Wrap up warm and relish a Winter Wonderland in Ireland this festive season. In the run-up to Christmas the island also becomes a shopper’s paradise with Christmas markets adding colour and character to towns and cities up and down the country. In Northern Ireland, Belfast’s award-winning Continental Market is a magnet for canny shoppers and gourmands, with its heaving stalls of European crafts and artisan food. Derry~Londonderry and historic Armagh also stage lively street markets offering handcrafted local products and Christmas delicacies. In Dublin, George’s St Arcade wraps itself in Christmas cheer with stands laden with gift ideas including jewellery, collectables, clothes and excellent epicurean delights. The wonderful Winterval Festival in Waterford, in Ireland’s Ancient East, includes a market specialising in artisan food, while Limerick stays true to its green credentials with organic food a central theme at the Christmas Milk Market. In medieval Kilkenny, the Yulefest festival of music, food, craft and entertainment takes place in the city’s famous cobbled streets and historic buildings. There is a chance to explore the magical winter garden in Butler House, meander through the markets at Rothe House and enjoy exclusive performances in the Medieval Mile Museum. Cork’s city’s Glow festival also features a hiving Christmas market, while the city’s famous English Market, just across the road, presents the finest Christmas delicacies. Elsewhere in the city, music and festive entertainment abound, transforming Cork into a winter wonderland.