Don’t miss Dublin’s cracking Christmas markets

If you’re lucky enough to be in Dublin in the run up to Christmas, make sure you visit one of the city’s buzzing Christmas markets.

The Dandelion Market at The Well, St Stephen’s Green, runs on the six Sunday afternoons before Christmas. With 60 stalls spread out over two floors there’s plenty to keep you busy. This year there are lots of vintage and sustainable fashion stalls as well as a host of local artisans selling unique ware. These include beautiful wearable art on silks from Amalgam and statement jewellery from Culudesign.

After a visit to the Dandelion Market, head for nearby Grafton Street, Dublin’s busiest retail area. It will be full of buskers and street entertainers creating a great Christmas party atmosphere. You might even see a famous local like Bono, Hozier or Glen Hansard doing an informal performance for charity.

Sustainable giving is at the heart of the Eco Christmas Market in Dublin’s Botanic Gardens. Taking place on 10 and 11 December, the market will have 70 stalls, both indoors and outdoors, with a focus on protecting the environment. On offer will be ornaments made from recycled wood, bags made from drink cartons, sustainable clothes and toys, natural wreaths, willow baskets, and lots more.

A local choir will provide the musical backdrop and there will be lots of tasty seasonal treats to buy as gifts or enjoy in the moment. Afterwards, take a stroll around the beautiful grounds which contain important collections of plant species from all over the world.

Gifted, the Contemporary Craft and Design Fair, will be at the RDS from 30 November to 4 December. Featuring over 500 designers, makers and artisan food producers, it will showcase an exciting range of premium products. This is the ideal place to find perfect Christmas gifts and get your seasonal shopping all wrapped up.

For a quirky blend of market and music, make for the Mind the Step Café near Dublin’s famous Ha’penny Bridge on 21 and 22 December. The café will be running a novel Christmas Market and Swing event, combining a dance session with a shopping session.

What better way to get into the festive spirit.

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