Christmas at the Castle Returns to Dublin: Magical Christmas Experience Opens in Historic Surroundings

The Office of Public Works (OPW) is pleased to announce the return of this magical experience in the historic surroundings of Dublin Castle for Christmas 2021. Christmas at the Castle, presented in partnership with Dublin City Council, will be running from the 8th to the 21st of December as a free, ticketed event with tickets available to book online at dublincastle.ie . This boutique open air Christmas Market at the heart of the nation’s capital has something for everyone, with evening carol singing, a Neapolitan crib and complimentary evening access to the traditionally decorated State Apartments among some of the festive offerings.

Speaking at the opening of Christmas at the Castle today, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Patrick O’Donovan T.D., said:

“Christmas at the Castle invites people to immerse themselves in some of the best traditions of Christmas, right in the heart of the city. It ties in with Fáilte Ireland’s Winter in Dublin campaign and supports tourism and businesses which have suffered due to the pandemic. With careful event management in place, visitors can enjoy over 1,000 years of history in Dublin Castle and plenty of festive food, crafts, music and entertainment safely.”

Lord Mayor of Dublin Alison Gilliland concurred:

“I am delighted to officially open, alongside the Minster for the OPW, Patrick O’Donovan, Christmas at the Castle here in Dublin Castle. It is a haven for Christmas shoppers as well as an important support to businesses in the city, particularly the sole traders represented here who rely so much on the Christmas trading period. I wish to acknowledge the hard work of everyone involved in bringing this magical festive experience to life in Dublin City.”

For the duration of the Christmas market, the Castle’s historic courtyard has been transformed into a little village of traditional alpine market stalls selling an array of decorative crafts and inspiring gift ideas along with mouth-watering festive treats. Visitors to Christmas at the Castle can indulge in traditional fare by artisan producers, soak up the festive atmosphere with evening carol singing provided by local choirs and enjoy the vintage carousel on site. Live entertainment will be available each night from an array of local musical talent, ranging from bouncy choral arrangements to festive rock music to help get you into the festive spirit.

New for 2021 is the Irish Designer Market located in the Bedford Tower which showcases the very best of Irish design and craftsmanship, ranging from jewellery and ceramics to art and textiles. This market runs at the weekends (10th to the 12th and 17th to the 19th of December) and offers you the unique opportunity to find Irish hand-crafted designs and to buy directly from local Irish designers, artists and makers.

For the duration of Christmas at the Castle, the OPW will provide complimentary evening access to the State Apartments, which have been festively decorated for the Christmas season. After exploring the Castle’s beautifully decorated interiors, families can visit the Gothic Revival Chapel Royal, the setting for the Castle’s handmade Neapolitan Baroque crib.

Christmas at the Castle runs from the 8th to the 21st of December and is open from 2pm to 9.30pm daily. Admission to the market is free, but tickets must be pre-booked online for one of four distinct 90-minute slots available each day. This allows OPW to ensure the operation of the event in line with Covid restrictions and to ensure the safety of all patrons and vendors. As a mixed status event, sanitising stations will be provided throughout and event attendees will be required to wear face coverings at all times while circulating and browsing.

For more information about stall holders and musical acts or to book a ticket, go to dublincastle.ie .

-ENDS-

Photography will be available from Naoise Culhane Photography naoise@naoiseculhane.com or contact pressoffice@opw.ie

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