Wooden chalets glowing under fairy lights, the smell of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, Irish makers selling one-of-a-kind gifts: Dublin’s Christmas markets are one of the best parts of the festive season. Dublin’s market scene has changed a little this year. The Dublin Castle market is taking a break, but TwinkleTown has doubled in size and a brand-new market has landed at the RDS.
From your nest on St Andrew’s Lane, the city’s festive markets are all an easy walk, Luas or DART ride away.
Here’s where to find them, when they’re on, and how to get there.
TwinkleTown at Smithfield Square
Dublin’s biggest Christmas market fills the cobbled expanse of Smithfield Square with wooden craft chalets, Irish makers, festive food and drink, a big wheel, a vintage funfair and its own festive bar. Entry is free, while ice skating, the Santo Panto family show and the rides are ticketed. It runs right through to New Year’s Eve, so it’s perfect for a post-Christmas visit too.
Getting there: About a 20-minute walk along the quays, or cross the Ha’penny Bridge to Jervis and take the Luas Red line two stops to Smithfield.
TwinkleTown at St Patrick’s Park
New for 2026, TwinkleTown’s southside sister sets up in St Patrick’s Park, right beside the cathedral. Expect Christmas lights, choir performances, festive rides and craft and food stalls in one of the prettiest settings in the city. It’s the closest market to the Wren.
Getting there: Around a 15-minute walk from the Wren through the Creative Quarter.
Everwinter at the RDS
Everwinter is Dublin’s newest Christmas destination, transforming the RDS in Ballsbridge with a market of Irish makers, a covered ice rink, a circus big top and a vintage fairground. It’s open from 25 November to 23 December and closed on Mondays. The ice rink reopens from 26 December to 3 January for skating between Christmas and New Year.
Getting there: Take the DART from Pearse or Tara Street station (both a short walk from the Wren) to Lansdowne Road or Sandymount, then it’s a short walk to the RDS.
Swords Castle Christmas Market
For something smaller and more traditional, Swords Castle hosts a free festive market inside its medieval walls over two weekends: Friday 27 to Sunday 29 November, and Saturday 5 to Sunday 6 December. It’s a lovely half-day trip if you fancy seeing a little more of Dublin.
Getting there: A bus ride north from the city centre to Swords, roughly 45 minutes.
A Note on the Dublin Castle Christmas Market
The Dublin Castle Christmas market isn’t running in 2026, as the castle is hosting events for Ireland’s EU Council Presidency. It’s expected to return in 2027. In the meantime, TwinkleTown at St Patrick’s Park is just a few minutes away from the castle.
Tips for Visiting Dublin’s Christmas Markets
After a day of market hopping, warm up with a festive drink at ALT Bar & Restaurant, then head up to your cosy nest. For more festive things to do, from the Grafton Street lights to the Gaiety panto, see our guide to Christmas in Dublin, or browse our Winter Breaks for a longer seasonal stay. Still need a present for the person who has everything? A Wren gift voucher fits neatly into any stocking.
Smithfield Square
Grafton Street
Temple Bar
What Christmas markets are on in Dublin in 2026?
The main markets are TwinkleTown at Smithfield Square (20 November to 31 December), TwinkleTown at St Patrick’s Park (27 November to 23 December) and Everwinter at the RDS (25 November to 23 December). Swords Castle also hosts a market over two weekends from 27 November.
Is there a Christmas market at Dublin Castle this year?
No. The Dublin Castle Christmas market isn’t running in 2026 because the castle is hosting events for Ireland’s EU Council Presidency. It’s expected to return in 2027.
What is the biggest Christmas market in Dublin?
TwinkleTown at Smithfield Square is Dublin’s biggest Christmas market, with craft chalets, festive food, ice skating, a big wheel and a vintage funfair.
Are Dublin’s Christmas markets free to enter?
Yes, TwinkleTown and Swords Castle are free to enter. Attractions like ice skating, rides and the Santo Panto are ticketed. Check Everwinter’s website for its entry details before you go.
Which Christmas market is closest to Wren Urban Nest?
TwinkleTown at St Patrick’s Park is the closest, around a 15-minute walk from the Wren. Smithfield is about 20 minutes on foot or two stops on the Luas Red line from Jervis.
Are Dublin’s Christmas markets open after Christmas Day?
TwinkleTown at Smithfield stays open until 31 December, and Everwinter’s ice rink reopens from 26 December to 3 January. Most other markets close by 23 December.
