There’s simply no better way of starting off your New Year than celebrating it in Ireland, as we do know how to throw a party! New Year’s Eve is a huge occasion in Ireland, with family gatherings, lots of New Year gala balls and some lively street parties. To prepare us for the big countdown to 2008, lets look back on some ancient New Years traditions in Ireland… Ireland is renowned for traditions and superstitions - many of which have surrounded the New Year’s celebrations. Long ago in Ireland it was …
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If you’re spending New Year’s Eve in Ireland this year, here’s a few ways you can ring in 2008… Head to the local pub… If you ask a lot of Irish people how they like to spend New Years Eve most will say they like nothing more than heading down to their local pub. Here they spend their night drinking, singing, telling stories, having a few drinks and of course enjoying the fun, the banter and craic that comes with a visit to any traditional Irish pub. The pub is …
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The Christmas countdown in Ireland will be underway in a few weeks. So this year, if you want to avoid that last minute rush, pushing your way around the crowded shops for those special Christmas gifts, we’ve got the perfect solution… From the comfort of your own home and just with the click of a button, take the easy option and book your loved one a weekend away as a Christmas gift. You have a choice of 561 hotels all over Ireland each one with something different to offer.   Many …
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THIS ARTICLE IS UPDATED FOR CHRISTMAS 2009 If you’re heading across the border to Northern Ireland to do your Christmas shopping (or for the January sales) this year, then Enniskillen is the place to go. It’s situated in the heart of County Fermanagh and borders counties Donegal, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan in the Republic. It’s popular for shoppers from the surrounding counties and beyond (even Dublin!) and especially at Christmas time when the town centre is buzzing with bargain hunters. Many shops accept the Euro as well as Sterling and you …
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For Christmas shopping, Derry has some of the biggest and best Irish and British stores as well as lots of smaller boutiques. And there’s even a little Craft Village tucked away in the middle of it all. Derry is a popular shopping destination in Ireland, especially at Christmas time when the city centre comes alive with Christmas markets and festive shopping galore! Begin your Christmas shopping at Derry’s Guildhall Square where you’ll find a hive of activity at Christmas time with the walled City Market attracting thousands of visitors. This City Market is a magnet …
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For a very enjoyable day out over the Christmas period, why not head to the races! Horse racing is a big social event in Ireland with some of the best race meetings on during the festive season. So whether you want to study the form, back a few horses, enjoy a few pints of Guinness, or quite simply soak up the excitement and the atmosphere, then head to a race meeting near you this Christmas! The first on the winter racing calender in Ireland is Punchestown, which starts on the 17th and …
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If you’re thinking of taking a pre-Christmas shopping break, then head to the beautiful Galway city in the rugged west of Ireland. Galway city is renowned the world over as a vibrant, warm and multicultural city. It’s a popular destination for Christmas shopping in Ireland, as it has everything - lively pubs, gourmet restaurants, plenty of accommodation, a weekly market, lots of shopping arcades and a terrific range of shops, so you’ll have no bother finding those Christmas presents and last minute stocking fillers! Galway city is especially welcoming over Christmas. It’s …
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Dublin is a great city to spend Christmas in - its friendly, welcoming, exciting and magical atmosphere is what makes it so special. The streets are always beautifully decorated and buzzing with excitement. There’s plenty of shopping to be done, lively pubs and entertainment to enjoy, and ice skating and lots of other fun stuff to try your hand at! From childrens entertainment, to adult concerts, there is something special in Dublin to keep everyone entertained this coming Christmas. When you’re in Dublin, you have to visit a Christmas Market. …
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Christmas is fast approaching, so now is the time to start thinking about your festive break in Ireland. Never been to Ireland for Christmas? Well, Ireland is no different from any other country when it comes to Christmas. We too have our own Christmas traditions, some more alive than others, some more believable than others! Read on to find out how we, Irish people, prepare to celebrate Christmas. Candle in the window It’s said that a house with a candle lighting on its window is a sign of welcome for Mary …
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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, …
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