Which is better, Belfast or Galway Christmas markets?

Both Belfast and Galway offer top-tier Christmas markets, but they cater to different vibes. Belfast (City Hall) is generally considered better for a large-scale, international, and bustling city experience, while Galway (Eyre Square) is superior for a cozy, festive atmosphere with a focus on local, artisan crafts and live music.

Which Christmas market is best in Ireland?

Top 5 Best Christmas Markets in Ireland

• Galway Christmas Market. 📍 Eyre Square, Galway City. ...
• Kilkenny Christmas Market (Yulefest) 📍 The Parade, Kilkenny City. ...
• Belfast Christmas Market. 📍 Belfast City Hall Grounds, Belfast. ...
• Cork Christmas Marina Market. 📍 Grand Parade, Cork City. ...
• Waterford Winterval. 📍 Waterford City.

What is the most Christmassy town in Ireland?

Celebrating Christmas in Ireland: Embrace the Festive Spirit in Ireland's Most Enchanting Christmas Towns

• Westport's winter wonderland. One such town is Westport, located in the stunning county of Mayo in the west of Ireland. ...
• Cork's harbour town of Kinsale. ...
• Enniscorthy, County Wexford.

Is Belfast Christmas Market worth it?

The Belfast Christmas market is the perfect place to go if you're looking for festive souvenirs or one of a kind gifts. You'll find plenty of local artists and suppliers selling handcrafted jewellery, artisan soups, cosy hats, scarves and gloves, and plenty of Christmas decorations!

Which town has the best Christmas markets?

We've picked six of our favourite European city markets for the 2024 season that we think are worth adding to your Christmas travel itineraries.

• Copenhagen, Denmark. ...
• Cologne, Germany. ...
• Salzburg, Austria. ...
• Berlin, Germany. ...
• Budapest, Hungary. ...
• Prague, Czech Republic.

Is GALWAY CHRISTMAS MARKET a RIP OFF? | Cost of LIVING IN IRELAND VLOG 🇮🇪

Where are the most beautiful Christmas markets?

Abroad, we recommend the markets in Prague (in the Old Town Square), Berlin (on Potsdamer Platz), Frankfurt, Vienna (with the “Tree of Hearts” on Rathausplatz), Tallinn (with one of the oldest Christmas trees in Europe), and London (the market in Hyde Park combined with Winter Wonderland).

What is the most magical Christmas town in the world?

Rovaniemi, Finland (Santa Claus Village)

Often called the best Christmas town in the world. Village Inspiration: Snowy rooftops, log cabins, Santa's Workshop.

How many stalls are at Belfast Christmas Market?

Everything you need to know about the Belfast Christmas Market 👇 Discover over 100 stalls, local artisans, street food, Glühwein in Belfast, festive gifts, sweet treats, and those must-try Christmas market favourites you didn't plan to buy (but absolutely will).

What is the prettiest city in Ireland?

12 of Ireland's most scenic towns and villages

1. Roundstone, County Galway. Best for harbor life, music and local crafts. ...
2. Ramelton, County Donegal. ...
3. Schull, County Cork. ...
4. Terryglass, County Tipperary. ...
5. Adare, County Limerick. ...
6. Lismore, County Waterford. ...
7. Ballyvaughan, County Clare. ...
8. Inis Oírr, Aran Islands, County Galway.

What is the prettiest small town in Ireland?

Visit the Prettiest Villages and Small Towns in Ireland

• Westport • County Mayo. ...
• Glengarriff • County Cork. ...
• Kenmare • County Kerry. ...
• Adare • County Limerick. ...
• Kinsale • County Cork. ...
• Cobh • County Cork. ...
• Dingle • County Kerry. ...
• Dalkey • County Dublin.

Where is the prettiest Christmas town?

Christmas Towns at a Glance

• Vail, Colorado – Upscale winter Christmas destination.
• Santa Fe, New Mexico – Cultural holiday celebrations with southwestern flair.
• Nantucket, Massachusetts – Coastal Christmas with quaint charm.
• Branson, Missouri – Holiday shows and light displays.

What not to do in Ireland as a tourist?

As a tourist in Ireland, avoid mocking the accent, using phrases like "top o' the mornin'," claiming 100% Irish heritage, or ordering "Irish Car Bombs" in pubs; also, don't assume everyone drinks, disrespect sensitive topics (politics/religion/The Troubles), confuse Ireland with the UK, or only visit Dublin, remembering to dress for variable weather, respect local customs (like buying rounds), and explore beyond main sights.
 

Which is better, Belfast or Galway Christmas Market?

Which is better Belfast or Galway Christmas market? If I had to choose one, having visited both in recent years, I'd argue that Galway is home to one of the best Christmas markets in Ireland in 2026.

Where are Christmas markets in Galway?

Christmas Market Opening Hours ⏰

The 2026 Christmas Market is the fifteenth year of the market in Galway and visitors can expect to enjoy a wide variety of entertainment and stalls located in Eyre Square in Galway City centre.

What date is Belfast Christmas Market?

What date is the Christmas Market in Belfast? This year's market runs from Saturday 15th November to Monday 22nd December 2025. Opening times are Monday to Wednesday 10am to 8pm, Thursday to Saturday 10am to 10pm and Sunday 12 noon to 6pm. The Belfast Christmas Market has become a staple of the festive season.

What is the no go area in Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland

The most notable no-go area was called Free Derry. The areas' existence was a challenge to the authority of the British government. On 31 July 1972, the British Army demolished the barricades and re-established control in Operation Motorman.

What is the nicest area to stay in Belfast?

The two best places to stay in Belfast are the Cathedral Quarter and Belfast Central. The other two areas that I'll give you the pros and cons for below are the Titanic Quarter and the Queens Quarter. You'll also find: A map of the different areas in Belfast.

Can I use English pounds in Belfast?

Northern Ireland uses the pound sterling (£), the same currency in circulation in England, Scotland and Wales. This is different to the Euro which is used in the Republic of Ireland. Mastercard (Access) and Visa credit and debit cards, including contactless payments, are in general use.

How good is Belfast Christmas Market?

One of the longest running Christmas markets in Ireland, they've been attracting locals and tourists alike since 2004! The Christmas markets in Belfast bring a festive buzz to the city with plenty to see and do during the 4.5 weeks that they run for.

Is Belfast worth visiting at Christmas?

Overview. December is a good time to visit Belfast. The weather is usually cold and slightly windy, with temperatures ranging from 40—46°F (4—8°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Belfast during this time.

What is the most Christmassy village?

The most Christmassy towns and cities in the UK:

• Bowness-on-Windermere.
• Bakewell.
• York.
• Keswick.
• Buxton.
• London.
• Arundel.
• Haworth.

Where is the most beautiful Christmas market?

There's no single "most beautiful," as it depends on preference, but top contenders for beauty often include Gdańsk, Poland (voted best in Europe for its unique charm), Cologne, Germany (iconic cathedral backdrop), Prague (historic Old Town Square), Vienna (Rathausplatz magic), and Bruges, Belgium (fairy-tale canals and light trails). Other favorites feature stunning settings like Winchester, UK (Cathedral close) and Strasbourg, France (oldest market).
 

What is the most beautiful Christmas market in the world 2025?

One of these markets has now been crowned the most beautiful Christmas market in the world. According to a recent ranking by CNN, Vienna's Christmas market at Rathausplatz takes the top spot for 2025.