Planning a little festive road trip?

One of the best ways to get out of town for a few hours is to take off in search of a traditional country market and Christmas is a prime time to explore them and soak up the atmosphere.

From beautiful handmade crafts to antiques, artisan breads and bakes, jams and jellies, cheese and chutneys, you never know what you’ll find among the stalls, but it will always be unique.

Whether you’re gift hunting for someone special or browsing for delicious bits for your Christmas Day brunch table, our advice is to bring a bag so you can take home as many treasures as possible.

Here are three country Christmas Markets about to open in the coming week or so:

1. Dunmanway Christmas Market 

When: November 25th, 2021

Dunmanway Chamber of Commerce are the busy elves behind Dunmanway’s one-day Christmas Market, which will take place from 2pm to 6pm. Drop by for a spot of local shopping and festive cheer.

2. Durrus Christmas Craft & Antiques Market

When: Saturday, December 4th, 2021

Looking for a unique gift or stocking filler? Organised by Coopers Craft Ireland and Durrus Craft Market, the Durrus Christmas Craft & Antiques Market will run from 11am until 5pm at the village community hall.

3. Charleville Christmas Market

When: Sunday, December 5th, 2021

With more than 50 stands selling local produce and crafts, this traditional market is organised by Charleville Heritage Society and takes place at the Charleville Park Hotel from 12pm until 3.30pm.