If you’re planning a Christmas party in Ireland, you won’t be short of options. From Dublin nights out and Galway live music to Carlingford’s medieval charm, Sligo’s wild west coast scenery and Carrick on Shannon’s group adventures, there’s a destination to suit every kind of celebration. Whether you’re organising a work Christmas party, a team night out, fun with friends or family or a full festive weekend away, these Irish destinations have the entertainment, attractions, food, drink and atmosphere to help you celebrate in style. So, where should you go? Let’s take a look.
Dublin
Dublin is on Ireland’s east coast and is the country’s capital, so it’s hardly surprising that it’s one of the first places people think of when they’re planning an Irish Christmas party. The city has a bit of everything, from historic buildings and famous pubs to restaurants, live music and nightlife that carries on well into the evening.
There are lots of areas to choose from, depending on the sort of night you’re after. Temple Bar is the best known, although Camden Street, South William Street and Harcourt Street are also popular choices for food and drinks. You’ll find restaurants for group dinners, bars for cocktails and traditional pubs where you can settle in for a few festive drinks.
If your group is arriving early, Dublin has lots to see before the party begins. You could visit Dublin Castle, head to Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, take a walk through St Stephen’s Green or visit the Guinness Storehouse. Or you could do what many people do in Dublin and find a good pub before dinner. Whatever you’re into, if you’re looking for the best Christmas party activities in Ireland, you’ll find plenty here.
For companies organising a larger Christmas party, Dublin gives you a wide range of options. There are hotels, private dining rooms, restaurants and event venues across the city, so you can organise anything from a meal and drinks to a full evening with entertainment. It’s also easy to reach from different parts of Ireland, with trains, buses and the Luas making it a practical option for groups travelling in. December is a busy time of year, though, so popular venues can book up early.
Cork
Cork is in the southwest of Ireland and is the country’s second largest city. It’s known for its food, history, culture and strong sense of identity. Cork people are famously proud of their city, and once you’ve spent a bit of time there, it’s easy to understand why.
The food scene is one of the main attractions. The English Market is right in the city centre and is a good place to visit during the day, particularly if your group enjoys food. You can also explore the historic streets, visit Cork City Gaol or make the trip out to Blarney Castle to see the famous Blarney Stone.
For a Christmas party, the city centre and Oliver Plunkett Street are good places to look. There are restaurants for group dinners, cocktail bars for a few drinks and traditional pubs if you want to carry on the evening afterwards.
Cork is also a good option for groups travelling from across Munster, including Kerry, Waterford and Tipperary. You can spend the day exploring the city, have dinner in the evening and then head out for drinks without needing to plan a complicated route between venues.
There’s a lot of character to Cork, which is part of its appeal. It feels like a proper city break, but it’s still easy enough to get around.
Galway
Galway is on Ireland’s west coast and is known for its music, arts, food and colourful streets. It’s a popular destination for Christmas parties because you can have a proper night out without everything feeling too formal or organised.The Latin Quarter is a natural place to start. Restaurants, pubs and bars are close together, so you can have dinner and then wander around to find somewhere for drinks or live music.
Galway is particularly well known for traditional Irish music. You might start the evening with a festive meal, head into a pub afterwards and find a session already in full swing. It has a way of happening naturally, which is part of what makes a night out in Galway so enjoyable.
There’s also lots to see during the day. You could visit the Spanish Arch, explore the historic city centre or take a walk along the River Corrib. If you’re planning a Christmas party weekend, Galway also gives you the option of heading out towards Connemara or the Cliffs of Moher.
It’s a good choice for groups who want to combine food, drinks, music and a bit of sightseeing. You can plan the important bits and leave the rest of the evening to take care of itself.
Limerick
Limerick is in the midwest of Ireland and sits on the River Shannon. It’s one of the country’s most historic cities, with King John’s Castle standing at the centre of its medieval quarter.
The castle is one of the main attractions and is well worth visiting if your group is arriving during the day. The Hunt Museum is another option, while the Milk Market is a popular place to browse food and local produce.
Once you’re ready to start the Irish work Christmas party or celebrations with your friends or family, Limerick has restaurants, pubs, bars and entertainment venues to choose from. You could book a Christmas dinner, arrange a private event or simply plan food and drinks in the city centre.
The city is also convenient for groups travelling from across the midwest and southwest, including Clare and Tipperary. It works well if you want a destination where there’s something to do during the day before everyone gets dressed up and heads out for the evening.
Carlingford
Carlingford is in County Louth, on Ireland’s east coast, and sits on the Cooley Peninsula between Dublin and Belfast. The village overlooks Carlingford Lough, with the Cooley Mountains on the other side, giving the area a gorgeous setting.
It’s known for its medieval history, and you can see that as soon as you start walking through the village. There are narrow streets, old stone buildings and historic ruins, along with cosy pubs and restaurants where you can settle in for the evening. King John’s Castle is one of the main attractions and sits beside the lough. You can also explore the village itself, take in the views across the water or head out into the Cooley Mountains.
Carlingford is a good choice if your group wants to turn your Irish Christmas party into a full day or weekend away. There are outdoor and adventure activities in the area, so you could organise something during the day before getting ready for dinner.
Then it’s a case of heading into the village for food and drinks. Because so much is close together, you won’t have to spend the evening organising taxis and trying to keep track of everyone. Its location also makes it useful for groups travelling from different parts of the northeast.
Carrick-on-Shannon
Carrick-on-Shannon is in County Leitrim in the northwest of Ireland and sits on the River Shannon. The town is well known for group getaways, boat trips, activities, restaurants and nightlife.
The river is a big part of the experience. A boat trip is an obvious option for groups visiting during the day, while there are also activities in the surrounding area if you want to get everyone involved before dinner.
Carrick-on-Shannon works well for groups who don’t want the Christmas party to start and finish at the dinner table. You could organise an activity during the day, head out for food in the evening and then continue on to one of the town’s bars. There are accommodation options nearby too, which is useful if you’re travelling from further away or simply don’t fancy trying to arrange transport home at the end of the night.
The town is convenient for groups from Leitrim, Roscommon, Sligo, Longford and the surrounding counties. It also works well for a weekend away, particularly if your group wants a bit of activity during the day and a festive night out afterwards.
Sligo
Sligo is on Ireland’s west coast and is the largest town in County Sligo. The area is known for its dramatic scenery, traditional music, food and its connection to the poet W.B. Yeats.
Benbulben is the landmark most people associate with Sligo. Its distinctive shape is visible across much of the area and gives the landscape a look that’s instantly recognisable.
Sligo Abbey is another important attraction, while Strandhill is a short trip from the town and is known for its beach, surfing and views over the Atlantic. If your group wants to do something before the Christmas party in Ireland, you could visit Strandhill, take a walk along the coast or even try a surf lesson if you don’t the cold.
Back in Sligo town, you’ll find restaurants, pubs and bars for the evening. You could have dinner, find somewhere with live music and carry on from there. Sligo is a good choice for groups travelling from Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo and other parts of the northwest. It gives you a town centre night out, with mountains, beaches and some of Ireland’s best-known west coast scenery nearby.
Waterford
Waterford is in the southeast of Ireland and is the oldest city in Ireland. It’s known for its Viking history, historic attractions, Waterford Crystal and the Waterford Greenway.
The Viking Triangle is the main place to start if you’re interested in the city’s history. Reginald’s Tower is one of the best-known landmarks in the area, and the museums around the Viking Triangle tell the story of Waterford’s past.
The Waterford Greenway is another option if you’re planning a daytime activity. The route runs between Waterford and Dungarvan along a former railway line, passing through countryside and villages along the way.
After that, you can head back into Waterford city for dinner and drinks. There are restaurants, traditional pubs, bars, hotels and event venues suitable for Christmas parties of different sizes.
Waterford is a convenient option for groups travelling from Wexford, Kilkenny, Tipperary and other parts of the southeast. You can spend the day exploring the city’s history and then head out for the Christmas party in the evening.
Kilkenny
Kilkenny is in the southeast of Ireland and is famous for its medieval history, Kilkenny Castle and the Medieval Mile. The city centre is compact, which makes it a good choice for a group. You can visit the castle, walk through the historic streets, stop for a drink and head to dinner without spending half the day travelling between locations. Kilkenny Castle is the obvious starting point, while the Medieval Mile takes you through the historic centre and past some of the city’s best-known buildings.
When it comes to the Irish Christmas party, you’ve got restaurants, traditional pubs, cocktail bars and venues for group events. You could have dinner, head out for drinks and carry on the evening without needing to leave the city centre.
Kilkenny also works well for a Christmas party weekend. Arrive during the day, explore the city, have dinner and stay overnight. With accommodation close to the centre, you can enjoy the evening without worrying about getting home straight away.
For groups travelling from Wexford, Waterford, Carlow, Tipperary and the surrounding areas, Kilkenny is an easy destination with history, food and nightlife all within a relatively small area.
Belfast
Belfast is in Northern Ireland, on the east coast, and is a great choice if you’re looking for a Christmas party destination with history, food, culture and a proper night out all in one place.
The city is famous for its shipbuilding history and is best known as the birthplace of the Titanic. The Titanic Quarter is one of the main attractions, with the Titanic Belfast museum telling the story of the famous ship and the people who built it. It’s well worth a visit if your group is arriving during the day, particularly if you want to add something interesting before the Christmas celebrations begin.
Belfast has lots of other attractions too. You could visit Belfast City Hall, explore the Cathedral Quarter, take a walk around the Botanic Gardens or head up to Belfast Castle for views across the city. The Cathedral Quarter is also one of the best places to head for food, drinks and live music, with restaurants, bars and pubs packed into the historic area.
For a work Christmas party in Ireland, Belfast gives you lots of ways to plan the evening. You could book a festive dinner, organise an activity, head to a cocktail bar or find a traditional pub with live music. The city also has hotels and event venues for larger company Christmas parties.
It’s a convenient option for groups travelling from Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and further afield. Belfast is also close to the stunning Causeway Coast, so if you’re turning the Christmas party into a full weekend away, you could add a trip to the Giant’s Causeway or explore some of the coast before heading back into the city.
The Best Places for a Christmas Party in Ireland
So, where’s getting your vote for this year’s Christmas party? Whether you’re heading to Dublin, Galway, Belfast, Carlingford or somewhere else entirely, the right destination and activity can make the whole day even better. Have a look at our Christmas party activities, accommodation and more, pick your favourite and get the festive plans underway today.
