Irish Christmas Markets

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Irish Christmas Markets

December 1, 2027
– December 9, 2027

9 Days

Join Fox World Travel and Insight Vacations on a storybook winter tour and experience Ireland as it sparkles with Christmas cheer. This festive journey will take us through charming cities and cozy villages where we will enjoy twinkling lights, traditional music, and the scent of mulled wine. We will visit some of Ireland’s most beloved Christmas markets, where wooden chalets overflow with handcrafted gifts, artisan markets, and seasonal treats.

Between markets, we will enjoy scenic winter landscapes, historic castles dusted with frost, and warm hospitality in snug pubs glowing with fireplaces. With festive markets, decorated shops & villages, and spectacular scenery, this tour captures the heart of an Irish Christmas—welcoming, joyful, with unforgettable holiday experiences.

Daily Itinerary

Your journey begins in Chicago O’Hare, where you will board your overnight flight to Dublin, Ireland.

Arrive in Dublin, Ireland’s lively capital, sparkling with twinkling holiday lights and festive charm. Transfer to your hotel as a group and enjoy time to settle in before joining your Travel Director this evening for a festive stroll along Grafton Street. Admire dazzling shop windows and glittering décor, with the opportunity to browse a Christmas market and savor seasonal treats (subject to availability). Should a particular market not be operating, a suitable festive alternative will be arranged.

Later, gather with your fellow travelers for a warm Welcome Dinner, the perfect opportunity to toast the season and get to know one another.

Hotel: Trinity City Hotel Dublin (or similar)

Meal: Welcome Dinner

Discover Dublin’s highlights on an orientation with your Local Expert. See the Custom House, Christchurch Cathedral, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral as you travel along the River Liffey. Enjoy entrance to the 9th-century Book of Kells and a walk through the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College to gain insight into the establishment’s impressive history (subject to availability). Then celebrate Ireland’s most iconic drink at the Guinness Storehouse, where festive cheer fills the air. Learn the story of this world-famous stout before raising a glass in its rooftop Gravity Bar, with panoramic views of the city twinkling below.

Hotel: Trinity City Hotel Dublin (or similar)

Meal: Breakfast

Travel to Knock, one of Europe’s most celebrated Marian Shrines, before continuing to the colorful city of Galway.

Here, the Galway Continental Christmas Market fills Eyre Square with festive chalets, mulled wine, music, and glowing carousels—a holiday celebration that makes this vibrant city shine even brighter.

Hotel: Harbour Hotel Galway (or similar)

Meal: Breakfast

Take the scenic route through the mysterious rocky limestone landscape of the Burren, with its underground caverns, streams, and rare flora. Stop at the Exhibition Center, situated next to the 214 m (702 ft) Cliffs of Moher, with breathtaking views of the Clare Coast.

Continue past the city of Limerick and stop in quaint Adare, often described as Ireland’s prettiest village, where thatched cottages twinkle with holiday décor.

In the evening, arrive in lively Killarney, the gateway to the famous Ring of Kerry. During December, the town glows with festive lights and shopfronts dressed for the season, offering a warm holiday welcome that travelers have enjoyed here for more than 250 years.

Hotel: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa (or similar)

Meal: Breakfast & Hotel Dinner

This morning, enjoy an Insight Choice. Choose to join a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys. Alternatively, take a gentle hike with a Local Expert along the lakeshore and past the grounds of Ross Castle, admiring the scenery of Killarney National Park.

Afterward, set out on a leisurely excursion around the magnificent Ring of Kerry, where dramatic mountain and sea views unfold at every turn. Pass through towns and villages—each dressed in its own seasonal finery—including Killorglin, where the famous Puck Fair takes place, and the fishing village of Waterville. Continue through Sneem and across the Black Mountains to Moll’s Gap, pausing at Ladies View, made even more atmospheric in the crisp winter air.

Return to Killarney in the afternoon, with time at leisure to soak up the holiday spirit. Perhaps explore the town’s festive shop windows, enjoy a warming mulled wine, or listen to traditional music spilling out of cozy pubs lit with Christmas cheer.

Hotel: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Bid farewell to Killarney and journey across Ireland’s rolling landscapes to Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city. On arrival, witness the centuries-old tradition of crafting fine glass at the House of Waterford Crystal. Here you will watch the talented master crafters in their workshop creating exquisite pieces. Then, step into a winter wonderland at Winterval, the country’s largest Christmas festival. Twinkling lights, festive parades, artisan stalls, and a sparkling Christmas tree transform the medieval streets into a magical holiday scene. Wander through the markets, savor seasonal treats, or perhaps join in the merriment of the live music and street performances that fill the city with festive spirit.

Hotel: Granville Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Travel to the medieval city of Kilkenny to visit the majestic Kilkenny Castle. Built in 1195 after the Norman Conquest of Ireland, the castle has been beautifully restored, with elegant Victorian-era rooms that reflect its storied past. Stroll through the surrounding grounds before making your way to the Kilkenny Christmas Market on The Parade, where artisan crafts, festive treats, and twinkling lights create a magical holiday atmosphere.

Continue north to Dublin for a final evening in Ireland’s capital. Later, enjoy dinner and a lively Irish show, where Ireland’s history unfolds through comedy, song, and dance. As you savor fine food, sit back and enjoy toe tapping music, energetic performances, and plenty of Irish humor – an entertaining and memorable way to spend your final evening in Dublin.

Hotel: Trinity City Hotel Dublin (or similar)

Meal: Breakfast & Dinner

With hearts full of festive memories, transfer as a group to Dublin Airport for your return flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Tour Highlights

  • Enjoy Dublin’s festive spirit and take in decorated streets, shops, warm pubs, and delicious treats
  • Explore Dublin’s iconic sites, such as Christchurch Cathedral, Custom House, and Guiness Storehouse
  • Galway Continental Christmas Market is a must-see for winter travelers. It features wonderful shopping at wooden chalets, continental treats such as bratwurst, pastries, pretzels & waffles, and so much more!
  • Experience the magnificent Ring of Kerry or walk around the grounds or Ross Castle
  • In Waterford enjoy Winterval, the country’s largest Christmas festival

Fox Tour Manager! *

A Tour Manager from Fox World Travel will accompany the group through Ireland, offering peace of mind as you travel! *

We’ll also have a professional Insight Tour Director and local driver/guides for transfers and included experiences!

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Accommodations

  • 3 nights Dublin
  • 1 night Galway
  • 2 nights Killarney
  • 1 night Waterford
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Dining

  • Daily Breakfast
  • 3 Dinners
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Transportation

  • Round-trip air from Chicago O’Hare to Dublin, Ireland (including air taxes & fees)
  • Round-trip airport/hotel transfers in Dublin (when purchasing our air-tour package)

Pricing

Air & Tour Package
$5455.00
*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
Tour Only Package
4245.00
*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy

Important Information

Initial Deposit: $400.00 per person

Single Supplement: $1225.00 (limited single occupancies allowed)

Fox Professional Fee: Package price includes a $50.00 non-refundable Professional Fee per reservation. Fee will be charged at the time of deposit and will show as an additional payment from Fox World Travel.

Final Payment: No later than July 29, 2027

Requirements: A valid US passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from date of return

Not Included: Any required Visas or eVisas, airline flights on land-only packages, airline imposed baggage & seat fees (if applicable), gratuities unless prepaid (for airport porters, tour guides, drivers, and service staff), specialty experiences or meals (other than those included in the package), travel protection, medical services, or any items of personal nature.

Terms: Minimum number of travelers are required for the tour to operate and send a Fox World Travel tour manager to accompany the group. In the event the minimum number is not reached, the tour will operate with a professional, local guide in the destination. Hotels and daily itinerary are subject to change.

Group Air: A minimum of 10 passengers is needed for the group air. Flights are currently pending. The air-inclusive package includes air that has not yet been assigned, the identity of the carrier, which may include the carrier`s code-share partner, will be assigned and disclosed at a later date. Price includes approximate air taxes and fees. Air package pricing is subject to change until contracted due to the volatility of airfare costs. Checked luggage fees may apply. Frequent Flier miles may not be available to group air travel. Fox World Travel has no control over flight or equipment changes, seat assignments, delays, or cancellations. Airline tickets will be non-refundable once issued. Changes will be subject to a fee plus any fare difference. Additional restrictions may apply. Pricing and flight options from other cities are available upon request.

Insurance: For peace of mind, we recommend purchasing travel protection insurance. Your travel advisor can discuss options with you, including medical expense coverage, pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers, trip cancellation, trip delay, lost, delayed, or damaged baggage and more. To cover pre-existing conditions, most policies must be purchased within 14 days of making your initial deposit. Travel protection insurance prices are based on your age and the trip cost.

Cancellation Penalties:

From date of deposit to July 29, 2027: Initial deposit of $400.00 per person + Fox Fee + applicable airline fees

July 30 to August 26, 2027: 50% package price cancellation fee + Fox Fee + applicable airline fees

August 27 to September 29, 2027: 75% package price cancellation fee + Fox Fee + applicable airline fees

September 30, 2027 till date of departure: No refunds

Fox World Cancellation Fee of $100.00 per reservation will apply in addition to any Fox Group Vacation or vendor cancellation penalties. Air tickets are non-refundable once ticketed.

Activity Level 2 – Moderate

Designed for travelers who prefer a balanced blend of sightseeing and downtime. Expect days that include up to two–three miles of walking on a mix of paved paths, small hills, cobblestone streets, and occasional uneven ground. There may be one to two days on this tour when walking tours can cover three to four miles over uneven terrain. Travelers should be comfortable standing for up to two hours during guided activities and climbing two flights of stairs, sometimes without handrails. Daily touring may include early departures or longer coach rides.

Mobility Guidance: You are welcome to travel with mobility aids; however, there will be portions of touring that may be more difficult to accommodate, and you may need to navigate short stretches without assistance. Please share your needs with us in advance so we can plan appropriately.

 

RESPONSIBILITY: We and any sponsoring organizations act only as agent for the suppliers of travel services such as airlines, hotels, car rental companies, tour operators, restaurants, sightseeing companies, entertainment providers, and cruise lines (the “Suppliers”). We are not responsible for the acts or omissions of the Suppliers that cause losses or damages arising from physical or emotional injury, property or other economic damage, consequential damages, or monetary losses, or arising from any other causes beyond our control. We reserve the right to make any changes in the itinerary deemed necessary, and also the right to decline or retain any person as a member of the Trip. If you choose to arrange your own transportation for any portion of the Trip, we are not responsible for any arrangements or associated costs should there be a change in date that requires changes or cancellation to transportation arranged by you. We are not responsible should there be any changes with vacation hosts, tour managers, or entertainment. You grant to FWT and its designated agents the right to acquire and use the audio, photographic, video and other portrayals of your image, likeness, and voice in any medium of any nature whatsoever, including the Internet, for the purpose of trade, advertising, sales, publicity or otherwise, without compensation.

We will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled travelers, but we are not responsible in the event we are unable to do so nor are we responsible for any denial of services by Suppliers. The American with Disabilities Act is only applicable within the United States and facilities for disabled individuals are limited outside its borders. Most transportation services, including a touring motor coach, are not equipped with wheelchair ramps. We regret we cannot provide individual assistance to a vacation participant for walking, dining, getting on and off motor coaches and other vehicles, or other personal needs. A qualified and physically able companion must accompany travelers who need such assistance and must assume full responsibility for their well-being. Motorized scooters are unsuitable for most vacations.

We have no special knowledge regarding the financial condition of the Suppliers, unsafe conditions, health hazards, weather hazards, or climate extremes at locations to which you may travel. For information concerning possible dangers at destinations, we recommend contacting the Travel Warnings Section of the U.S. State Department at (202) 647-5225 or www.travel.state.gov. For medical information, we recommend contacting the Centers for Disease Control at (877) FYI-TRIP or www.cdc.gov/travel. You assume full and complete responsibility for checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements of your destination(s), and all conditions regarding health, safety, security, political stability, and labor or civil unrest at such destination(s). You hereby release us from all claims arising out of any problem covered in this paragraph. You agree that the courts in Winnebago County, Wisconsin will be the exclusive jurisdiction for all claims brought by you or us, and you hereby submit to the personal jurisdiction of those courts.

We work vigilantly with the Suppliers to maintain integrity of the price you were originally quoted and placed on deposit. There may be certain circumstances where your vacation may be subject to a price increase prior to full payment due to a supplier or government issued surcharge. Prices will not increase after you make full payment, except for charges resulting from increases in government-imposed taxes or fees, fuel surcharges, exchange fluctuations or any combinations of these. Fox World Travel will make a reasonable attempt to contact you prior to issuing charges.