A Christmas getaway sounds great in theory. It’s the most magical time of the year spent on holidays.
However, the majority of us prefer to stay close to home for the big day.
Rather than committing to a full holiday this Christmas, if you’re looking for a day trip around Ireland, we have the perfect guide for you.
Galway
@aish_a_ling 24 hours in Galway ✨ #fyp #diml #galway #ireland #irishtiktok #irishtiktokfam #visitgalway ♬ Strangers – Kenya Grace
Galway is at the top of our list for a day trip this time of year. The bustling Eyre Square is lined with wooden huts of local businesses selling delicious food and unique gifts. The famous Christmas market will go on until the 5th of January and also features a Ferris wheel, The German Bier Kellar and the infamous beer tent.
After making your way down Shop Street to finish any last-minute Christmas shopping, you will be greeted with several fantastic restaurants and cafes to fill the tummy. Our top picks are The Kings Head, Harry’s and Wilde Cafe.
Being renowned for gigs and nightlife the city always has so much going on. So make sure to check out GalwayNow for any upcoming events.
Cork
@vivienne_in_nyc Did you know about the secret rooftop in Cork city? ❤️🩶 Discover Cork City, a gem in the heart of Ireland, where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Known as the ‘Rebel City’, Cork boasts a vibrant cultural scene, nestled along the River Lee. Wander through its winding streets and you’ll find yourself amidst historic architecture like the iconic St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, contrasting with contemporary landmarks such as the striking Opera House. Indulge in the culinary delights at the English Market, a food lover’s paradise, offering the freshest local produce and artisanal goods. Cork is also home to University College Cork, a bustling campus that adds a youthful energy to the city. Experience the lively atmosphere in traditional Irish pubs, where the sound of live music fills the air. Art enthusiasts will love the Crawford Art Gallery, housing both classic and modern Irish art. For nature lovers, the city is a gateway to Ireland’s stunning scenery, including the serene Fitzgerald’s Park and the scenic walking trails at the Lee Fields. Cork City, with its friendly locals, rich history, and dynamic culture, offers an experience that is both uniquely Irish and unmistakably cosmopolitan. #CorkCityIreland #ExploreCork #CorkCulture #DiscoverCork #CorkTourism #DayInCork #CorkAdventures #CorkSights #VisitCork #CorkLandmarks #CorkCityLife #CorkHeritage #CorkEateries #BestOfCork #CorkPubs #CorkDining #CorkExperience #CorkAttractions #CorkCityTours #CorkHistoricSites #CorkCityGuide #CorkCityWalks #CorkArtScene #CorkMusic #CorkNightlife #CorkCuisine #CorkShopping #CorkFestivals #WhattodoinCorkIreland #BestThingstodoinCork ♬ Shine (Cover Benjamin Francis Leftwich) – 婷婷icy
The Rebel County is a great day trip to consider this festive season. The city has truly stepped up its game in terms of shopping with the likes of Victoria’s Secret, Bath and Body Works and Lovisa opening this month. The main streets are thoroughly decked out in hundreds of Christmas lights and decorations.
A short bus journey or walk from the city will bring you to the Marina Market where there are not only stylish vintage shops but also fantastic food and drink trucks. We adore Sicilian Delights and Guji.
Marina Marker on Ice, situated on Cork Harbour will be a great way to finish off the road trip.
Belfast
@visitbelfast Pov: you’ve only got 24 hours in Belfast 💃🏻 @icomeundone #visitbelfast #belfasttiktok #belfastcity #belfastfoodie #belfastfoodplaces #thingstodobelfast #nitiktok #24hourswithme #bucketlist #discoverni #visitnorthernireland #pov ♬ original sound – Visit Belfast
Belfast is another well-loved city during the festive season. Saint George’s Market is one of the best indoor markets in the country. The food here is just incredible.
The Black Taxi tour is a great way to discover Belfast and your knowledgeable driver will teach you so much about the history of the city. This is for sure a must-do! The Titanic Experience is also such an interesting activity to do in Belfast.
The city has a huge selection of bars, restaurants and cafes to choose from.
Waterford
@tinyboots_travels A little Recap of 48 Hours in Ireland’s Oldest City: Waterford Here’s some of the things I’d recommend: House Of Waterford @waterfordfactory A walk around Waterford City using the Digital Story Trail App Reginald’s Tower The Wake Museum (Waterford Treasures) @waterfordtreasures Epic Walking Tour of the city Mout Congreve Gardens @mountcongreve I stayed in @fitzwiltonhotel Things to do in Waterford | Ireland Bucket List | Irish City | Day Itinerary | Travel Guide Footage taken from previous press trip with @Visit Waterford #irelandtravel #discoverireland #visitwaterford #hiddengems #travelireland ♬ original sound – Tinyboots
The Viking City is a destination not to be looked over this year with its impressive festivities. This year, Winterval will be in full swing until the 23rd of December. The Glenveagh Christmas Markets will have the streets of Waterford lined with stalls of local craft and food.
Ice Skating, The Mini Express Train and a Ferris will also be held this December.
The city is a close drive to the seaside town of Tramore where you can enjoy a lovely walk along the beach before dining at one of the amazing restaurants the small town has to offer
Sligo
@irelandsbluebook Here’s 10 special places to visit in County Sligo ⛰🌊 1. Climb Benbulben 2. Surfing at Strandhill Beach 3. Mullaghmore Head 4. Knocknarea & Queen Maeves Cairn 5. Drumcliff Church & Grave of W.B Yeats 6. Rosses Point 7. Carrowkeel Megalithic Site 8. Stay in Coopershill House 9. Kayaking on Lough Gill 10. Gleniff Horseshoe Drive/Walk #sligo #discoverireland #benbulben #strandhill #wildatlanticway #irishroadtrip #keepdiscovering #staycation #travelireland #visitsligo #loveireland #loughgill #gleniffhorseshoe #carrowkeel #rossespoint #wbyeatsgrave #knocknarea #mullaghmore #irelandsbluebook ♬ The Night We Met – Lord Huron
Sligo is an underrated destination however the town actually has a lot to offer.
If you have an interest in history or poetry, Sligo is a great destination to learn more about the poet W.B. Yeats. The late poet’s grave and inspiration for the poem The Lake Isle Of Innisfree can be found in Sligo.
Natural wonders can be seen across the country on the many hikes and trails in Sligo such as the Sligo Way or Benbulben Mountain.