A guide to Christmas Shopping in Dublin

Author: Mairead Foley

What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than to visit the traditional Christmas Festival Market at the Dublin Docklands in Ireland's charming capital city...

The Christmas Market in Dublin has been running for a few years now and there's nothing like the magical festive atmosphere that comes with it! This what makes it a hit for families and shoppers alike.

The Docklands Market takes place this year in early- mid December. You'll find everything here from unusual crafts, gifts, wooden toys and beauty products, to handmade jewellery, glassware and ceramics, so you're bound to pick up some unique gifts and stocking fillers here.

While you're browsing the market, stop off at one of the food stalls to sample some freshly baked pastries, mince pies and other delicious treats, or indulge in a hot chocolate or traditional mulled wine to warm you up. So for some festive magic, put the Dublin Markets on your to-do list when you visit Dublin this Christmas!

Another Dublin market worth a visit is the popular Cow’s Lane Market - the largest designer market in Dublin. Cow’s Lane market is situated in the lively Temple Bar, an area on the south bank of the River Liffey.

Cow's Lane market sells everything from fashion clothing, belts, bags, umbrellas, photography and fine art to ceramics and jewellery. This extremely popular market is a must if you're looking for that unique and once-off gift. This market opens from 10am to 5.30pm on Saturdays.

Dublin city centre is a shopper's haven with every kind of shop imaginable at your fingertips! Grafton Street and Henry Street are both pedestrianised, full of shops and overloaded with shoppers especially at Christmas. The shopping season seems to start earlier every year. On Grafton and Henry Street you can expect to find top department stores offering the best in international fashion as well as the usual high street stores. Some popular stores to look out for include, Clery's on O’Connell Street, Brown Thomas on Grafton Street and Arnotts on Henry Street. Stephen's Green, Jervis and the Ilac Shopping Centres (also located on these streets) will open later that usual to accommodate Christmas shoppers.

If you fancy getting out of the city to do a bit of shopping, then hop on the LUAS tram (green line) which will take you out of town to the Dundrum Shopping Centre – the largest shopping centre in Ireland. With hundreds of shops under one roof, you'll be lucky to get out of it in a day!

Another great shopping centre can be found in Tallaght and when you take the LUAS red line, you can be there in approximately 45 minutes. The Tallaght Shopping Centre is great especially at Christmas time with lights, decorations, carol singers and an atmosphere of pure magic.

Mairead Foley writes for the Ireland travel and accommodation website http://www.GoIreland.com

Visit GoIreland for all you need to know before visiting Dublin, like what to see and where to go. View B&Bs, guesthouses and self catering in Dublin as well as Dublin hotels.

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