Travel with Bus Éireann to see some of Ireland’s Magical Christmas Markets

Customers can enjoy seeing some of Ireland’s magical Christmas markets with ease this festive season with Bus Éireann. The fragrance of mulled wine, the aromas of cinnamon and clove, the smell of roasted chestnuts and sweet gingerbread makes Christmas markets a wonderful experience.

Bus Éireann has a wide range of commuter and inter city services to the following Christmas markets taking place across the country.

The Christmas Fair at Dublin Docklands runs from 7 to 23 December on the George’s Dock in the IFSC. In its eight year running, it promises to offers visitors a magical experience in a unique waterside village setting with over 80 traders selling an array of Christmas gifts, seasonal food and stocking fillers. The beautifully restored showpiece ‘Galloping Horses’ Carousel is an eye stopper and with other fairground attractions there is something for every family member to enjoy.

The Cork Christmas Market in the Grade Parade in Cork city will be transformed into an illuminated Winter Wonderland from 30 November until 23 December. With a full size carousel, gluhwein bar, tasty treats including seasonal hot roasted chestnuts, sweet and savoury crepes, roast herb potatoes, a Belgian chocolate fountain and wood fired pizzas, there is something available for every taste.

For the third year in Eyre Square, the Galway Continental Christmas market will run from 23 November until 22 December. Due to demand the Christmas market will be running for five days longer than previous years with traders coming from all over Ireland and Europe transforming Eyre Square into a Winter Wonderland.  Wooden chalets, food, drinks and theatrical delights are some of the things that can be expected. A jam-packed entertainment schedule of different events is promised for the markets duration, including live bands, performers, puppet shows and carol singers.

Another Galway Christmas market and just off Eyre Square begins on 14 December and runs until Christmas Eve. It’s in Church Lane just by St Nicholas Church and features hundreds of stalls selling food and crafts. Trading for centuries, this is surely a great place to pick up bargains for family and loves ones.

Due to popular demand, the Kilkenny Christmas Market is back again from 1 to 23 December. It promises to be an enchanting yuletide event with the Parade in Kilkenny city being transformed into a magical Winter Wonderland. Here you will see a variety of traders selling a range of Christmas gifts, seasonal food and stocking fillers. The Kilkenny City Gospel Choir will also feature on selected days performing a selection of Christmas favourites creating a festive and symbolic atmosphere.

The Christmas Village and Santa Train at Mount Juliet Estate in Kilkenny from 8 to 23 December promises a plentiful array of Christmas puddings, Christmas cakes, hampers and gingerbread men along with great gift ideas and treats for your loved ones. The Santa Train is an hour long adventure featuring stories by Mrs Claus, truly an experience not to be missed by the kids.

In Limerick, the Milk Market brings together an eclectic mix of produce with up to 60 stalls and shops selling an array or artisan foods, crafts, decorations, toys and fashion accessories in a wonderful fun and festive environment. The market runs from 30 November until 24 December and features choir singers and entertainment while search for bargains.

The Christmas Market at Wells House & Gardens in Gorey, Co. Wexford will be transformed into a Christmas market filled with magical and festive celebrations from 2 to 23 December. It is located on the grounds of the 360 year old Gothic Tudor Wells House with wooden cabins on the front lawn adding to the festive experience. It will feature a diverse selection of food, crafts and festive attractions that will be ideal for family gathers, Christmas shoppers and tourists.

The Gorey Christmas Market on the Main Street will also take place on Sunday, 2 December from 12pm-4pm. It’s the biggest outdoor festive market in the South East filled with hand-turned woodcraft, jewellery and festive floral offerings.
In Waterford city, the Handmade Crafts at Garter Lane for Christmas runs from 30 November to 23 December featuring all Christmas favourites from high quality crafts, pottery, jewellery, herbal products, soaps and cosmetics to drinks, toys, gifts and much more. It promises to fulfil all your Christmas shopping needs with something local and handmade for a unique and special experience.

Also the Winterval Christmas Market takes place from 30 November until 23 December in the Viking Triangle in Waterford city. Sights, sounds and aromas will transform the side streets of Waterford city into a wonderful Christmas market filled with dozens of stalls serving everything from hot chocolate to crepes to keep your energy levels high in search for the perfect gift.

For more information on services and timetables, please visit Buseireann.ie.

The Christmas markets are a truly wonderful experience for all ages. For decades you had to hop on a plane to visit a Christmas market but now people from around the country can enjoy all the festivities by using our services and travelling to their nearest Christmas market,” said Andrew McLindon, Media and PR Manager, Bus Éireann.

For more information on Christmas markets around Ireland please visit Discoverireland.ie

Friday, 23rd November, 2012