See some of Ireland's Magical Christmas Markets with Bus Éireann
Travel by bus to one of six great destinations
The festive season is finally upon us and customers can travel to one of the great traditional European style Christmas markets with ease this year, on Bus Éireann coaches. The markets feature throughout several locations in Ireland this year. The fragrance of mulled wine, aromas of cinnamon and clove, roasting chestnuts and sweet gingerbread make these a wonderful seasonal experience for all of the family.
Bus Éireann has a wide range of commuter and inter-city services to the following Christmas markets taking place across the country.
Cork: The Glow, A Cork Christmas Celebration takes place on the Grand Parade in Cork city from 28 November to 21 December 2014. It promises to have something for everyone, including a 3D version of A Visit from St Nicholas, an authentic indoor Crafts Exhibition and Fair, a very popular Ferris wheel, a vintage carousel and a great shopping experience for the whole family. With live music and carols by candlelight as you shop around Cork city, this is one market not to be missed.
Galway: The Galway Continental Christmas market in Eyre Square will run until 22 December. Now in its fifth consecutive year and building on success from previous years, traders from all over Ireland and Europe transform Eyre Square into a picturesque Winter Wonderland. Wooden chalets, hot food, craft beer, mulled wine and theatrical delights are among the elements. The market has entertainment including live bands, performers, puppet shows and carol singers.
Another Galway Christmas market just off Eyre Square runs from the 14 December until Christmas Eve. The Church Lane market - just beside the St Nicholas Church off Shop Street - features plenty of stalls filled with treats and homemade goodies. The traditional market has lots of handmade artisan Christmas food with decorated stalls, lit with powered lights and candles offering a real festive feel for all the family.
Kilkenny: The Santa Village runs again this year at Mount Juliet in Kilkenny from 5 December to 23 December, featuring a theatrical production, which promises to be packed full of Christmas wonder and magic. The market is filled with an array of Christmas puddings, Christmas cakes, hampers and other hand baked treats along with great gift ideas and treats for your loved ones.
Waterford: In Waterford city, the Waterford Winterval festival takes place until 23 December. Sights, sounds and aromas transform the side streets of Waterford city into a wonderful Christmas market filled with dozens of stalls serving everything from hot chocolate to warm crepes. Remember to keep the energy levels high in search for that perfect Christmas gift. There are a number of free family events including Winterval Illuminates and Penguins at the Palace. The festive horse-drawn sleigh ride and Ferris wheel are fantastic options for all the family and Waterford on Ice at the Quay offer skaters the chance to strut their moves to music.
Limerick: The all-weather Christmas Market at the Milk Market has a wide variety of produce with an array of stalls and shops selling a great range of artisan foods, crafts, decorations, toys and fashion accessories in a warm and fun environment. It will operate from Friday, 5 December until Sunday, 7 December, and Friday, 12 December until Sunday, 14 December followed by a full week from Wednesday, 17 December until Wednesday, 24 December. With Christmas choirs, craft workers and a festive atmosphere in the heart of the city, it will be a great venue to drop by.
Dublin: The Docklands Christmas Market at George’s Dock Dublin is back again due to popular demand, bringing Christmas cheer and magical festive treats for all the family and friends. It runs until 23 December and promises to be even bigger and better than last year, with lots of Christmas gifts, seasonal food and plenty of stocking fillers. Add in the Victorian Carnival and Santa Grotto and it is surely an eye stopper for all ages to enjoy.
A new edition to the market scene is the prettily decorated Christmas market at St Stephen’s Green in Dublin, which runs until 23 December. There are plenty of food stalls selling artisan food, others with photography prints and accessories with lots of Christmas Santa stockings and Christmas gifts also available.
For more information on our services and timetables to these Christmas markets, please visit www.buseireann.ie.
“Christmas markets are an amazing experience for all the family. For years people had to board a plane to mainland Europe to visit a Christmas market, but now with our integrated network of services, customers from around the country can travel in comfort with Wi-Fi, and enjoy all the festive experiences across Ireland via our bus and coach services,” said Nicola Cooke, Media and PR Manager, Bus Éireann.
For more information on Christmas markets taking place around Ireland, please visit www.discoverireland.ie
Thursday, 27th November, 2014