If you haven’t already started your christmas shopping then now is the time to get one with it, with limited weekends left until christmas and the streets starting to fill up with christmas lights, markets, decorations and seasonal cheer, you’ll really get into the christmas spirit if you get wrapped up and hit the shops.
There are some great destinations here in Ireland to do your christmas shopping, all offering something different, so depending where about’s you are on the Emerald Isle, where are the best places to go to get your shopping done and maybe even grab yourself a mince pie and some mulled wine?
Read on to find out.
1.Dublin
Ok so Dublin might be the obvious choice for christmas shopping in Ireland, but there is good reason for it.
The city comes alive at this time of the year and is full of the festive cheers, with gorgeous bustling pubs playing christmas songs, carol singers, and some of the best shopping around, your christmas shopping trip won’t just be about treating your friends and family it will be a treat for you too.
Head for the dazzling chandeliers of Grafton Street for the best high street shopping and buskers performing christmas songs to the crowds and then head to one of the many cafes, lit up with twinkling christmas lights and grab a hot chocolate to warm you up.
A short walks from here will bring you to South William Street where you can take in all of the splendour of the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, packed with beautiful stores, boutiques and many cafes,
Another great spot in Dublin for christmas shopping is the Docklands Christmas Market, set against the backdrop of a gorgeous Victorian fairground you’ll find seasonal foods, live music and loads of stalls selling unusual gifts.
Once you’re all shopped out, we’d recommend heading out to Temple Bar which has a super christmassy vibe, traditional Irish music, gorgeous decorations and a lot of seasonal merriment.
2.Belfast
Belfast City puts a more international spin on Christmas than Dublin with the Belfast Continental Christmas Market which has a real Eurpoean christmas market feel with lots of lovely gift stalls and artisan producers.
You can also grab some delicious food and drinks and the children will love visiting father christmas himself.
The Christmas Craft Festival at the beautiful Belfast Castle is another great chance for some christmas shopping and is particularly good for those who have friends and family that love their arts and crafts.
Victoria Square Shopping Centre is another good choice and has everything you could need to get your christmas shopping ticked off the list, all in one location.
For last minute stocking-fillers head to the St George’s Market which is packed full of friendly bargains and even friendlier locals and once your christmas shopping is complete there are a whole host of cafes, restaurants and bars to treat yourself to a well deserved drink.
3.Kildare Village, County Kildare
For those of you that like to buy designer goodies for lucky friends and family then Kildare Village is the christmas shopping choice for you.
Here you’ll find an incredible array of designer stores with a discounted price-tag.
Once you have shopped until you’re ready to drop, head for the one of the lovely places to eat and drink and rest those weary feet.
Christmas time is really lovely here with festive decorations and a real hustle and bustle atmosphere as people merrily shop for their loved ones.
4.Galway City
Nothing says winter quite like a Christmas Market and, as festive fever hits the City of the Tribes, the Galway Christmas Market returns. Over the years the markets here have become Ireland's longest running and attracted over 600,000 visitors. They have expanded to become a city wide event that everybody loves to get involved in.
Eyre Square remains at the heart of festivities with visitors browsing the wooden chalets filled with crafts, toys, jewellery, cosmetics, decorations and plenty of stocking fillers.
When you are ready to tuck into some festive food head for one of the abundance of food trucks for a bratwurst, a French pastry, a pretzel or a crepe.
Treat yourself to a stein at the German Bierkeller or a warming cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate at one of the cosy bars and coffee docks.
To top off the fun you’ll find vintage carousels and amusements, pantomimes and festive performances, plus Santa's grotto and pop-up shops at various locations through the city.
There is also a Santa Express train which will take you on a tour discovering the sights of the city where the festive cheer continues through the cobbled streets of Galway lined with busting shops, bars and restaurants.