Guide to Ireland's top craft fairs for your festive shopping
How about a day out, or several, for the next few weeks, with guilt-free sustainable shopping laced with snacking opportunities, all while supporting local craft makers?
Santa’s elves aren’t the only ones busy these days getting ready for Christmas gifting. So, too, are the elves of the Irish crafted design scene who’ve been making unique and sustainable products locally for Christmas markets and fairs popping up all over the country.
While the continent has its famous outdoor Christmas markets, Ireland’s unpredictable weather adds to the appeal of indoor markets. It means steering clear of having to grapple with an inside-out umbrella in the wind and rain and, instead, opting for easy ambling and the must-have bonus of cosy coffee and cake while reviewing your shopping list for the naughty or nice in your life
This weekend kicks off with what’s now become an annual event at Cork’s The Glucksman Craft + Design Fair, where visitors also get a chance to enjoy the surroundings of this award-winning art gallery building.
"It is a very unique opportunity to meet the individuals that created and designed the products,” says Mathilde Corbineau, The Glucksman’s retail and communication manager.
“This is such an amazing way to support the incredible makers we have in Ireland and keep them going on their creative journey."
Artisan wooden Christmas decorations by CK53 designs, €9; brightly coloured lampshades by Mr Kite Designs, from €42 to Alan Horgan Studio's pendant light, €1,250
€5 contribution toward the gallery’s creative programme, or free with an admission flyer available in libraries, Triskel, hotels, cafés and the UCC campus
Friday, November 10, 1pm-7pm; Saturday, November 11, 10am-6pm; Sunday November 12, 11am-5pm
Ballymaloe Craft Fair at The Grainstore takes place over two weekends this month attracting around 5,000 visitors, where they’re expected to enjoy a quality foodie experience as well as picking up Christmas gifts.
Bree Allen, operations manager at The Grainstore, says: “You can buy gifts this year from a high street shop owned by a large international company with products made in China, or you can go to a local craft fair, Christmas market, or shop. By supporting Irish-made and designed crafters you are giving back to our local communities and economies.”
Star buys: Glassware by Cinders Glass, from €15; lamps by Voyage, from €75, to furniture by Studio Harris, from €100
Adults €8 p/day, children under 12 free. Three-day pass €16. www.ballymaloegrainstore.com
Friday, November 17 and 24, 5pm-9pm; Saturday November 18 and 25, 10am-6pm; Sunday November 19 and 26, 10am-5pm
Gifted: The Contemporary Craft & Design Fair, which takes place at the RDS, Dublin, is the grand-daddy of Irish craft markets, going for over 30 years with around 30,000 visitors expected to attend for five days of shopping for gifts for the home from over 500 craft makers, while availing of free workshops and 100 artisan food stalls.
“At Gifted we celebrate Christmas giving with the country’s largest collection of thoughtful, handmade and sustainable gifts for your loved ones,” says organiser Patrick O’Sullivan.
“The fair is a unique opportunity to meet hundreds of makers and artisan food producers and discover thousands of original gift ideas. You won’t find a bigger selection of unique, handmade products under one roof anywhere in Ireland.”
Gloriously colourful Dotterson A5 prints, €20, to luxury Amurelle Rose Breeze bedlinen, €290
Adults €12, under 16s accompanied by parent/guardian free. Seniors €10
Wednesday, December 6 – Friday 8, 10am-9pm; Saturday 9 -Sunday 10, 10am-6pm
The Winter Wonderland Christmas Market, Montalto Estate, at Ballynahinch, in Northern Ireland is a stylish destination event that takes place over two days.
It kicks off with a candlelight Christmas market with local craft makers and a programme of talks covering everything from making your own foliage wreath to skincare for the festive season. Day two offers a curated artisan craft market, with 1,500 visitors expected. Helen Wright of Cohen & Co, organiser of the event, says, “Buying from small, local makers and brands offers a more sustainable gift options that are that little bit more special for your friends and family.”
Winter-themed scented candles from £19.99, to locally made furniture and upholstery, £2,000
Entry: Pre-booking is required for individual events, from stg £10-£50. https://www.cohenandco.co.uk/events
Opening: Friday, November 24, 5.30-9pm, Saturday 25, 10am-5pm
