Heather on her travels

Experience Dublin, Ireland this Christmas

Posted: 30 Nov 2011 02:11 PM PST

Christmas in Dublin provides visitors with an unrivaled holiday experience; combining the best aspects of traditional and modern Christmas events, ranging from holiday themed plays to high class shopping and special offers in Dublin luxury hotels, this city truly has something special to offer to everyone.

Each year Dublin kicks off their holiday celebrations in November with the traditional lighting of a Christmas tree by the town’s Mayor. 100,000 lights adorn the 50 foot tree and the city has taken a more eco-friendly approach by fitting the strings with low energy bulbs.

Ice skating is a big part of Dublin’s Christmas tradition and those looking to participate, or merely to observe, should head to the annual Smithfield Ice Rink. The area around the rink will play host this year to an igloo, Christmas concerts, crafts and Santa Claus, making this area a must visit location even for those who have no idea how to ice skate.

The Temple Bar area, Dublin

The Temple Bar is home to multiple Christmas markets throughout the season, including a designer market that showcases some of the best of the local Irish arts and crafts. Local farmers also participate in a market designated for traditional Christmas foods. Lastly, the Temple Bar hosts an annual book market which offers shoppers the opportunity to purchase Christmas themed books, ranging from classics to new releases.

The Temple Bar is not the only establishment to host Christmas markets throughout the season; Phoenix Park and the Dublin Docklands also participate. The Christmas market at the Docklands, which runs for 12 consecutive days, is especially popular and features over 80 local merchants and artists, along with Christmas carolers, carousel rides and another opportunity for the children in your group to provide Santa Claus with their Christmas wish list.

Christmas Market in Dublin

Aside from all of the specialized Christmas markets, the year-round local shops also pull out all of the stops. They extend their hours for the holidays and offer a wide mixture of common items and gifts that will only be found in Dublin. Those looking for a unique gift will not go home empty handed.

Several local theater troupes stage annual productions of holiday classics, such as A Christmas Carol. Those who prefer a more musical approach to the holiday will not be disappointed; Dublin is home annually to multiple Christmas concerts and sing-along's, ranging from events at local libraries to concerts featuring world renowned recording artists.

So why not book one of the many luxury hotels in Dublin and come experience a celebration of Christmas unlike any other by enjoying it in the heart of the city.

My thanks for this sponsored post to The Doyle Collection of Luxury Hotels in Dublin and other locations

Photo credits: Zona Temple Bar by Jexweber.fotos, and Christmas market by timf

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