Christmas market(s)

Farmleigh market was busy during the day

Yes, it’s that time of year… again. It’s amazing how this happens every year, right on time. This year, me and the ladyfriend decided to trek around Dublin checking out the various (two) Christmas markets, where lots of people set up stalls to offer their fun wares, from jam to mulled wine and from scarves to a ride on a big Christmas-themed slide.

First off was a trip to Farmleigh house, in the Phoenix park. Usually reserved for likely-incestuous royal families of yesteryear and new-age political dignitaries, this time of year means the house plays host to some nice Christmas events, with the immediate surrounding grounds hosting a wealth of stalls selling a bunch of Christmas-themed items. On top of that you can go get some crepes, bratwurst or mulled wine to enjoy while perusing the goods on offer. You can also go into the house to have a bit of a wander (the whole thing wasn’t open when we went because there was some filming going on).

The house itself is beautiful and although photography isn’t allowed, my iPhone is discrete enough to take pictures unnoticed. Don’t sue me. Wonderfully ornate furniture and decorative items are in every room, from the main foyer to the library. It’s all very wonderous. However, the real show was outside where Santa was walking around, horrifying every child he came upon. Kids were also treated to some storytelling in another area, which was nice. A choir sang for charity while everyone mulled around gawking at nice things they didn’t want to pay for.

Farmleigh house has some amazing paintings and artworks

To eat was the usual affair: German sausages, beef and French crepes & potato things. A lot of stalls were selling marmalade, Indian spices and specially brewed alcoholic beverages.

It was a nice calm affair with mostly families wandering around. As dusk fell the house lit up and really showed off it’s glory, including a secluded tree in the front area of the house on a hill. A manger was also on display on the pathway towards the house.

Later we drove into the city to check out what one barman called “Oktoberfest part two”, a similar idea to Farmleigh but in the IFSC docklands area (now with new LUAS line and bridge!). Same idea but with more going on, and a lot more foot traffic it seemed. Still some families enjoying the carousel and big slide in the center of the water pontoon thing overlooked by our AIB overlords, but mainly couples wandering around enjoying mulled wine & rum in cute little mugs, that cost €5 but you could return the mug and get your money back!

The IFSC market goes on for the 12 days of Christmas, while Farmleigh only goes on next weekend and then finishes before Christmas.