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…

This is the fourth year the Christmas Market has been running and the magical festive atmosphere that comes with it, is what makes it a hit for families and shoppers alike.

The Docklands Market takes place this year from the 12th - 23rd 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.

So beat the crowds and get your Christmas shopping wrapped up early! We’ve hotels all over the city, so book one now, or glance over our “Guide to Booking Hotels in Dublin” to familiarise yourself with the city.

Now we’d like to hear what you have to say about Christmas shopping in Dublin. Where are the best places to shop? Any places to avoid? Have your say - just pop your comment into the box below.

Happy shopping!!