Things to do this weekend in Ireland | Dec 7 - Dec 9

A selection of events, activities and things to do in Ireland this weekend. Add your event for FREE by selecting + Add Days Out above and then Promote Event.

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iSkate @ RDS

iSkate-on-Ice was introduced to the RDS in 2012 and this year will cover an area of 1000 Sq. metres and is Ireland’s only outdoor ice skating rink! iSkate is brought to you by Funderland, which opens on St.Stephen's Day, so you know it's going to be a fantastic festive experience. Open daily until 13th January.

Santa's Kingdom at the National Wax Museum

Santa will be visiting the Wax Museum and officially checking his nice list and giving out free gifts on December 8th, 9th & 15th, 16th from 12pm to 4pm and there will be lots of other free festive events throughout the month. Book your tickets with YourDaysOut and save 15% on admission - including your very own Wax Hands!

Women's Tour at Glasnevin Cemetery

To mark the centenary of Constance Markievicz’s election in December 1918, Glasnevin Cemetery are hosting special tours that will focus on the women who have played pivotal roles in shaping Irish history. The tours will run on Saturday, December 8th at 11:00am and 2:00pm.

Lullymore Christmas

Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park brings you its traditional 13th annual "Lullymore Christmas" event with Santa arriving in Lullymore this Saturday and leaving for the North Pole on Sunday 23rd, December.

How to Catch a Star | The Ark, Dublin

Once there was a boy who was always looking up. He dreamt of having a star as a friend.   This is the story of his adventure. Based on the beloved book by award-winning Irish author Oliver Jeffers, this adaptation combines puppetry with a magical original score by Colm Mac Con Iomaire. Various performances until December 30th.

Wild Lights

Wild Lights is back at Dublin Zoo with an entirely new cast of illuminated giant silk lanterns. Spectacular new themes feature this year including Winter Wonderland, Celebrating China and The North Pole.

Waterford Winterval

Spraoi’s Winter Wonderland is magical walk-through experience, with large-scale effect toys, light, sound, music and mystical forest dwellers. This family-friendly attraction runs from 5pm-8pm on weekends until 23 December, and the experience is completely free of charge.

Other events at Winterval include Enchanted Christmas Santa Experience at the Old Postal Sorting Office, the Winterval Illuminates festive lights show, Waterford Eye, Christmas markets, craft fairs, workshops and more.

Gaiety Panto

Since 1873, the Gaiety Theatre has entertained the city with an annual Christmas Panto and the tradition continues this year until January 20th. You are guaranteed a brrrrrr...iliant time at where you'lll shiver and shake with laughter as the Snow Queen tries to freeze the fun out of Christmas!

Will she succeed? Oh, no she won't.

Drive-In Movies at Westport House

A different seasonal experience is available at Westport House each weekend in December with a selection of Drive-In movies with refreshments available to purchase for your car's guests. The season kicks off this weekend with Elf and Grease showing on Friday and Frozen and Dirty Dancing on Saturday.

Butler House Christmas Garden

Butler House Garden in Kilkenny returns with a festive favourite this weekend where their secluded walled garden is transformed int a magical Christmas atmosphere in the heart of Kilkenny.

Santa's Christmas Magic

Santa and his pal Elfie return to mesmerise children and their families at Santa’s Christmas Magic Show at Brigit’s Garden with an interactive family show full of fun, music and Christmas magic.

Santa's Workshop at Delta Sensory Gardens

Santa's Workshop at Delta Sensory Gardens in Carlow starts next weekend with loads of activities to entertain during your visit including arts, crafts, fun games, glitter tattoos as well as entrance to gardens to see lights display and a family photo with Santa.

Enchanted Garden Winter Lights Festival

The Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens are set in the beautiful seaside town of Tramore, County Waterford, Ireland. The magic begins as you walk through the entrance gates and you are immediately transported into a world of light and wonderment. 

Adults are mesmerised by the whole experience, while children of all ages are enchanted as they make their way through this magical winter wonderland.

Planet Science Kidz / Tipperary Arts Centre

In Santa's Crafty Lab, on Saturday from 3-5pm, children will engage in the awesome world of Science with a 'messy' range of experiments children will learning more about Slime, Fizz Inflators, Coke Geysers and get to design their very own LED powered Christmas cards.

Garter Lane Christmas Craft Fair

Explore the finest range of exclusive gift ideas handmade by local craftspeople at the annual Waterford Crafts Christmas Craft Fair at Garter Lane Arts Centre. Over 40 craftspeople have come together to showcase a superb range of high-quality products, these are some of the best crafts currently available anywhere in Ireland.

Winter Activity Trail at the Natural History Museum

Throughout December,  you can pop into the Museum and try their Winter Activity Trail and learn about the beavers, birds and bears on display. Copies of the activity sheet trail are available at the stand in the Irish Room. Don't forget to bring a pencil!

Glow Cork Christmas Celebration

Cork City transforms into a festive extravaganza this month as GLOW, the annual Christmas festival returns to the Grand Parade.

Don't miss your chance to soar high above the city by taking a ride on the giant Ferris Wheel. After marvelling at the city's twinkling lights from up high, sip a mug of mulled wine and sample handmade treats as you browse the food markets.

Gingerbread Factory & Letters To Santa

Take the Hunt Museum halt to jump off for an hour on Friday, Saturday and Sunday this month and make your own gingerbread boy or girl in the Hunt Museum Café. Grab your hot chocolate and write your letter to Santa and then post it in the Santa Sock for the elf pick-up.

Then hop back on the train for your next stop!

Winter Woolies | National Museum Country Life

Knitting & Crochet Circle: Winter Woolies takes place at the Country Life Museum in Mayo on Friday from 11am - 1pm/ Get tips on how to keep toasty in the Winter months by knitting your own hats, scarves and jumpers with the Museum's Knitting and Crochet Circle. Beginners welcome. No booking required.

Kilkenny Christmas Tree Festival

A stroll through the wonderful art work and creativity of our local community to view the trees in the magnificent setting of the St Canice's Cathedral. Stop for refreshments from the 'Gourmet Monk' and stock up with a vast array of chutneys, jams, crafts and goodies at the Seasonal Stall. 

Christmas at Bellurgan Park

Bellurgan Park House, with it’s original Georgian period features and the halls decked with thousands of sparkling lights, Christmas trees, holly wreaths and ivy from the estate, makes the perfect setting for a traditional Christmas, an enchanting experience for children and adults alike.

Newport Traditional Music Festival

Another packed festival starts with a free opening concert on Friday followed over the weekend with music workshops, Trad for Teens, Session Trail and a headline concert on Saturday featuing world acclaimed band Danu. 

Snowman | RTÉ Concert Orchestra

Jump into the Christmas spirt on Sunday at the INEC as the hugely popular Christmas film is accompanied  with a live performance from the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and narrated by Gemma Sugrue. 

Nothing yells Christmas more than this much-loved festive family film.  This timeless story of a boy's unique friendship with a snowman that comes to life and their exciting starry-skied adventure to the North Pole has become an adored Christmas tradition.

Sunday Fundays | Crawford Art Gallery

The Crawford Art Gallery is hosting free tours and workshops with music from midday each Sunday in December. This week there is an Art Workshop with Julie Forrester @2pm featuring  kinds of colourful cards for Christmas, cutting, gluing and sticking red noses and carrots, reindeer, robins and snowflakes and snowmen.

Open Day | National Museum of Archaeology

This Sunday, from 2pm  - 4pm in Kildare Street, there will Medieval Pilgrimage through the National Museum of Archaeology. As you roam through the galleries, discover how people passed the time on dark evenings, feasted in winters past and kept themselves safe on long and dangerous journeys. Pick up a trail, make an amulet to take with you on your pilgrimage and chat with medieval craftsmen from Irish Arms. No booking required.

Santa Babies | The Dock Arts Centre

Join in some festive fun with a short concert specifically designed for parents, grandparents and carers to enjoy in the company of babies, toddlers and young children. Santa babies will include performances of festive favourites for you and your little ones in mind!  There are two forty minute shows on Sunday; 11am for 0 - 18 months and 1pm for 18 months - 4 years.

Glór | Family Trad Session Series With Eoin O'Neill And Friends

Award winning musician Eoin O’Neill will be joined by special guests from the Clare music scene on Saurday from 2pm - 4pm in the foyer.

The whole family can take part in this free event, and you can even bring along your instruments and join in.

Christmas at Glasnevin

Savour the festive atmosphere and experience the spirit of Christmas with a free visit to Santa and his helpers in his hideaway in the Botanic Gardens on Sunday.

Stock up with seasonal goodies, treats, presents and assorted Christmas supplies at our special Christmas market. As you stroll through the stalls listen out for some festive music along the way with our live choir.

Kilfinane Santa Experience

Santa  is coming back to Kilfinane, and Mrs Claus and some of the elves are coming too. Join the fun on Sunday the 9th Dec at Ballyhoura Apple Farm.

The Holly King

This Christmas do something a little bit different and go back to your roots with a visit to The Holly King.

In ancient times it was believed a seasonal battle took place between the Oak King in the Summer and the Holly King in the Winter.

A visit to The Holly King will be a unique natural experience where children will learn about trees, receive an Oak Tree sapling and a Candy Cane treat as a gift, as well as making a Christmas Wish in the Well.

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