‘Tis the season to meet the makers of some of the city’s finest artisan food and drink, as they make a welcome annual appearance at one of the many delightful Christmas markets popping up across Dublin this month. From the heart of the city to the suburbs beyond, we’ve rounded up our seasonal pick of Christmas happenings, comfort and joy…
So don your scarves, meet the makers, and bag yourselves a lovely selection of some of the best prezzies Dublin has to offer.
Don’t forget to turn the lights on!
Bohemia Christmas Flea
If vintage is your thing, then a trip to the Bohemia Christmas Flea in Phibsborough is a festive must to warm the cockles of your retro little heart. Check out the outstanding selection of pre-loved and vintage clothing, enjoy the buzz, and savour a bite or two from the elvish food mongers at Kelly’s Yard.
Round it all off with a bop to some cracking tunes courtesy of the wonderful Mr Brian McMahon of Brand New Retro.
We’re saving ourselves for The Fairytale.
Kelly’s Yard (Indoor and Outdoor) Phibsborough 11am – 6pm Saturday Dec 9th and Sunday Dec 10th.
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Stillgarden Christmas Market
Over in Inchicore, the second weekend of December sees Stillgarden Distillery host a buzzy pet-friendly seasonal two-day outdoor market, featuring live music, food stalls and a special festive bar serving traditional mulled wine with their own inimitable twist.
There’ll also be an abundance of local retailers, artists and producers to meet and chat to, with plenty of food and drink to keep the show on the road over the course of the weekend. Did we mention the cocktails?
Stillgarden Distillery, Dublin 8 from 11am – 6pm on Saturday Dec 9th and Sunday Dec 10th.
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Fumbally Christmas Market
Visitors can expect rich pickings at the ever-popular Fumbally Christmas Market, which traditionally shines a spotlight on the industrious output of many great local food producers, in addition to showcasing the beautiful work of independent creatives, artists and crafters.
This year’s rotating selection of stall holders includes Liadain Aiken, Kevin Keane Clay and White Masau, while Sarah Devereux aka The Dirt Bird brings her iconoclastic wit to the world of merch over the course of the weekend.
The annual community-focused market takes place indoors at the Fumbally on Fri Dec 8th, Sat Dec 9th and Sun Dec 10th.
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Irish Pop-Up Collective
This weekend sees a buzz in Dun Laoghaire as over fifty-five Irish brands and businesses gather under one roof for the annual Irish Pop-Up Collective (IPUC) Christmas event.
In addition to featuring some terrific Irish food, drink, fashion, accessories, interiors, craft, beauty and gifts, this year’s festive jamboree also sees a variety of seasonal workshops including wreath making by Flowerpop, macrame Christmas decorations by Astrl Fibres and printed wrapping cloth by Liz Walsh textiles.
The IPUC takes place in the Carlisle Suite at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire from 10am – 7pm on Sunday 10th December. Admission is free.
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Merchy Christmas
Stall it! All the best merch from your favourite bands under one roof in Dublin City as Merchy Christmas returns to The Grand Social for two great days out over the weekend of December 16th – 17th.
Now entering its fourth year, the popular annual Artist Music Market features over 50 bands selling their wares with the welcome prospect of a song or two in store across the weekend.
Admission to the Artist Music Market is free with a suggested donation of €6 on the door with all proceeds in aid of two incredible organisations doing amazing work. This year the organisers have teamed up with Irish Artists for Palestine to raise funds for both Dublin Simon Community and the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund.
Merch Market takes place at The Grand Social on Saturday, Dec 16th and Sunday Dec 17th from 11am – 5pm.
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Christmas at the Castle
Christmas at the Castle promises ‘something for everyone’, with a boutique open air Christmas Market, and plenty of entertainment to be enjoyed in their festive Spiegel style marquee. A Neopolitan Crib, and a vintage carousel are just some of the many spectacles adding to the atmosphere for those rambling across the cobble-stoned courtyard this December.
In addition to twenty-five festive outdoor Alpine stalls, there’s also an indoor Irish Designer craft market featuring some gorgeous handcrafts, ranging from beautifully crafted jewellery and ceramics, to lovely art and textiles.
Christmas at the Castle runs at Dublin Castle from Dec 6th to December 19th inclusive.
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Winteryard
Meanwhile Winteryard is already in full swing at Eatyard, where it is scheduled to dish up some Christmassy craic all the way through to mid-January 2024.
Expect great food, and cheesy games as they pull out all the stops in a festive effort to cater for those who may be otherwise engaged over the season, but still need their annual fix of yuletide bonhomie.
Words: Martina Murray
Feature Image: The Mansion House, Dublin City Council Dublin Winter Lights
