CHRISTMAS MARKETS 2009
Wednesday 02 December 2009
We are constantly being teased and tempted with the thought of Christmas Markets in Prague, Vienna, Berlin, and other ‘exotic’ locations but in truth, apart from the fact that one might fancy a skite abroad, there is absolutely no need to jet off because we are going to have fantastic Christmas Markets all over the country this year – some have already started.
Cork’s Christmas Market been going strong this weekend, on Grand Parade, and continues from Friday to Sunday across the next three weekends until Sunday 20th December. The market opens from 12 midday to 8 pm and is one of the highlights of “A Christmas Celebration on the Grand Parade” presented by Cork City Council in association with Bord Gais Energy. Up to 50 stalls dot the Grand Parade from outside Bishop Lucey Park, down past Nano Nagle Bridge and around onto the new boardwalk where the Grand Parade meets South Mall. A huge variety of artisan food produce will be for sale each weekend, from sushi to roast pig on a spit, and ethnic and world cuisines. Three of the producers partaking are Krawczyk’s West Cork Charcuterie, fish from Oli O’Driscoll’s own boat the “Clodagh O” in Schull, and “Soap Dreams” – natural soaps made from olive, sunflower and coconut oils, produced by Martin Hobbs using a traditional cold process soap method, with herbs and flowers from his own garden in Macroom. www.cometocork.com
Over in Killarney the Christmas spirit is also getting into full swing. At The Malton Hotel today there is a Christmas Craft and Food Fair from 12 noon to 6 p.m. The “Christmas in Killarney Festival” is also under way with a myriad of events and happenings right through December. “Christmas in Killarney” brought to mind the old Bing Crosby song of the same name, it was the B side of “White Christmas”, and immediately put me in festive humour on my recent visit to the fabulous Brehon Hotel & Angsana Spa in the town. The food is delicious in The Brehon and they have great breaks on offer if you too want to get in the Christmas spirit. You can visit “Killarney on Ice” which runs from December 4 until January 10th. Irish and International Craft and Food Markets will run every weekend, where you will be able to pick up all sorts of different gifts and foodie items. There are all sorts of events at the INEC and Karaoke competitions in the town. If you want a real treat there are three magnicent evenings of Opera by St. Mark’s Opera Company who will be flying in specially from their hometown of Florence – who said you needed to fly anywhere!
The Gala Opening Evening with a selection of the “Best of Opera” takes place on the 10th December – tickets are €35 including a post Opera reception in The Ross Hotel.
Puccini’s La Boheme is on December 11th and Verdi’s La Traviata on the 12th – tickets for both events €25. Check events on www.christmasinkillarney.com
In Wicklow Gaol there is a Christmas Fair every Saturday until Christmas with hot chocolate, marshmallows, festivities, carol singing and fun for all the family. In the magnificent Russborough House next Saturday and Sunday, the 5th and 6th of December, will be the Christmas Fair of the West Wicklow Arts & Crafts Group. They will have photographs, paintings, bog oak, sculptures, knitting and so on. Next Saturday also, in the Gaelscoil Ui Cheadaigh on Vevay Road in Bray, their Christmas Fair will have arts and crafts, Christmas baked goods, jewellery, toys, clothes and bric a brac. There will be a wreath making demonstration and also a make-up demonstration, a visit from Santa Claus, and a children’s puppet show. In Wicklow Courthouse on Sunday the 13th the Christmas Spirit Fair promises quality handcrafts made locally – pottery and scarves, chutneys and beadwork, Christmas decorations and jewellery, home baking and framed pictures, cards and spicy oils, tea cosies and socks! Unusual and charming gifts, whilst supporting local artisans. www.visitwicklow.ie
In the lovely town of Westport, Co. Mayo, from the 11th to the 13th of December, up to 20,000 visitors are expected to visit “Shop ‘n Spraoi na Nollaig taking place on Westport Mall which will be transformed into a traditional Christmas wonderland. It is all about showcasing all that is good about locally produced food and crafts in Mayo. There will be a carnival atmosphere with street performances, exhibitions, carol singing, demonstrations, family events, Santa’s Grotto, a “Live Nativity Crib”, and lots of free giveaways on offer. www.westportmarket.ie
Here in Dublin the ’12 Days of Christmas at Docklands’ kicks off on the 12th December up the 23rd December – 12 noon to 8 pm. A European style traditional Christmas market will be created at George’s Dock in the IFSC. There will be beautifully decorated stands selling Christmas decorations, seasonal food and unusal craft gifts. There will also be traditional fairground attractions, mulled wine sellers, carol singing, a German theme bar, an eating area and plenty of Christmas entertainment. Visitors will enter this winter wonderland of twinkling lights and Christmas trees through the arch at Custom House Quay. www.ddda.ie
Down in County Clare on the 12th and 13th December at the Lodge at Doonbeg they are “following in the grand tradition of cities like Vienna, Munich and Prague” and holding their inaugural Christmas Market. Their courtyard will be transformed into an “Old-World town square” featuring stalls stocked with goodies from fine wares to handmade crafts and Christmas treats. The smells of gingerbread and roasting meats from the outdoor café will lure you into indulging in a nibble. There will be a “Live Nativity”, along with Santa Claus and carol singers offering holiday entertainment for all the family. Book in for the weekend. www.doonbeggolfclub.com Don’t forget too that the town of Ennis is a great place for shopping – they reputedly have the largest number of boutiques of any town. Mary Gleeson, General Manager of the Old Ground Hotel, emailed me to say the traders there really need support after the floods and damage, so try and do your bit. The town will be open for shopping from 6th December onwards and they will be glad to see you. Old Ground also have great seasonal offers and Party Nights. www.flynnhotels.com
THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE SUNDAY INDEPENDENT ON NOVEMBER 29, 2009.