Christmas Events at OPW Heritage Sites Across Ireland, Including Charles Fort in Cork
Christmas events at OPW heritage sites across Ireland throughout December, including children's workshop at Charles Fort.
The Office of Public Works has unveiled a festive programme of Christmas events at heritage sites nationwide, with Charles Fort in Cork hosting a special children's arts and crafts workshop alongside carol services, markets, and guided tours at locations across the country.
From Christmas markets to carol concerts, Ireland's most iconic heritage sites are celebrating the season with events designed to suit all ages and interests throughout December.
Cork's Charles Fort to Host Children's Christmas Workshop
Charles Fort Military Fortress in Cork will hold a Christmas-themed arts and crafts event for children. Young visitors can expect a festive morning of creativity, making Christmas decorations to bring home.
Carol Services at Custom House and Sligo Abbey
The Custom House in Dublin will host the North Clondalkin Community Choir for a special carol service under its acoustically magnificent dome. Sligo Abbey will transform into a Christmas stage, showcasing musical talents from young people across Sligo with an evening of festive favourites.
Christmas Markets and Performances
Farmleigh House returns with its popular Christmas market for three weekends running up to Christmas. Each Saturday and Sunday will feature homemade produce, craft stalls, live music, magic shows, and storytelling. The ballroom will host various choirs performing Christmas songs, whilst The Velvettes, formed by Fran King in 2012, will perform throughout December. Farmleigh at Christmas is free, though performances will be ticketed on a first come basis.
Emo Court in County Laois will host Christmas at Emo, featuring two days of festive music, community performances, and seasonal food under a heated canopy. Visitors can enjoy dishes from Catoca, tacos from Tacoman Ireland, and traditional treats including mulled wine, mince pies, and hot chocolate.
The National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin will host a Sustainable Christmas Craft Market on 13 and 14 December, featuring over 50 stallholders. The Gardens will also offer winter daily guided tours and festive winter plants themed tours throughout December.
Castle Tours and Special Talks
Kilkenny Castle invites visitors to explore its beautifully decorated period rooms. During the afternoons, guests can enjoy performances by pianist Helen Hughes on 14 December and Dynamica Quartet on 21 December.
Dublin Castle is offering a pop-up talk focusing on the Neapolitan Crib in the Chapel Royal, whilst Rathfarnham Castle will host a talk tracing the human connection with turkeys and their role in Christmas celebrations.
Minister Kevin 'Boxer' Moran said:
"The OPW has a fun filled festive line up for the Christmas period and our staff and guides are looking forward to welcoming visitors to their sites. We are very fortunate to have a treasure trove of beautiful historic sites and locations which make the perfect background for fun, festive family days out over this Christmas period."
The OPW is also running a Christmas colouring competition featuring the Custom House, with details available at heritageireland.ie/christmas.
Heritage Cards are available as Christmas gifts, offering a full year of access to Ireland's most iconic sites. Orders placed before 19 December will include a limited edition Christmas gift wallet.
Full details of all Christmas events are available at www.heritageireland.ie.