Irish wool knitwear, combining elegance with festive charm, ideal as a timeless Irish gift.

Irish Socksciety

Based in Galway, Founded by Joanna Ciezka and Alex Kieldanowicz in 2017, The Irish Socksciety specialises in fun, quirky socks with Irish-themed designs and sayings. Their socks feature phrases like “Feck it”, “Grand Soft Day”, and “You’re Some Ride”. Their socks are made of certified cotton, unisex and seamless for the comfort and sensory needs. Socks for adults and children are available in the price range of €7 – €9.90. They also offer gift boxes and bundles.

Thecostumeshop.ie

Part of Zatori Results and founded by Ronan O’Brien and based in Dublin, Ireland’s largest online costume and party shop, offers a wide range of costumes, accessories, and party supplies. They specialise in both adult and children’s costumes Provides costumes for various occasions including Christmas. They offer next day delivery across Ireland and have a physical store location in Coolmine Industrial Estate, Dublin 15. They are known for  their extensive selection and competitive pricing

The Hairy Baby

Hairy Baby offers a unique Christmas collection of clothing that combines humour with festive spirit. Known for their playful designs, the collection features a variety of apparel including t-shirts and hoodies that celebrate Irish culture and wit. With ranges for all the family. The collection emphasises comfort without compromising on style, ensuring that both babies and parents can enjoy the festivities.

Funky Christmas Jumpers

Offering a quirky collection of Christmas jumpers their range features bold, eye-catching designs with witty slogans and playful graphics that are sure to be conversation starters at any Christmas gathering. From cheeky references to Irish culture to clever wordplay from comfortable materials, they’re perfect for staying cosy during December nights. The collection caters to all ages, ensuring that the whole family can join in the fun. Funky Christmas Jumpers’ creations are ideal for those who want to stand out from the crowd and spread laughter during the Christmas season

O’Neills Sportswear

Known for their GAA gear, brings their sporting expertise to the Christmas jumper market with a collection that celebrates Irish sports and Christmas in equal measure. Their jumpers feature clever designs that incorporate county colours, team crests, and festive elements, making them a hit with sports enthusiasts. The range includes options for supporters of various GAA teams, allowing fans to show their allegiance while embracing the Christmas spirit. Made with the same durability and comfort as their sports gear, these jumpers are built to last through many Christmases. O’Neills’ Christmas collection offers a unique way for Irish sports fans to combine their passion with festive cheer

Christmas Jumpers Ireland

Christmas Jumpers Ireland offers a wide range of festive knitwear for the whole family. Their collection includes classic designs featuring reindeer, penguins, and Santa Claus, as well as more contemporary and novelty options. The brand prides itself on providing jumpers suitable for various Christmas occasions, from family gatherings to the popular ’12 Pubs of Christmas’ tradition. With options available in both men’s and women’s sizes, as well as matching children’s jumpers, they cater to all age groups. Customer reviews highlight the quality of the jumpers, praising their comfort, fit, and timely delivery.

Begley & Bowie

Begley & Bowie, based in Kenmare, is a small Irish brand that celebrates Irish culture through art and sustainable fashion. While not exclusively focused on Christmas jumpers, they offer a range of festive knitwear that combines traditional Irish designs with Christmas themes. Their jumpers often feature unique, hand-drawn illustrations inspired by Irish folklore and landscapes, giving them a distinctive and artistic flair. The brand’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in their use of eco-friendly materials and ethical production methods. Begley & Bowie’s Christmas jumpers appeal to those looking for a more sophisticated and culturally rich take on festive wear, perfect for those who want to celebrate both Christmas and Irish heritage

The Sweater Shop

The Sweater Shop, based in Dublin, offers a range of traditional Irish knitwear with a festive twist for the Christmas season. The brand prides itself on using high-quality Irish wool and supporting local craftspeople. Their Christmas collection appeals to those seeking a more elegant approach to holiday wear, with designs that can be worn throughout the winter season. The Sweater Shop’s commitment to Irish heritage and craftsmanship makes their Christmas jumpers a popular choice for both locals and tourists looking for an authentic Irish gift.

Crib figures

Beautiful Christmas nativity crib.

Photo by Xulong Liu on Unsplash

Irish businesses offer beautifully crafted crib figures that blend tradition with local artistry to celebrate Christmas. Aran Islands Knitwear provides hand-knitted nativity figures made from pure Irish wool, featuring intricate Aran stitches that reflect the islands’ heritage. Bog Buddies creates crib characters from Irish bog peat, giving a rustic and earthy feel with Celtic-inspired designs. For a whimsical twist, the Irish Fairy Door Company adds fairy-like charm to nativity sets, blending Celtic mythology with the Christmas story through hand-painted figures. A longstanding Dublin tradition, The Moving Crib at St. Martin Apostolate presents mechanical scenes depicting the nativity alongside Irish historical narratives, delighting visitors since 1956

Aran Islands Knitwear

Offers a unique take on crib figures, blending traditional Irish craftsmanship with festive charm. Their nativity sets feature hand-knitted figures crafted from pure Irish wool, each adorned with intricate Aran stitches that are synonymous with the islands’ heritage. The figures, including Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus, are lovingly created to capture the essence of the Christmas story while showcasing the skill of Irish artisans. The use of natural wool ensures durability and warmth, making these figures a cosy addition to any Christmas display

Bog Buddies

These charming nativity characters are handcrafted from Irish bog peat, a material rich in history and cultural significance. Each figure is carefully sculpted to depict the traditional nativity scene, but with a distinctly Irish flair. The earthy tones of the peat give these crib figures a rustic, authentic appearance that connects the Christmas story to Ireland’s natural landscape. Bog Buddies’ crib figures often include Celtic designs or Irish wildlife elements, making them a unique and eco-friendly choice for those looking to celebrate both their faith and their Irish heritage during the Christmas season.

Irish Fairy Door Company

Adds a touch of Irish magic to crib figures with their miniature designs. While primarily known for their fairy doors, their Christmas collection includes delightful crib figures that blend Celtic mythology with the nativity story. These figures are often crafted from resin or wood and hand-painted with intricate knots and spirals. The nativity scene might feature traditional characters with a fairy-like appearance, or include additional Irish mythological creatures alongside the holy family. Irish Fairy Doors’ crib figures offer an imaginative and whimsical interpretation of the Christmas story, perfect for those who wish to infuse their festive decorations with a bit of Irish folklore and fantasy.

The Moving Crib (Dublin)

A unique Dublin tradition since 1956. Located at St. Martin Apostolate, Parnell Square. Features mechanical figurines depicting scenes from the Bible and Irish history

Christmas Decorations

Christmas wreath on a blue door.

Photo by Erwan Hesry on Unsplash

Jerpoint Glass Studio

Offers handcrafted Christmas ornaments that showcase the beauty of Irish glassblowing. Their collection features delicate baubles and festive figurines, each piece a unique work of art. The ornaments often incorporate swirling patterns and vibrant colours that catch the light, adding a touch of elegance to any Christmas tree. Jerpoint’s skilled artisans use traditional techniques to create these timeless decorations, ensuring that each ornament is imbued with Irish craftsmanship. From classic spheres to shapes, their Christmas ornaments are perfect for those seeking to add a touch of Irish artistry to their Christmas decor.

Artisan House

Presents a range of Christmas ornaments that blend contemporary design with traditional Irish motifs. Their collection often features ornaments crafted from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and ceramics. Each piece is carefully designed to reflect aspects of Irish culture and heritage, with Celtic knots, shamrocks, and other iconic symbols incorporated into festive shapes. Artisan House’s Christmas ornaments are known for their attention to detail and quality craftsmanship, making them ideal for those who appreciate a modern twist on Irish-inspired Christmas decorations.

Christmasland.ie

Ireland’s leading destination for premium artificial Christmas trees and festive decorations, Christmasland.ie offers an extensive range to bring the magic of the season home. Their collection includes trees ranging from 3 to 12 feet in size, with pre-lit and unlit options. The range also features Indoor & outdoor Christmas lights, Pre-lit & Unlit wreaths, full & decorative garlands and unique items like LED trees, Wobbling Gnome, Nutcrackers & Santa’s. With themed decorations, including Traditional, Natural & winter white collections, there’s something for every style. Visit their Dublin showroom in November for a preview, with exclusive offers for returning customers

Unique offerings include detailed wreaths with battery-operated LED lights and charming decorative items like a 100cm Wobbling Gnome. Their Dublin showroom opens in November, allowing customers to preview the festive collection before the holiday season.

Trim The Tree

Trim the Tree offers a selection of personalised Christmas ornaments that make for unique and memorable gifts. These ornaments which include ornaments for new house holders, expectant parents, new parents/grandparents, pet parents or a range of hobbies; each can be customised with names, dates, and special messages, allowing families to create lasting keepsakes that celebrate their holiday traditions.

Christmas Food, Drink or Hampers

Large festive dinner table.

Photo by Sam Loyd on Unsplash

Irish companies offer a fantastic range of Christmas food, drink, and hampers to add a local touch to your celebrations. Armagh Cider Company showcases award-winning Irish ciders made from hand-picked apples, perfect for festive gatherings. Glendalough Distillery offers premium Irish gin and whiskey, including limited-edition seasonal releases. For fresh produce GIY.ie encourages sustainable cooking with hampers of locally grown vegetables. Miena’s Irish Handmade Nougat provides sweet treats crafted in small batches, ideal for gifting.

The Burren Smokehouse specialises in high-quality smoked salmon, a favourite for Christmas tables. Ballymaloe Foods adds Irish flavours with their chutneys, relishes, and sauces. Keogh’s Farm Hampers features crisps, snacks, and Irish-grown potatoes, blending tradition with indulgence. For curated Irish hampers, My Ireland Box, The Irish Taste Club, and The Paddy Box deliver hampers of artisan foods, drinks, and treats, making them thoughtful choices for loved ones near and far. These companies bring the taste of Ireland to your Christmas celebrations.

Armagh Cider Company

Spiced Cider offers a delightful Christmas beverage that captures the essence of the season. Their spiced cider is crafted from locally grown Armagh apples, infused with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This festive drink is perfect for cosy Christmas evenings by the fire or for entertaining guests during holiday gatherings. The rich, aromatic flavours evoke memories of traditional Christmas markets and mulled wine stalls. Armagh Cider Company’s attention to quality and their use of authentic Irish ingredients make this spiced cider a standout choice for those seeking to add a touch of local flavour to their Christmas celebrations.

Glendalough Distillery

Glendalough Distillery  offers a Christmas collection that includes their unique Mulled Wine, crafted with the warmth and spirit of the festive season. This mulled wine features a blend of high-quality ingredients, providing rich fruity flavours complemented by warming spices, making it perfect for holiday gatherings. The distillery’s commitment to artisanal methods ensures a luxurious experience, showcasing their heritage in crafting exceptional spirits.

GIY.ie (Grow It Yourself)

brings a unique approach to Christmas food by encouraging sustainable and homegrown produce. Their Christmas-themed growing kits and educational materials, such as the ‘GIY Know-it-Allmanac’, provide guidance on cultivating festive ingredients like Brussels sprouts and rosemary. GIY.ie promotes eco-friendly Christmas practices, including using potted Christmas trees that can be replanted, making homemade gifts, and reducing food waste during the festive season. They offer recipes for homemade treats like Rocket Pesto and Beetroot Chocolate Brownies, perfect for unique Christmas gifts. GIY.ie’s emphasis on connecting people with their food adds a personal and sustainable touch to Christmas dining

Miena’s Irish Handmade Nougat

brings a touch of luxury to Christmas confectionery. Their artisanal nougat, crafted in small batches, is a perfect addition to Christmas hampers or as a special treat during the festive season. Miena’s offers a range of flavours that complement traditional Christmas tastes, such as cranberry and pistachio or ginger and hazelnut. The soft, chewy texture and rich flavours make it an indulgent alternative to standard Christmas sweets. Beautifully packaged, Miena’s nougat also makes for an elegant Christmas gift, embodying the artisanal spirit of Irish confectionery and adding a touch of sophistication to Christmas dessert tables.

Ardkeen Quality Food Store curates an impressive selection of Christmas food and drink, showcasing the best of Irish produce. Their Christmas offerings include carefully selected hampers filled with artisanal cheeses, small-batch chutneys, and locally produced wines and spirits. Ardkeen’s commitment to supporting Irish producers is evident in their festive range, which features everything from traditional Christmas puddings to innovative, contemporary treats. Their Christmas food selection caters to various dietary requirements, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a taste of Irish quality during the festive season. Ardkeen’s expertise in sourcing unique and high-quality products makes them a go-to destination for those seeking to create a memorable Christmas feast.

The Burren Smokehouse

Renowned for its Burren Smoked Irish Organic Salmon, a staple of many Irish Christmas tables, the Burren Smokehouse’s products bring a touch of Irish culinary heritage to Christmas celebrations. The Burren Smokehouse’s commitment to artisan smoking methods and sustainable practices adds depth to their products’ flavour and appeal. Their gift hampers include not only their signature salmon but also complementary items like Irish cheeses, chutneys and whiskey. Corporate gifting to the customer’s specifications is their specialty, delivering smoked salmon or gift hampers directly to the recipients.

The brand has recently won the following awards:

  • Gold medal at the Great Taste Awards 2024 and
  • Best Organic Product at the Bord Bía Organic Awards 2024 for our Burren Smoked Irish Organic Salmon
  • 3-star Gold Medal at the Great Taste Awards 2024 and “Top50 Foods” for our Smoked Eel

Ballymaloe Foods

Offers a range of Christmas condiments and preserves that add a touch of Irish culinary tradition to festive meals. Their cranberry sauce, made with Irish cranberries, complements the Christmas turkey perfectly, while their relishes and chutneys pair wonderfully with cheese boards and cold meats. Ballymaloe Christmas hampers often include their famous original relish, along with seasonal specialties like mulled wine jelly. Their commitment to using natural ingredients and traditional recipes ensures that each product brings authentic Irish flavours to the Christmas table.

Keogh’s Farm

Their limited-edition Christmas flavours, such as Turkey & Stuffing or Roast Turkey & Secret Stuffing, capture the essence of a traditional Irish Christmas dinner in crisp form. Keogh’s also offers beautifully packaged gift sets perfect for Christmas hampers or as standalone presents. Their commitment to using Irish-grown potatoes and natural flavourings ensures a high-quality snacking experience. Keogh’s Farm products are a fun and tasty way to incorporate Irish produce into Christmas gatherings, whether as pre-dinner or for relaxed festive snacking.

Sheridan’s Cheesemongers

Curating exceptional Christmas cheese selections that showcase the best of Irish and European artisanal cheeses. Their festive hampers often include a carefully chosen assortment of cheeses, from creamy Irish blues to aged cheddars, paired with complementary crackers and chutneys. Sheridans’ expertise ensures a balanced cheese board perfect for Christmas entertaining or as a luxurious gift. They also offer virtual cheese tasting experiences, ideal for corporate Christmas events or family gatherings. Sheridans’ commitment to supporting small producers means that each cheese tells a story, adding depth and interest to Christmas cheese courses.

Wilde Irish Chocolates

Nestled on the shores of Lough Derg in Co. Clare, Wilde Irish Chocolates has been creating handmade chocolates for over 25 years. Their handmade chocolates are available from their factory and Hot Chocolate Café, from their online store and from specialty retailers around the country. They have a huge range of yummy choccies, from handmade truffle selections, 40 varieties of handmade chocolate bars including vegan choices, Chocolate hampers and even Chocolate Christmas Trees and Nollaig Shona  chocolate greetings bars which are  perfect for gifting.  Visitors to their factory can see chocolates made batch by batch or get some hands on chocolate bar making, or shop for Christmas gift lines exclusively from the factory. These are real Irish handmade treats!

Hazel Mountain Chocolate

 This artisan chocolate maker is based in County Clare and is renowned for its bean-to-bar chocolates. Their Christmas collection features luxurious truffles and bars, showcasing unique flavour combinations inspired by local ingredients, making them a delightful treat during the festive season.

NearyNógs Chocolate

Situated on the Mourne Coast, NearyNógs is Northern Ireland’s first bean-to-bar chocolate maker. They produce small-batch chocolates with ethically sourced cacao. Their Christmas offerings include beautifully crafted bars and gift boxes, ideal for sharing during the holidays.

My Ireland Box

My Ireland Box offers a unique subscription service that delivers curated Irish products directly to your door. Their Christmas boxes are filled with festive treats and handcrafted items from across Ireland, including artisanal foods, crafts, and home decor. Each box provides a surprise selection that captures the spirit of an Irish Christmas, making it an ideal gift for those who appreciate authentic Irish culture. My Ireland Box’s focus on supporting small Irish businesses ensures that each product is crafted with care and quality, bringing a touch of Ireland to your Christmas celebrations.

The Irish Taste Club

The Irish Taste Club specialises in delivering premium Irish food experiences through their carefully curated Christmas hampers. Each hamper includes a selection of gourmet foods from award-winning Irish producers, such as cheeses, chocolates, and preserves. The Irish Taste Club’s commitment to quality ensures that each product is crafted with the finest ingredients, offering a true taste of Ireland. Their hampers are perfect for those seeking to explore the rich flavours of Irish cuisine during the festive season or as thoughtful gifts for food lovers.

The Paddy Box

The Paddy Box offers a unique way to send a taste of home to loved ones abroad during Christmas. Their boxes are filled with iconic Irish snacks and treats, such as Tayto crisps, Cadbury chocolates, and Barry’s Tea. Each box is designed to evoke nostalgia and bring comfort to those missing Ireland during the festive season. The Paddy Box provides a personal touch with customisable options, making it an ideal gift for anyone longing for the familiar tastes of an Irish Christmas.

Last month The Paddy Box was featured in The New York Times

The Foods of Athenry

The Foods of Athenry offer a delightful selection of gluten-free and vegan-friendly treats. Their range includes festive cakes, puddings, mince pies, biscuits, granolas, and crackers – all made with premium ingredients using traditional recipes, baked on the family farm in Galway. With a strong commitment to inclusive baking, The Foods of Athenry ensures that everyone can savour their delicious creations during the festive season, no matter their dietary needs. In the 2024 Irish Free From Food Awards, they celebrated a record nine winning products. Their beautifully packaged goods make perfect gifts, while their diverse range of hampers, available online offer a wholesome taste of Ireland.

The Chocolate Garden of Ireland

The Chocolate Garden of Ireland creates handmade chocolates that are perfect for Christmas gifting or indulgence. Their festive range includes beautifully crafted chocolate Santa’s, truffles with seasonal flavours like mulled wine or spiced orange, and luxurious hot chocolate mixes. Each product is made with high-quality ingredients and attention to detail, ensuring a decadent chocolate experience. The Chocolate Garden’s offerings add a touch of luxury to any Christmas celebration or gift hamper, delighting chocolate lovers with their rich flavours and artistic presentation.

For more food and drink businesses check out our guide on Buy Irish Christmas 2024: 45 drinks businesses and

Christmas Markets

Christmas market with a carnival.

Photo by Ross Sneddon on Unsplash

Ireland’s Christmas markets offer a magical blend of festive shopping, entertainment, and local traditions. The Galway Christmas Market is one of Ireland’s most popular, featuring a range of stalls selling handcrafted gifts, festive food, and warm drinks, all set against the backdrop of Eyre Square. Waterford Winterval transforms the city into a winter wonderland, with a mix of market stalls, light displays, and family-friendly activities, making it a perfect destination for holiday fun. In Wicklow, the Christmas market offers a traditional experience, with local crafts, artisan food, and festive entertainment that celebrate the county’s rich heritage. The Dublin Castle Christmas Market blends history and holiday spirit, featuring food stalls, live music, and artisan gifts in the iconic castle grounds. Limerick Christmas Market is known for its vibrant atmosphere, offering unique Irish products, festive treats, and plenty of live entertainment, making it a must-visit for Christmas lovers​

Galway Christmas Market

One of the longest-running Christmas markets in Ireland, it features over 50 wooden chalets selling crafts, food, and festive treats from November 8 to January 5. Visitors can enjoy rides, live music, and a Santa’s Grotto

Waterford Winterval

Ireland’s largest Christmas market is returning for its 12th year.  Taking place from November 15 to December 23, this market features an ice rink, various stalls, and family-friendly activities throughout Waterford’s Cultural Quarter

Wicklow Christmas Market

Running from November 23 to December 22, this market offers unique attractions like the Jingle Bell Express and Eco Alpine Skate Trail alongside craft stalls and food vendors

Dublin Castle Christmas Market

This popular market offers a range of artisan goods and festive food in the stunning setting of Dublin Castle. Tickets are required for entry.

Limerick Christmas Market

In this link you can find a variety of Christmas markets across Limerick

Christmas Experiences

Jockey riding horse.
Photo by Mike Kotsch on Unsplash

This Christmas, you can enjoy a variety of festive experiences across Ireland, including Drive-In Christmas Movies, Wild Lights, and Horse Racing events.

In Dublin, the Drive-In Christmas Movies showcase classics like The Grinch and Home Alone at locations like Dún Laoghaire​ . For an enchanting family outing, Dublin Zoo’s Wild Lights event transforms the zoo into a vibrant display of lights, blending Chinese culture with Christmas joy​. Meanwhile, for something truly unique, you can attend Horse Racing at venues like Leopardstown Racecourse and Limerick Racecourse.

Drive-In Christmas Movies

This year, several drive-in Christmas movie events are taking place across Ireland, offering festive entertainment. At Emerald Park Meath, Retro Drive-In Movies is presenting a beloved Christmas classic on 15th December. Viewers can choose from “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” at 14:00, “Elf” at 17:00, or “Home Alone” at 20:00. In Sligo, Benbulben FC is hosting a Christmas Drive-In Movie Night at Atlantic Technological University on 6th and 7th December, though the specific films aren’t mentioned.

For those in the Cork area The Pop Up Movie Club is screening a variety of Christmas favourites, including “Home Alone” on 6th December, “The Holiday” on 7th December, and both “The Polar Express” and “Love Actually” on 19th December. In Dublin, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown is organising Christmas Drive-In Movies, featuring “Frozen” and “The Grinch” on 12th December, “The Polar Express” and “Home Alone” on 13th December, and “Willie Wonka” on 19th December.

Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo

Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo is a spectacular night-time event that transforms the zoo into a magical wonderland of light and colour. Running from 24th October 2024 to 5th January 2025, this year’s theme, “A Journey Through Time,” invites visitors to explore the history of our planet through over a thousand stunning lantern displays. Guests will embark on an immersive adventure that spans from the creation of Earth and the age of dinosaurs to the rise of ancient civilisations and modern inventions.

Horse Racing

The Leopardstown Christmas Festival is one of the most prestigious Horse Racing Events of the year. Running from 26th to 29th December 2024. Located just 20 minutes from Dublin city centre, this four-day event offers an exhilarating post-Christmas experience with seven Grade 1 races. The festival promises more than just racing, featuring live music, entertainment, and a festive atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy DJ performances, a festival marquee, and various activities including face painting and games on the family day

Similarly Located just 8 minutes from Limerick city centre, Limerick Racecourse is easily accessible for visitors. The event promises top-class racing, live music, entertainment, and a festive atmosphere. With nearly 20,000 attendees expected over the four days, it provides a significant boost to the local economy

Santa Experiences

Little boy meeting Santa Claus.

Photo by Mike Arney on Unsplash

Ireland offers some magical Santa experiences for families this Christmas, where you can immerse yourself in festive joy.

The Santa Train at Rathwood Hotel in County Carlow is a popular choice, where children embark on a delightful train journey through a winter wonderland to meet Santa Claus himself​. In Galway, Elf Town at Galway Racecourse invites families to explore an enchanting world filled with elves, activities, and, of course, a visit to Santa​. For a full festive experience, Winterval in Waterford offers Santa’s Grotto as part of its magical Christmas celebrations, which also feature markets, lights, and more​. Lastly, Santa’s House Express at Palmerstown House Estate in Kildare provides an interactive journey, where visitors can enjoy a festive train ride, visit Santa’s house, and experience the magic of Christmas​.

These experiences offer a perfect way to create lasting memories with loved ones this Christmas season.

Santa Train at Rathwood Hotel (County Carlow)

This enchanting experience includes a train ride through a beautifully decorated forest, culminating in a visit to Santa’s grotto. Families can enjoy meeting Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves, with tickets starting from €12.95.

Elf Town at Galway Racecourse (Galway)
This interactive adventure allows children to decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus and meet Santa in his grotto. Each child receives a special Elf Town coin as a keepsake. The event runs from November 24 to December 23.

Winterval Waterford
A festive festival featuring various activities, including a Santa grotto where families can meet Santa and receive a family photo in a snow globe. The festival includes markets, live music, and amusement rides.

Winter Wonderland at Westport House (County Mayo)
Explore Tinsel Town and enjoy face painting, crafts, and a visit to Santa’s grotto. The experience includes a complimentary festive drink and runs from November 19 to December 23.

Santa’s House Express at Palmerstown House Estate (Kildare)
This drive-through experience features themed areas like Elf Town and Candy Cane Lane, culminating in a visit with Santa. The event runs from November 24 to December 23.

Main image at top: Photo by Nathan Lemon on Unsplash

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Barry Walsh
Barry Walsh is a journalist specialising in business, diversity and inclusion and is also a content marketing specialist.

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