Ireland’s Christmas Traditions

09.12.25 – 10.12.25

It could be argued that the Irish invented Christmas but that would only be half true! On this engaging walking tour learn about some of the enthralling stories of seasonal traditions in Ireland, some going back 5,000 years. The festive lights, gaily decorated shop windows, public cribs and some (modest, it must be said) street markets will all add to the cheer.

Also hear of St Nicholas’s Irish connections! All of which will be nicely rounded off in the most unusual of Christmas venues; a former historic church, now an iconic cafe/bar. Here you can down a festive drink (two for the price of one is our Christmas gift to you).

Prices

€27 Adult
€22 Seniors/Students
€15 Children aged 12-18 years with accompanying adult
FREE Children under 12 with accompanying adult

Duration

2 hours 
*Please arrive 10 minutes before your tour starts

Meeting Point

Grafton Street Illustration Building Image

Take A Closer Look

In December, due to its northerly latitude, Dublin starts to darken from 3:30 pm and then the enchantment begins. The city has always been a magical venue in the weeks coming up to Christmas. Children especially looked forward to visiting Santa in their favourite department store and to see the themed window displays. Perhaps the store windows are today more geared to adults but Santa still awaits the youngsters, but he has also moved with the times and has migrated big-time to the out-of-town shopping centres. Adding to the atmosphere are huge public Christmas trees, lit with coloured lights from top to bottom. Facades of buildings are lit with fanciful designs and gently swinging-in-the-breeze strings of Christmas lights are strung across the main shopping streets. At various points you may be lucky to hear carol singers delivering seasonal music while collecting for charities. One of the most famous traditions is the Christ crib at the Mansion House which contains some live animals adding reality to the nativity scene. Pubs, shops and even government buildings vie with each other to create a merry ambiance. Christmas markets are not on the scale of continental counterparts, but a small market operates in Dublin Castle with the usual fare and Henry Street is home to a uniquely Dublin market. Top it all off in the festal cheer of The Church with a free first drink for each one bought

Why tour with us?

· Learn about some of Ireland’s unique Christmas traditions and of customs imported from elsewhere but given a Dublin twist.
· Finish the tour at The Church which, although an atmospheric café/bar today, has seen many a Christmas celebration in its over 300 years ecclesiastical history.
· Receive discounts at a number of Dublin’s most iconic museums and cafes/restaurants.
· We only take small groups.

Places we see & Pass by:

· Christ Church Cathedral
· Dublin Castle Christmas market
· The Christmassy shopping streets
· The Live Crib at the Mansion House
· The Church

Meet Our Guides

Our knowledgeable guides offer deep insights into the culture, history, and hidden gems of Dublin. With expertise drawn from diverse backgrounds, they are provided with annual opportunities to upskill, ensuring they can confidently lead any of our diverse tours. Their enthusiasm and infectious delivery will help you get the most from your experience. Several of our guides are bilingual, and some are even multilingual, further enhancing your tour with a broader range of insights and perspectives.

Meet our Guides 2

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