Get festive at some Xmas markets
It's not just Germany that does them well – nowadays there are great Christmas markets across Ireland too, says Frank Murphy - 25/11/09
You may find it hard to take in during these dark afternoons and the onset of winter, but now is a great time to fit in a short break to Ireland before Christmas, and all that entails creeps up on us.
And if you’re the sort of person that finds a bit of retail therapy useful on holiday whatever time of year, then Ireland’s Christmas Markets can provide a welcoming tonic in these cash-strapped times!
You can put away the credit cards; Ireland’s Christmas Markets are strictly for small change shopping, where you can pick up a handful of bargains ahead of December 25 and the rest of the holiday season.
And you don’t have to worry about the exchange rate between sterling and the euro. Nothing costs much in these cosy displays of seasonal stalls that have spring up in cities and towns around the Irish countryside.
Ireland has been quick to catch on to the spirit of these sorts of markets, that have been part of the landscape elsewhere in Europe for seemingly decades now.
Most of the oldest – and the most authentic – markets are to be found in Austria and Germany, where they have been selling the celebratory necessities of the festive season – decorations, small gifts and specialist food – for centuries.
But the idea has expanded since the Nineties, into the midwinter travel phenomenon it is today. And Ireland is proud to have caught up. The country is reporting the opening of markets in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Belfast, to name but a few. And there are other smaller shows to be found in many of Ireland’s smaller towns and villages.
These new markets try firmly to adhere to the original Germanic template, and have sprung up across Europe, as town and city managers realise they can attract visitors at a normally quiet time of year by offering a low-spend alternative to the commercial glitz of the season.
It’s a great opportunity too; forget about flying and take the car over. That way, you can spend a few days at this time of year just driving around Ireland’s towns and cities that are not too far apart, and sampling markets new and traditional, big and small.
It gives you the opportunity too, not just to take in the delights of the Christmas Markets, but to investigate the buildings and history of less well-known places along the way – places that you might not otherwise have considered before, if you planning your main summer gholiday.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have great offers on from now until Christmas, if you wish to take the car open and experience the markets for yourself. Or you can let the train or coach take the strain. There are great offers to be had here, too.
Most of the markets in the bigger towns and cities start in the last week of November (so they should nearly all be up and running now). They run right up until a day or two before Christmas, and are normally open daily, until from mid-morning until around 9.00pm. I find the ebbing light of the late winter afternoon the best time to visit – but it's worth checking the dates for the smaller markets.
A number of bigger city markets carry on right through to the New Year. So, if you want a quick pre-Christmas break that won’t break the bank, head for Ireland’s Christmas Markets over the coming weeks. They are an oasis of old-worlde charm with mulled wine, mince pies and carols thrown in too.
The great thing is, a trip like this won’t dent your plastic. You’ll be away from the major shopping centres, but you won’t miss those old friends along the high street – John Lewis, Dorothy Perkins, Austin Reed and Miss Selfridge.
Dublin - George's Dock
THE 12 Days of Christmas Market at George's Dock in the Docklands area of Dublin is one of the highlights of the Irish capital's festive celebrations. The event, which will run from December 12 to 23 this year, promises to offer gifts to suit all tastes. Everything from craft jewellery and beauty products to glassware and seasonal decorations will be sold at the market.
Younger visitors will be kept occupied by a carousel and other fairground attractions, as well as face painting and the opportunity to meet Father Christmas. Adults might be more interested in tucking into some mince pies and sipping mulled wine or hot cocoa, while enjoying live music provided by a brass band.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries operate crossings from Holyhead to Dublin, with Stena Line also offering ferries to Dun Laoghaire, just outside the capital city, from Holyhead. Another option for travellers is the Liverpool to Dublin ferry link, which is served by P&O Ferries and Norfolkline Irish Sea.
Belfast - City Hall
THE grounds of Belfast's City Hall will once again be brought to life with a variety of stunning sights and sounds this winter, when the continental Christmas market takes place. From November 17th to December 19th, there will be dozens of stalls set up in the heart of the city, selling decorations, crafts and culinary delicacies associated with various destinations in Europe.
The highlights of the event include a stand that invites visitors to try cheeses from Holland, France, Ireland and other destinations and a stall selling fine Delft china. People based in Scotland can reach the North of Ireland via the Belfast to Stranraer ferry service provided by Stena Line.
Those coming from England can travel on the Liverpool to Belfast ferry route with Norfolkline Irish Sea, while the Isle of Man Packet Company provides ferries to Belfast from Douglas. Ferries to Larne, which is just outside Belfast, are available from Cairnryan with P&O Ferries and from Fleetwood with Stena Line.
The market is open from 9.00am to 8.00pm on Monday to Wednesday and from 9.00am to 10.00pm on Thursday to Saturday. Opening hours on Sundays are from 1.00pm to 6.00pm. The event continues until Saturday December 19.
For the full article, buy this week's Irish World at your local newsagents, or pick up a copy HERE from only 50p!
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