Ireland Chirstmas Market Travel Guide

120 days in Ireland. <3

What started as a quick day trip from San Francisco to Dublin turned into a few extra days of adventure with my boyfriend, and I couldn’t have been happier. Not only did I get the chance to explore this charming city, but I also experienced my first-ever European Christmas market—a dream I’ve had ever since seeing those magical markets on Pinterest. Spoiler alert: it was just as enchanting as I’d imagined.

Arrival in Dublin

We landed in Dublin around 9:30 AM and had some time to kill while waiting for friends on another flight. To pass the time, we played UNO and snapped a few photos with Santa at the airport, because why not? The festive cheer was already setting in!

Our Stay

Our Airbnb was perfectly situated in a tech hub near the Facebook office. The apartment boasted incredible views and was within walking distance of the lively Temple Bar area. After a quick shower and change, we hit the streets, ready to soak up Dublin’s charm and, of course, find some Guinness pints.

Temple Bar and a Feast to Remember

No trip to Dublin is complete without a visit to the iconic Temple Bar. This time, we decided to order food, and let me tell you—those sandwiches were a revelation. They were massive, stuffed with fresh turkey, cheese, avocado, and thick slices of bacon. As if that wasn’t enough, each plate came with a piece of cake as a side. Yes, cake. It was the perfect fuel for a day of exploration.

The Christmas Market

Our main event was Dublin’s Christmas market, and it didn’t disappoint. Bundled up in my faux fur coat, we wandered through the festive stalls. The market was sprawling, so we made a plan: walk around once to take it all in, then loop back to shop and snack. The variety of food was overwhelming in the best way—we settled on German sausage dogs, rich baklava, and an assortment of candies. Every bite was pure joy.

A Perfect Ending

To end the evening, we found ourselves at a cozy beer house where we shared a stein of strawberry beer. It was the perfect way to wrap up our magical Christmas market experience. The festive vibes, the delicious food, and the warmth of Dublin’s atmosphere made it an evening to remember.

Final thoughts

Dublin in December is an absolute treat, and this trip left me already planning my next visit. Whether it’s sipping Guinness in the Temple Bar area or strolling through the twinkling lights of a Christmas market, Dublin offers a little something for everyone. If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing Europe’s holiday magic, put Dublin on your list—you won’t regret it!