Dublin is a great place to visit all year round. You’ll see beautiful gardens in Spring, enjoy local parks and festivals in Summer and relax in a traditional pub in Autumn. However, there is something magical about Dublin at Christmas. You’ll experience Dublin at its best with excited shoppers bustling down Grafton St to the illuminated Dublin Zoo – there is something for everyone here. Book your Christmas accommodation in Dublin in PREMIER SUITES serviced apartments soon to avoid disappointment at this busy time of the year.
Christmas Shopping
Did you know that Santa does his shopping in Dublin City Centre? When the elves can’t keep up with demand, the man in red knows that he can find everything he needs, from clothes and accessories to toys and books, right in the city centre. Dublin is a one-stop shop for Christmas shopping. You’ll find high-end brands on Dublin’s Grafton Street or bag a bargain down a side street in one of the many vintage and consignment shops. Head across the River Liffey to Henry Street where you’ll find all of the high-street names you know and love, and of course, Penney’s (or Primark for our UK guests) where you can stock up on Christmas pyjamas and other essentials.
Enjoy the lights
The city comes alive in mid-November, right up to the start of the new year. Look overhead and you’ll see thousands of twinkling Christmas lights and decorations illuminating the streets, making Dublin a picture-perfect place to visit. We have numerous Christmas trees around the city with the main ones being Smithfield, Grafton Street and O Connell Street. Shops, houses, pubs and anywhere with electricity shows their Christmas spirit with window and garden decorations. Dublin at Christmas is a very exciting place. While you enjoy the lights on Grafton Street, you’ll also hear some of the best street performers in the country singing carols.
Dip in the 40-foot
If you’re lucky enough to be in Dublin on Christmas Day, you’ll experience one of the rarest phenomena in Ireland. Hundreds of people strip down to their swimming togs and voluntarily jump into the sea! The 40-foot in Dun Laoghaire is a notorious sea swimming spot and a place to jump directly into the ocean – the only way to enter when it’s freezing out! The unofficial Christmas morning dip has grown in popularity over the past few years and is now a fun family, friends, and team activity to connect on this special day. Make sure you’re well prepared for the dip and warm up afterwards with a hot cup of tea or a pint in a local pub.
Dublin Pubs at Christmas
Dublin pubs are a very different place during the winter months. While in summer we flock to beer gardens and crave cold, delicious drinks, winter is a time to relax and unwind beside the fire. Head to Dublin’s Temple Bar during your stay, to enjoy a drink traditional entertainment and the usual craic with tourists. However, make sure you visit a couple of locals too. We’re talking hole-in-the-wall, open fire, dogs-allowed pubs with no airs and graces. The Ginger Man on Fenian Street has some of the most outrageous Christmas decorations in Dublin, as does the Strawberry Beds. You’ll catch a quiet pint in The Long Hall or some Christmas carols in O’Donoghue’s- both in the centre of the city. With hundreds of pubs offering something unique and interesting, you’ll find a pub that suits your needs.
Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo
Dublin Zoo is magical all year round but something very special happens in Winter. By day, you’ll see some of the rarest animals making themselves at home but by night, from mid-November to December the zoo is illuminated with a spectacle of colour. Beautiful lanterns in the most amazing shapes and forms light up the night helping families to find their way through the zoo and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Each year is different, and the lanterns reflect the theme chosen for the year. It’s a popular attraction so be sure to book tickets well in advance.
PREMIER SUITES serviced apartments offers high-quality, spacious accommodation in Dublin at Christmas, suitable for couples, families, and groups. Book our best available rates exclusively on our website, guaranteed.
