What's Happening in Dublin this weekend (December 17th) - Free Events

We’re rounded up five cool things happening this week in Dublin for Free!

Christmas at the Castle has launched, and I went last week. I had a great day and got hot roasted chestnuts, a savage hot dog and a feed of pints in the Lord Edward after!

We’ve got 5 cool things to do in Dublin this weekend!

• Christmas at the Castle

• Merchy Christmas

• Christmas at Farmleigh

• Medici Lion, By Siobhán Hapaska

• Bremore Christmas Market

Christmas at the Castle

Now until the 19th - 12-9 - Dublin Castle

Found in the grounds of the historic Dublin Castle, this is Dublin’s only Bavarian style market. With wooden huts showcasing the finest of Irish craft designers. It is not long until you find a tasty treat that is synonymous Christmas markets across the globe.  

Christmas in the Castle 2023 will open on the 6th – 19th December (inclusive) and it will run from 12 noon until 9pm. Dublin Castle have just announced that Christams in the Castle 2023 will be unticketed. Meaning you do not need to prebook! In previous years, it was free but you had to get a ticket which meant that many missed out.

At Christmas in the Castle there will be live music from local acts and maybe a couple of well-known performers. You can entertain the little ones on the vintage carousel ride while indulging in a glass of mulled craft cider from the open-air bar.  

The State Apartments are also open during the market hours.  Take some extra time to walk through history at the Castle. From century old paintings to historical furniture with a real story behind it, Dublin’s culture is alive and well even at peak festivity.  

Merchy Christmas

The Grand Social, Saturday 16th December - Sunday 17th December

Merchy Christmas is back! A real-life merch market where all your favourite artists flog their wares directly to you, their fans.

Established during the Christmas lock-down in 2020, it was the brainwave of Conor Cusack (Saint Sister’s manager) and Saint Sister. Chatting about ways to create a personal connection with their listeners and thank them for their support over the difficult year, they had the idea of a communal merch stall mixed with a Christmas market. After reaching out to their pals like Lankum, Gilla Band, and Kojaque, it became clear that this was something lots of other artists wanted to be part of.

Merchy Christmas was born! Working with Keiron Black and the folks at The Grand Social (longstanding champions of the independent music community) they put together a two-day event across multiple floors, which was hugely successful. 2021 saw the market return in full force.

Entry is Free, but once again, amidst challenging restrictions, it succeeded in raising much needed funds for the artists, and for a truly important cause, Homelessness in Dublin. Suggested donation is €6

If you have an event to share or to support The Dublin Buzz and have a shout out, you can contact me here! 

Christmas at Farmleigh

All Weekend at Farmleigh House

For the month of December, There is plenty in Farmleigh House for all the family to enjoy, from Horse and Carriage Rides to Storytelling sessions. Mystery Guests and Surprise Performances will enchant and entertain all the family.

Farmleigh is the ideal place to enter into the festive spirit! All events are free, however some are ticketed

Link to more info

Saturday 16th December

10 am – 5 pm Christmas food & Craft Markets – Farmyard

10 am – 5 pm Festive Crib – Outdoors

12 pm, 1.45 pm & 3.30 pm Christmas Puppet show, with Julie Rose McCormick – Cowshed theatre * Ticketed event

12.45 pm, 2.30 pm & 4.15 pm Storytelling for Children, with Aideen McBride – The Old Kitchen. * Ticketed event

12 pm – 2 pm Live Music in the Christmas Markets, with Joe Monks – Markets

2 pm – 4 pm Festive Barbershop Melodies, with the Mellowchords – Outdoors

1.30 pm, 2.15 pm & 3 pm Christmas Carol Singing, with the Continuum Youth Choir – Farmleigh Ballroom * Ticketed event

1 pm – 4 pm Horse & Carriage Rides – Outdoors

10 am – 12 pm Walk through visits of Farmleigh House.

4.15 pm – 5 pm Walk through visits of Farmleigh House *Last entry 4.45 pm

*Tickets for ticketed events will be available on a first come first serve basis on the day in the Motor House reception, located in the courtyard.

Medici Lion, By Siobhán Hapaska

15th - 17th December - Free - Douglas Hyde Gallery

The Douglas Hyde is excited to showcase a significant solo exhibition featuring the acclaimed Irish-Parsee artist, Siobhán Hapaska. Throughout the last thirty years, Hapaska has crafted original and formally intricate pieces that resist easy categorization.

As a distinctive voice in contemporary sculpture, you consistently challenge traditional notions of form and materials, delving insightfully into themes of conflict, faith, and the human experience. With an extensive international exhibition history, which includes co-representation of Ireland at the 2001 Venice Biennale, Medici Lion marks your inaugural institutional solo exhibition in the Republic, presenting an ambitious collection developed over the past three years.

Bremore Christmas Market

Sunday, 17th Nov - 11am - 4pm - Free Entry

Get ready to embrace the festive season at the Bremore Castle Christmas Markets, commencing on Sunday, November 26th. Step into the historic Bremore Castle and discover a delightful marketplace filled with unique gifts and treasures.

This is the perfect occasion to soak up the festive charm and explore the wonders within the castle's historic walls. From handcrafted treasures to special finds, you'll find something truly special for your loved ones.

Get down to Bremore Castle and let the holiday spirit fill the air. Don't miss out on this wonderful experience that will bring joy and excitement to your festive celebrations!

Link to more info!

If you would like to support the Dublin Buzz from as little as €2 then you can do so now

Please share this event guide with your friends or family who might enjoy some of the events in here!

We’re working on something new to bring to the free events scene in Dublin and hope to publish soon.

If you have an event to share or to support The Dublin Buzz and have a shout out, you can contact me here! 

Snap of the Week

My trip to town last week for the Markets, plus a stop in Marys Bar!

@the.dublin.buzz

Dublin at Christmas 🫶🏼🫶🏼 #dublin #christmas