If you’re looking for a magical city break this Christmas or looking to relax for a few days during the festive holidays, then look no further than Ireland’s capital city, Dublin. Famed for the friendly natives, music and off course the Guinness, Dublin has lots to see and do over the festive season. If you are considering a city break during Christmas, here are five reasons why Dublin should be at the top of your list.
Dublin Docklands Festival:
One of the main attractions in Dublin during December is the Dublin Docklands Festival. This is a 12 day festival at Dublin’s Georges Dock area. The festival kicks off on Thursday 12th December and ends on Monday 23rd December. With live entertainment, traditional Irish music and the angelic sound of Christmas choirs, there will be plenty for you to do at the docklands festival. The festival continues to grow in popularity both in Dublin and throughout Ireland with over 100,000 people attending it last year. With food to sample from all over the world, arts & craft stalls and a Santa’s grotto, this truly is a winter wonderland with a difference. The setting along the docklands is just magical and will add to your experience.
Christmas Wonderland at the RDS:
The Christmas Wonderland in Dublin’s RDS stadium has something for everyone this Christmas. If ice skating is your thing or you simply want to give it a go and grab some skates this Christmas then you’ll love the iSkate rink at the RDS. This will be Ireland’s largest ice rink and will help you create a real sense of magic on your Christmas trip to Dublin. There is also plenty for the family to do with the action packed Funderland fun fair, Santa’s Christmas Circus and a Santa’s Grotto all in place at the RDS. A winter wonderland wouldn’t be the same without a Christmas market and the RDS has its very own continental market with lots of food, drink and gifts.
Shopping in Dublin:
There’s something really special about Dublin at Christmas with streets like O’Connell Street and Grafton Street shining with the lights of Christmas and packed with lots of great shops. Even just taking a walk around Dublin can be an exhilarating experience as the shops go all out with their window displays. Relax from your shopping trip by walking through the beautiful St Stephen’s Green which looks amazing at Christmas. For something a little different why not get a taxi or hop onto the Dart or LUAS and go to the nearby shopping centres at Dundrum or Dun Laoghaire and enjoy the magnificent shopping experience both provide. Spend the day at Dun Laoghaire by taking in the Christmas market and stopping for a bite to eat.
Temple Bar Area:
If there is one thing Dublin has a reputation for it’s the atmosphere and friendliness of the locals. This is never so true than at Christmas when everyone is in great spirits. If you’re looking to really sample the atmosphere of Dublin at Christmas then it’s time to get yourself to the Temple Bar area of the city. With so many great bars and restaurants, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Temple Bar. Sample a pint of Guinness in some of the famous hangouts in this area of Dublin and join the locals in singing a festive song or two. The Temple Bar area also has some cheap Dublin hotels meaning you can enjoy everything this great city has to throw at you without having to spend the world in the process.
NYE Dublin Festival:
If you’re looking for something different this New Year, then the Three New Years Eve Festival in Dublin is just what you are looking for. The Irish are known to be a nation who love a good party and take a tipple or two and the Dublin NYE Festival is reason enough to join the biggest party of the year. This year’s festival lasts for 4 days with the highlight being ‘The Ultimate Gathering’ on New Year’s Eve. Ireland has been celebrating gatherings all year in 2013 as part of the Gathering Ireland 2013 initiative and this all comes to an end in style on 31st December. There will be a procession of lights through the city and a countdown concert from the gates of Trinity College in the heart of Dublin with acts including the Madness and Ryan Sheridan performing. This promises to be a great night and just another reason to visit Dublin over the festive period.
Whatever you decide to do this Christmas, Dublin city is simply a hub for all things Christmas. There is so much to do and see for all ages. Sample the magical atmosphere of Ireland at Christmas and create memories and stories that will last forever.
(Photo credits: Main image via dublindocklands.ie – Second image via anglocelt.ie)
One of the main attractions in Dublin during December is the Dublin Docklands Festival. This is a 12 day festival at Dublin’s Georges Dock area. The festival kicks off on Thursday 12th December and ends on Monday 23rd December. With live entertainment, traditional Irish music and the angelic sound of Christmas choirs, there will be plenty for you to do at the docklands festival. The festival continues to grow in popularity both in Dublin and throughout Ireland with over 100,000 people attending it last year. With food to sample from all over the world, arts & craft stalls and a Santa’s grotto, this truly is a winter wonderland with a difference. The setting along the docklands is just magical and will add to your experience.
Christmas Wonderland at the RDS:
The Christmas Wonderland in Dublin’s RDS stadium has something for everyone this Christmas. If ice skating is your thing or you simply want to give it a go and grab some skates this Christmas then you’ll love the iSkate rink at the RDS. This will be Ireland’s largest ice rink and will help you create a real sense of magic on your Christmas trip to Dublin. There is also plenty for the family to do with the action packed Funderland fun fair, Santa’s Christmas Circus and a Santa’s Grotto all in place at the RDS. A winter wonderland wouldn’t be the same without a Christmas market and the RDS has its very own continental market with lots of food, drink and gifts.
Shopping in Dublin:
There’s something really special about Dublin at Christmas with streets like O’Connell Street and Grafton Street shining with the lights of Christmas and packed with lots of great shops. Even just taking a walk around Dublin can be an exhilarating experience as the shops go all out with their window displays. Relax from your shopping trip by walking through the beautiful St Stephen’s Green which looks amazing at Christmas. For something a little different why not get a taxi or hop onto the Dart or LUAS and go to the nearby shopping centres at Dundrum or Dun Laoghaire and enjoy the magnificent shopping experience both provide. Spend the day at Dun Laoghaire by taking in the Christmas market and stopping for a bite to eat.
Temple Bar Area:
If there is one thing Dublin has a reputation for it’s the atmosphere and friendliness of the locals. This is never so true than at Christmas when everyone is in great spirits. If you’re looking to really sample the atmosphere of Dublin at Christmas then it’s time to get yourself to the Temple Bar area of the city. With so many great bars and restaurants, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Temple Bar. Sample a pint of Guinness in some of the famous hangouts in this area of Dublin and join the locals in singing a festive song or two. The Temple Bar area also has some cheap Dublin hotels meaning you can enjoy everything this great city has to throw at you without having to spend the world in the process.
NYE Dublin Festival:
If you’re looking for something different this New Year, then the Three New Years Eve Festival in Dublin is just what you are looking for. The Irish are known to be a nation who love a good party and take a tipple or two and the Dublin NYE Festival is reason enough to join the biggest party of the year. This year’s festival lasts for 4 days with the highlight being ‘The Ultimate Gathering’ on New Year’s Eve. Ireland has been celebrating gatherings all year in 2013 as part of the Gathering Ireland 2013 initiative and this all comes to an end in style on 31st December. There will be a procession of lights through the city and a countdown concert from the gates of Trinity College in the heart of Dublin with acts including the Madness and Ryan Sheridan performing. This promises to be a great night and just another reason to visit Dublin over the festive period.
Whatever you decide to do this Christmas, Dublin city is simply a hub for all things Christmas. There is so much to do and see for all ages. Sample the magical atmosphere of Ireland at Christmas and create memories and stories that will last forever.
(Photo credits: Main image via dublindocklands.ie – Second image via anglocelt.ie)
(This post was written by Nial Toner)
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