From Christmas arts and crafts to Christmas markets to Christmas Carols, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Ireland this festive season.
The Custom House in Dublin and Sligo Abbey are set to come alive with music, magic, and Christmas spirit this December. The superb North Clondalkin Community Choir will perform a special carol service under the acoustically magnificent dome of the Custom House, while Sligo Abbey will transform into a Christmas stage, showcasing the remarkable musical talents of Sligo’s young people.
For the budding artists, Charles Fort Military Fortress and Sligo Abbey are holding Christmas-themed ‘Arts & Crafts’ events for children, who can expect a fun-filled festive morning of creativity and will get to make and bring home Christmas decorations.
Dublin Castle is offering a Pop-Up Talk this month, focusing on the Neapolitan Crib in the Chapel Royal. Join an OPW tour guide for an insightful exploration of the intricate scenes that make up our version of the Nativity tradition.
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Dublin Castle. (Tourism Ireland)
Visitors to Emo Court can experience ‘Christmas at Emo’, featuring two days of festive music, community performances, and seasonal food under a heated canopy. Visitors can enjoy seasonal dishes from Catoca, festive tacos from Tacoman Ireland, and classic festive treats including mulled wine, mince pies, and hot chocolate.
Christmas at Farmleigh returns again this year for three weekends in the run-up to Christmas. Each Saturday and Sunday, visitors can enjoy the delicious treats on offer, explore the homemade produce and items for sale at the craft stalls, making ideal Christmas gifts. The market will be full of Christmas cheer, with live music, magic shows, and storytelling.
Farmleigh House in Dublin will be open to the public and dressed in holiday style. The ballroom will have a variety of choirs performing Christmas songs each weekend. Farmleigh at Christmas is a free event, but performances will be ticketed on a first-come basis. Visitors to Farmleigh can also enjoy performances by ‘The Velvettes’ this December. The band was formed by leader Fran King in 2012, and reflects his love of the great American songbook of the 1940s and 50s onwards.
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Farmleigh. (Getty Images)
Kilkenny Castle is inviting visitors to explore the beautifully decorated period rooms. During the afternoons, while wandering through the castle, visitors can enjoy the wonderful music of the talented pianist, Helen Hughes (December 14) and Dynamica Quartet (December 21.)
Meanwhile, the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin will be the setting for winter daily guided tours and festive winter plants themed tours throughout December.
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Sligo Abbey. (ICP)
The turkey has been synonymous with Christmas and with Thanksgiving in the United States as a celebratory feast. Join us in Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin, for a fascinating talk tracing the development of the human connection with the bird, and examining the life of its 6.7 million wild cousins still living in North America.
“The OPW has a fun-filled festive line-up for the Christmas period, and our staff and guides are looking forward to welcoming visitors to their sites,” Ireland’s Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran said.
“We are very fortunate to have a treasure trove of beautiful historic sites and locations which make the perfect background for fun, festive family days out over this Christmas period. Join us this December for Christmas fun with family and friends”.
Christmas with a Heritage Card
Give the gift of discovery this Christmas with an OPW Heritage Card — a whole year of adventures through Ireland’s most iconic sites. From the magic of Newgrange, to the prehistoric wonder of the Ceide Fields, and the timeless beauty of the Rock of Cashel.
With individual and family cards available, it’s the gift card for all seasons. Get your Heritage Card today at selected OPW sites or by clicking this link.
Order before December 19 and a limited edition Christmas gift wallet will be included with your heritage card!
Christmas events at Ireland’s OPW Heritage Sites
Charles Fort Military Fortress, Co Cork
Custom House, Dublin
Dublin Castle
Emo Court
Farmleigh House and Gardens
Kilkenny Castle
National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Co. Dublin
Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin
Sligo Abbey, Co. Sligo
