Winter in Dublin

1. Christmas markets

Christmas markets add yuletide cheer to cities and towns around Ireland each holiday season. Dramatically located in the courtyard of medieval Dublin Castle in the heart of the city, Christmas at the Castle is the big one in Dublin. The boutique, open-air event features festive food and drink, artisan Irish crafts, live music, a vintage carousel and more. Perusing cute alpine stalls with mulled wine in hand while soaking up the grandeur of the 1,000-year-old fortress will give you ALL of the Christmas feels!

Merry trinkets and souvenirs aside, if you have some serious Christmas shopping in mind, head to Grafton Street on the city’s south side and Henry Street across the River Liffey on the north side, Dublin’s two main shopping streets. Don’t miss the pretty St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre which is gorgeously decorated this time of year. And watch out for a famous Irish busker or two on the streets close to Christmas, the likes of Bono and Dermot Kennedy have had shoppers enraptured in the past.

Fancy crafting your very own Christmas gift for someone? Or perhaps you just want to showcase your creative side? The jewellers group Silver Works run several fun and festive winter workshops where you can make a stunning piece of jewellery. From forging a traditional Claddagh Ring to styling your own Christmas decoration, these evening events come with complimentary mulled wine and mince pies. We’re there!

2. Winter warmers

There’s a famous saying: “Some people feel the rain, others just get wet.” Well, during winter in Dublin, some people feel the cold, others just get a winter warmer! By which we mean tucking into Ireland’s legendarily hearty food and drink. Jack Frost nipping at your nose as you explore amazing attractions such as the Guinness Storehouse and Trinity College Dublin? Pop inside one of Dublin’s iconic pubs for an Irish coffee pick-me-up! In the evening, try a seasonal hot whiskey to warm your cockles. Better yet, tour the Jameson Distillery Bow St or visit the Irish Whiskey Museum for a complete Irish whiskey experience. The Victorian-era Palace Bar even has an Irish Coffee Masterclass & Whiskey Tasting.

As for warming meals, Ireland’s practically patented the idea! Fresh seafood chowder, beef and stout stew, traditional coddle, creamy colcannon... we could go on. Can’t wait to devour these dishes? Try some winter warmer recipes from Ireland. Then there’s the holidays, when everyone on the island goes into Christmas feast mode. We’re talking Irish cheeseboards, spiced beef (in Cork), smoked salmon and more, all of which appear on seasonal menus. For eateries and watering holes that are not-to-be-missed, check out Dublin’s food and drink scene.

3. Winter walks

To balance all of that good eating and drinking, how about a crisp winter walk? Dublin city itself is compact and walkable, and there is an array of wonderful landscapes to explore if you look a little further afield. For an epic coastal stroll, try the Howth Cliff Walk north of the city centre, or opt for panoramic views of County Dublin from atop Killiney Hill to the south, both of which (and many more seaside spots) are easily accessed via the DART rail line.

For a gentle city park amble, go to the Phoenix Park, one of the largest city parks in the world. Keep an eye out for the herd of deer that roam the green plains. If mountainous hikes are more your style, head for the Dublin Mountains by car or public transport. Some 43km of way-marked trails pass through top sights from picturesque Ticknock Forest to the mysterious ruins of the Hell Fire Club.

Winters are generally mild in Dublin, so make the most of the city’s great outdoors. You could even go for a bracing sea dip at the Forty Foot if you’re brave enough. The popular swimming spot is close to the iconic James Joyce Tower, and it’s the freshest cold plunge you’ll ever take.

4. Winter lights

Dark winter days and nights? Not in Dublin. As the sun goes down, the city comes alive with spectacular light shows in various locations. In the city centre, Dublin Winter Lights transforms iconic landmarks with Insta-worthy light features. It’s about time age-old Dublin sites such as the Custom House and the GPO had a glow up! To see all of the lit-up attractions, book a Christmas Twinkling Lights Trip. Then sit back and enjoy the show as a vintage double decker bus takes you around the city to see the sparkling sites. Add in Christmas tunes, local festive tales, foodie treats and hot chocolate, and it’s possibly the merriest activity around.

Elsewhere around Dublin, Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo is an enchanting night-time experience for all the family, with magical lanterns guiding you on a journey you’ll never forget. As for Wonderlights, the immersive light show experience will bring its beautiful displays to both Marlay Park and Malahide Castle and Gardens this winter. Dublin never looked so dazzling.

5. New Year’s Festival

Dubliners know how to party, so it should come as no surprise that New Year’s Eve is a BIG night out in the city. In fact, New Year’s Festival Dublin goes beyond simply ringing in the new year, instead partying hard with three days of celebrations as top local and international acts take to stages in historic locations including Collins Barracks and lively Temple Bar. From an NYF Dublin parade on December 30th to a Countdown Concert on the 31st and live music gigs on New Year’s Day, there will be craic agus ceoil (fun and music) across town as we say goodnight to 2024 and top of the morning to 2025 with frivolity and fireworks!

If you’re not one for crowds and prefer signing off on the year in a quieter way, find yourself a cosy snug in a pub, grab your tipple of choice, listen to the crackle from the fireside and enjoy. However you choose to celebrate, there’s loads going on in Dublin around the New Year. Late bars, club nights, DJ sets – you name it, the city is abuzz with excitement.

6. TradFest

The fun doesn’t stop post-Christmas, as TradFest rolls into town at the end of January each year. The traditional Irish music festival bills itself as a joyful celebration, and with an eclectic array of new and established musicians performing in intimate and large scale venues throughout the city, we couldn’t agree more. From gigs in beloved pubs and the raucous National Stadium to the 800-year-old St Patrick’s Cathedral, this is a great way to uncover Dublin’s stunning architectural heritage whilst toe-tapping and hand-clapping along to world-class performers putting on a show to remember! Local legends Kíla, Wallis Bird and Mike Hanrahan are just some of the musical stalwarts on the 2025 billing.

Dublin city’s music scene goes far beyond trad and folk. Sure, rockers U2, Thin Lizzy and the one-of-a-kind Sinéad O’Connor all hail from here. And venues like Vicar Street and the Olympia Theatre regularly host huge international acts. Point being, whatever music you’re into, it can be sought out in this fair city. For a behind-the-scenes music experience, visit Windmill Lane Recording Studios and see where some of the biggest artists on the planet have recorded hit tunes, including Hozier, Lady Gaga and The Rolling Stones. Now that is a rock and roll adventure.

Winter in Dublin – it’s buzzing.