Cork city gets a festive glow-up once again this year as Corkmas, a Cork City Council initiative, lights up the county capital. With market stalls, performances, a Santa experience and an immersive light experience taking over Emmet Place, you can start your festive season with a bang. Watch the lights of the city below as you take a ride on the Ferris wheel.

Cork city; November 14 - December 31.

Nano Nagle Place on Douglas Street in Cork hosts many markets throughout the year, but their craft-based Christmas market provides a unique opportunity to browse the best Cork creators have to offer and pick up some fantastic gifts. Peruse the outdoor stalls with a hot drink, stay for a live gig or talk, take the kids on a Christmas trail and grab a bite to eat across two weekends in December.

Nano Nagle Place, Cork; December 6-7 and 13-14.

The bustling year-round Milk Market in Limerick is the oldest of its kind in the country. Starting on December 5, they'll be hosting a special Christmas Art Fair every weekend in the lead up to Christmas Eve. Alongside over 30 stalls displaying local art, there'll be vendors selling festive treats, vinyls and antiques. In keeping with the giving spirit of Christmas, the market will also host a series special events in support of local charities.

The Milk Market, Limerick; December 5-7, 12-14, 19-24.

You'll find a balance of parades, delicious dining and other fun at Christmas in Killarney, a festival taking place at different venues in Killarney town through the festive season. On November 20 and 27, you can 'Dine in Killarney' at participating restaurants and enjoy a festive three-course menu for €39.95. Bring the kids to meet Santa at Deenagh Lodge in Killarney National Park, or head out and wonder at the big Christmas parade that runs through town every Saturday evening over the course of the festival.

Killarney, Co Kerry; November 20 - January 9.

Join the whopping quarter of a million people expected to visit the Galway Christmas Market in Galway’s Eyre Square this year. Peruse wooden chalets stocked up with everything from local crafts to treats like fresh crêpes, pretzels, bratwurst and mulled wine. Soak in some live music, delight in the giant Ferris wheel and grab a brew at the German Bierkeller. Santa will also be seeing visitors – and he might just have a gift for you.

Eyre Square, Galway; November 7 - December 31.

The Slieve Russell Hotel once again plays host to Cavan’s Christmas Craft and Gift Fair on November 30. The ideal activity for a windy, rainy day, this whole fair is held indoors in the cosy surrounds of the Woodford and Erne Suites in the hotel. Featuring over 60 vendors, there’ll be everything from quirky greeting cards and scented soaps to needlepoint quilts and more, ideal for those looking for artisanal Christmas gifts.

Slieve Russell Hotel, Ballyconnell, Co Cavan; November 30.

Christmas festivities in Cavan continue with the Christmas Cottage Market running down on Townhall Street on December 13 and 14. Shop from Cavan's best artisan food, crafts and art at over 60 stalls lining the street, and take little ones to the Christmas Umbrella Parade. The free event includes live music and entertainment, as well as incredible street performances.

Town Hall Street, Cavan; December 13-14.

Make your festive season a bit medieval with Yulefest Kilkenny. Gear up in your Christmas best for the Medieval Mile Run, or take things easy at the Christmas market set against the inviting backdrop of Kilkenny Castle, where you can pick up everything from home baked treats to affordable art. Santa makes his big arrival for the little ones on November 29.

Kilkenny city, Co Kilkenny; November 29 - December 23.

Over 100 wooden chalets make up the spectacular continental Christmas market at Waterford Winterval, which are laid out along the spine of the city’s medieval centre. Expect live music and performances across the city all festival long, with over 20 free events scheduled. There’s also a nod to the heritage of the city with Déise Medieval, a recreation of a Viking settlement with actors who bring the spirit of a historical Christmas to life.

Various venues, Waterford; Thursdays through Sundays November 21 - December 23.

Dublin 8 is known for its makers, creators and small businesses, and this year their wares will be shown in the Stillgarden Christmas Market at the Stillgarden Distillery in Inchicore. Browse stalls hosted by artists, jewellers and other designers for creative Christmas gifts, grab a veggie snack or delicious dessert at one of the food trucks, and sip on specialty cocktails and mulled drinks with a Stillgarden twist.

Stillgarden Distillery, Tyrconnell Road, Inchicore, Dublin 8; December 7.

Billed as the biggest craft and design fair in Ireland, Gifted is back again for another year with over 400 independent retailers and 100 artisan food producers. Browse organic beauty products and vintage pieces in the sustainability section, or stop by one of the specialty pet supplies vendors for a gift for your furry friend.

RDS Main Arena, Merrion Rd, Dublin 4; December 3-7.

This year, Smithfield Square will be transformed into TwinkleTown, a city winter market unlike anything else in Dublin. Shop the traditional alpine market for decorative crafts and gifts, sip on mulled wine and hot cocoa, and take the kids for a spin on the vintage carousel before settling in for the Santo Panto. Then catch a live gig at the Spiegeltent, or glide the evening away at the ice rink.

Smithfield Square, Dublin 7; November 28 - January 4.