Mulled wine, mince pies, and no money? Food and Drink editor Lucy Warmington finds the best ways to spend the holiday season in Dublin.
Aside from seasonal depression, I associate the Winter holiday season with hot drinks, comfort food, and spending a little too much money in cosy bars. So with that in mind, here is a foodie’s guide to the holiday season in Dublin - that is also student budget friendly.
The Markets
Dublin boasts a number of markets all year round, many of which take a wintery turn for the holiday season. ‘We Love Markets’ will host their Christmas markets, a mix of food and flea, at both The Digital Hub and Shackleton Gardens on Sunday 26th November and 3rd December.
The big one worth mentioning is the one in Dublin Castle, which runs from Mondays to Fridays throughout December. Tickets can be booked (for free!) on their website once available. The Alpine-style stalls are packed with seasonal food and drinks, such as mulled wine and mince pies, and a huge range of homemade crafts.
RDS Gifted
Gifted is returning to the RDS from Wednesday 6th December to Sunday 10th December, and tickets are only €12. Over 100 artisan food producers will set up stalls alongside another 300 designers, makers, and independent retailers. Whilst products are slightly expensive for a student budget, it is the perfect place to buy a Christmas gift or two, and a genuinely enjoyable event to casually stroll through.
For a Cosy Drop-in
One of the very best things to do on a cold Winter day or night is find a cosy cafe or bar, and order a mince pie, mulled wine, or hot whiskey.
Bread 41 on Pearse Street makes pastries to die for all year round, and come the holiday season specialises in delicious treats to-go or stay. Queen of Tarts on Cow’s Lane is a warm, quirky spot with friendly staff, offering cakes which are made to be devoured. Shoe Lane on Tara Street is popular for a reason, and no place does festive quite like they do.
Queen of Tarts on Cow’s Lane is a cosy spot with friendly staff, and cakes which are made to be devoured.
For a hot whiskey, mulled wine, or just a pint in a warm bar, The Stag’s Head is worth a shout-out (especially for their snug at the back). I am also forever a fan of the aesthetic of Bestseller on Dawson street, and they do a delicious mulled wine to be had in a comfy armchair. And finally, I have to mention Hole in the Wall. Enough said.