There’s no doubt that Christmas markets bring festive joy to towns and cities across the country, offering seasonal treats, unique gifts, and magical winter experiences.
Kick off your festive season and stop by one of these must-visit markets happening in and around Offaly. (Warning: There’s so much choice, you will find it difficult to choose which to visit!)
Tullamore Christmas Market
Mark your calendars, as the Tullamore Christmas Market is set to return bigger and brighter than ever on Friday, 22nd November; Saturday, 23rd November, and Sunday, 24th November. Along with being able to browse stalls for some handmade Christmas gifts and tasty festive treats, there’s also the spectacular Christmas lights switch-on event happening on Sunday evening.
Plus, Santa Claus himself will be coming to Tullamore Town to turn on the Christmas lights! A fun weekend in store for all the family!
Tullamore Christmas Market is taking place in O’Connor Square Friday, 22nd November from 3pm to 7pm, Saturday, 23rd November and Sunday, 24th November from 11am to 7pm
Cloghan Christmas Market
Support local businesses this Christmas and find some unique gift ideas in the process by visiting the Cloghan Christmas Market. With over 30 tables showcasing everything from food to crafts, and even trees, it’s a great opportunity to get some of your Christmas presents sorted and meet local entrepreneurs.
Cloghan Christmas Market will be held at Cloghan Hall (R42 AK24) on Saturday, 23rd November and Sunday, 24th November from 10am-2:30pm
Christmas Market at Solas Eco Garden Centre
Christmas is a big celebration at Solas Eco Garden Centre in Portarlington! The centre hosts both day and evening markets, meaning there are times to suit everyone so that nobody misses out on the magic!
But top tip: try to catch the evening market if you can – there’s something extra magical about shopping under the twinkling lights. But whichever you choose, you can be guaranteed the very best of what local craft people and artists can offer. Plus, experience delicious food, hot drinks, carnival rides and a visit to Santa!
Solas’ evening markets begin on Thursday 28th November from 4-9pm and the daytime markets are every Sunday from 1st December. Visit Solas Eco Garden Centre on the Dublin Road, Portarlington (R32 RPX8)
Birr Christmas Market
Get into the Christmas spirit (and even have a glass of a Christmas spirit!) at The Chestnut in Birr. On Saturday, 30th November, there will be a super Christmas market taking place in the bar’s Garden, with a range of local exhibitors showcasing their fantastic products, from bespoke homeware gifts to cosmetics and jewellery.
Afterwards, head out into the square to see the lights being switched on, before retreating back to the bar for a warm whiskey, cocktail or pint by the fire!
Visit the markets at The Chestnut on Saturday, 30th November from 12pm-7pm (R42 E279)
Markets at The Falls at Glenbarrow
Nothing beats a brisk winter stroll and Glenbarrow Waterfall Loop is a beautiful trail through the woodlands of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, along paths that follow the River Barrow, before reaching the waterfall itself.
What’s even better is that at the trail is a gorgeous cafe, The Falls at Glenbarrow, which serves great coffee and baked goods. And across four days, they are hosting Christmas Markets – your one-stop-shop for Christmas gifts and foodie favourites! Make a day out of it with the family by exploring the trail and stopping by the markets.
The Christmas Markets will take place on Saturday, 30th November; Sunday, 1st December; Saturday, 7th December and Sunday, 8th December, from 10:30am-4:30pm at Glenbarrow, Rosenallis (R32 R2NF). Follow The Falls at Glenbarrow on Instagram
Clonfanlough Christmas Market
Clonfanlough Hall Christmas Market is returning for a second year on Sunday, 1st December for one day only! So don’t miss it!
Just a six-minute drive from Clonmacnoise, the market will see local businesses come together to share their creations. There will be personalised items, festive handmade soy candles, children’s books and much more.
Clonfanlough Christmas Market is taking place at Clonfanlough Hall (N37 Y2P8) on Sunday, 1st December from 3pm-6pm
Kilcormac Christmas Fayre
Get ready for a festive evening filled with holiday cheer at Kilcormac Community Centre! Along with plenty of craft and gift stalls to visit so you can find the perfect Christmas gifts, a highlight for the little ones is Santa’s Grotto.
Tell Santa if you’ve been naughty or nice (hopefully nice!), and get your picture taken with the man of the moment!
Kilcormac Christmas Fayre is at Kilcormac Community Centre (R42 X894) on Friday, 6th December from 5pm-8:30pm
Edenderry Christmas Market
At Edenderry Town Hall this Christmas, you’ll find a wide variety of stalls featuring everything from jewellery to handmade Christmas ornaments, along with mouthwatering local produce.
There’ll even be a visit from Santa Claus himself! While taking place at the Town Hall, the market is all outdoor, so do wrap up warm!
Edenderry Christmas Market (R45 K766) will take place on Saturday, 7th December, from 1-6pm
Ballycumber Christmas Market
Another date for your diary – head to Ballycumber on Saturday, 7th December, and visit their local Christmas Market. You’ll experience a great atmosphere as the community comes together to support local businesses.
Discover their great gift options, including artwork and crafts, as well as food and drink. And don’t miss the main event – the switching-on of the lights, which happens at 7pm!
Ballycumber Christmas Market takes place at Gavin’s Car Park from 5-9pm
Daingean Christmas Fair
The Daingean Development Association is delighted to announce that their Christmas Fair is returning this year on Sunday, December 8th. Expect a wonderful selection of stalls and tables including crafts, Christmas gifts, candles, sweet treats and baked goods.
Daingean Christmas Fair will be located at Daingean Town Hall, Main St, Daingean (R35 W027) on Sunday, 8th December between 10am-5pm
Mount Briscoe Christmas Festive Food & Wild Wreath Fair
That festive feeling is sweeping across Mount Briscoe Organic Farm! A Christmas shop has popped up in the Threshing Barn, which has been transformed into a treasure trove of gifts and treats.
Mount Briscoe’s annual Christmas Market will feature an array of fresh produce and seasonal goods, as well as wonderful wreaths and decorations.
You could even make the most of it and experience a stay at this working farm, which has luxury accommodation surrounded by beautiful orchards and woodland.
Christmas Festive Food & Wild Wreath Fair will take place at Mount Briscoe Organic Farm in Daingean (R35 N729) on Sunday, 8th December from 10am-4pm
Lough Boora Christmas Market
Lough Boora Discovery Park is set to host their first-ever Christmas Market. Taking place in the Pavillion in Lough Boora for one night only on Sunday, 15th December, there will be a variety of stalls featuring gorgeous gifts by local entrepreneurs to explore.
The event will also include a Christmas Choir among other entertainment. And, of course, the kids can post their Santa letters on the day! What a way to get into the festive mood!
Visit the market at Lough Boora on Sunday, 15th December from 11am-4pm
Ballinahown Christmas Market
After taking a break in 2023, the Ballinahown Christmas Market is back with a bang! On Saturday, 21st December, expect an evening filled with festive fun, local crafts, delicious food, and unique gifts – all in the heart of the Ballinahown community.
Stalls will be brimming with handmade treasures, perfect for last-minute Christmas gifts, while the air will be filled with the sounds of the season and the warm, inviting atmosphere of the village.
The market will be located in Ballinahown at Ballinahown Village Car Park, approximately a 20-minute drive from Shannonbridge, on Saturday, 21st December from 4:30-7pm
Tullamore Food Fayre
Tullamore Food Fayre is an indoor farmers market, offering quality, fresh local produce. From meat and dairy products to marvellous cakes and bread to carefully selected coffee beans from around the world. On the first Saturday of each month, the food traders are joined by local crafters and artists selling a range of beautiful and skillfully made artefacts.
And coming up soon is their annual Christmas Market, which is always popular with visitors and locals alike. Meet with family and friends for a warm brew and browse the many stalls with gifts and tasty foods. You won’t go home empty-handed, that’s for sure!
Tullamore Food Fayre’s Christmas Market is taking place on Saturday, 30th November; Saturday, 7th December; Saturday, 14th December; Saturday, 21st December and Monday, 23rd December at Killcruttin Business Park, Tullamore (R35 X0T9) from 9:30am-2pm
