Pop-up market
If you’re looking for a luxurious Christmas gift that also happens to be sustainable, the Fia pop-up in Dún Laoghaire is for you. Founder Fiona Sheehan has harnessed slow fashion principles to hand craft timeless pieces from premium materials including Irish tweed, merino wool, cashmere, Irish linen and Donegal yarn.
The Fia range, which includes caps, scarves, capes, cardigans and socks, is designed to reflect the colours of the Irish countrywide, giving it an especially cosy feeling for this time of year. The Fia Christmas pop-up will run from December 2nd to 24th at Brian S Nolan in Dún Laoghaire and will also include other local artisans and ethical brands and products including Ninfa Studio’s distinct moss wall art and Soak’s sumptuous bath soaks, salts and essential oil candles. If you can’t make it to the pop-up you can also shop the collection at fiaclothing.com. Danielle Barron
Hotel signature dishes
The foodie in your life will thank you for a voucher for Adam Nevin’s Signature Menu (€140pp) in the stunning Morrison Room at Carton House hotel in Co Kildare.
Nevin, who has just turned 30, has been hotly tipped for a Michelin Star early next year. His Signature Menu offers a gourmet, nine-course experience from a highly skilled team, which we’d advise booking in advance. Alternatively, you could opt for the more relaxed traditional Sunday lunch (€75pp) which, complete with Yorkshire puds, is building a bit of a cult following. cartonhouse.com Madeleine Lyons
Arty stocking fillers
Every year since she opened the Doorway Gallery 23 years ago, owner Denise Donnelly has hosted a special Christmas Stocking Filler event. The gallery on Dublin’s South Frederick Street – or, as she puts it, “just around the corner from where Knobs & Knockers used to be, which everybody will know” – asks 60 of its artists to prepare 10 original canvasses each, which sell for €500 or less.
It’s a chance to purchase works by artists such as Kate Beagan, Tony O’Connor, Kuze and more. Each is 20cm by 25cm and unframed; the works going on view from November 30th, the event kicked off by a lovely reception packed with treats. The reception is open to all – no invite needed – and the artworks will stay on sale until Christmas Eve, unless sold of course, so make like Dasher and be quick. Sandra O’Connell
Calendar (swimming)
A calendar of images based around sea swimming by Greystones photographer Niall Meehan might just encourage you and yours taking the plunge in 2025, if you haven’t already joined the masses. Shot in the water from the perspective of a swimmer, many of Meehan’s pictures are taken at his local beach, Ladies Cove, but the calendar also includes photos from The Forty Foot in Dublin, Coliemore Harbour in Dalkey and Magheramore, Co Wicklow. A striking cover shot features two swimmers at Ladies Cove pausing at that recognisable moment of contemplation on the brink of diving into the water. The calendar can be purchased at seastudio.ie and nationwide. Mimi Murray
Books (sinking)
A new book by journalist (and pint lover) Ali Dunworth documents the history of our relationship with pints and is a homage to every pint occasion you can imagine, as well as non-occasions.
From airport and after-work pints to festival and funeral pints and just “going for the one” and ending up out all night, Ali leaves no type of pint unturned. Whip smart and meticulously researched, the book is written with tremendous warmth and easy flow and the tone sums up perfectly everything that is dear to us about the pint and Irish pub culture.
There’s plenty to enjoy here, while each entry is accompanied by a unique illustration by London-based designer Stephen Heffernan, aka Hephee. A Compendium of Irish Pints by Ali Dunworth, €15, available from all good bookshops. Suzie Coen
One-off pottery
Celebrate a return to the handmade with artisan tableware that not only looks good but feels great too. Fusing functionality with artistic elegance, ceramicist Kevin Callaghan’s designs celebrate the beauty of individuality and creative flair.
Think contemporary objects with soul that perform, whatever the occasion, from decorative mugs (€45) to muesli bowls (€37.50), and from vases (€98) to candle holders (€32) and coffee gift sets (€85). Pieces crafted in Callaghan’s Donegal studio feature unique patterns that make them one of a kind.
Each item displays Callaghan’s signature blend of traditional craftsmanship and beautiful contemporary brush work. Whether you are looking for a thoughtful present for a loved one or a stylish addition to your own home, a piece of KCP is the perfect pick. Available at kevincallaghanpottery.com or at Craft Village, Donegal town. SC
Santa, with support from Speedy McJingles
It’s a truth universally acknowledged that not all Christmas markets fulfil their promise. This one, a community initiative on Saturday and Sunday, November 23rd and 24th in the glorious grounds of Ballyvolane House, ticks the boxes for fun, food and festive atmosphere.
Children can meet Santa (and Speedy McJingles the Elf) while adults will enjoy perusing the stalls selling crafts and stocking fillers (pick up some Bertha’s Revenge Gin). Entry costs €5 for adults; it’s free for children. The Santa Experience costs €30, which includes a gift and photo. ballyvolanehouse.ie. Penny McCormick
Slane Castle fantasy
We’ve tramped through the grounds of Slane Castle many times to see the likes of U2, David Bowie and The Red Hot Chili Peppers in concert, but we never encountered talking trees or creatures made of ice and fire (although we did bump into a few space cadets).
But these are just some of the wonders in store at the Enchanted Kingdom, an immersive light and sound installation taking place at the castle after sunset from Thursday to Sunday right through Christmas. Step in to Lord Henry Mount Charles’s back garden and enter a magical fantasy world that will thrill adults, kids and elves alike.
On this sensory 1km journey, you’ll find yourself in a realm filled with biolumescent creatures, living, moving bodies of water, flaming forests, glistening ice sculptures and other genius special effects. Your hosts are Alex Conyngham, the Earl of Mount Charles, his wife the Countess Carina, and their children.
Alas, Santa won’t be there, but the magic will be present and correct, and at the end of this family-friendly experience – which usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes – you can visit the Christmas craft and food market and enjoy mulled wine, hot chocolate and other festive fare. Tickets priced from €21.50 are available through the website enchantedkingdom.ie. Kevin Courtney
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