Press release

Discover the Magic of Christmas at OPW Heritage Sites Nationwide

From: Office of Public Works
Published on: 2 December 2025
Last updated on: 2 December 2025

Christmas will soon be upon us and some of the country’s best known heritage sites are celebrating the festive season with a wonderful programme of events to suit all tastes. From Christmas arts and crafts to Christmas markets to Christmas Carols there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The Custom House, Dublin and Sligo Abbey are set to come alive with music, magic and Christmas spirit this December. The superb North Clondalkin Community Choir will perform a special carol service under the acoustically magnificent dome of the Custom House. While Sligo Abbey will transform into a Christmas stage, showcasing the remarkable musical talents of Sligo’s young people. Join us for a special evening of festive cheer filled with all your Christmas favourites.

For the budding artists, Charles Fort Military Fortress and Sligo Abbey are holding Christmas themed ‘Arts & Crafts’ events for Children. Children can expect a fun filled festive morning of creativity and will get to make and bring home Christmas decorations.

Dublin Castle is offering a Pop-Up Talk this month, focusing on the Neapolitan Crib in the Chapel Royal. Join our OPW tour guide for an insightful exploration of the intricate scenes that make up our version of the Nativity tradition.

Visitors to Emo Court can experience ‘Christmas at Emo’, featuring two days of festive music, community performances and seasonal food under a heated canopy. Visitors can enjoy seasonal dishes from Catoca, festive tacos from Tacoman Ireland and classic festive treats including mulled wine, mince pies and hot chocolate.

Christmas at Farmleigh returns again this year for three weekends in the run up to Christmas. Each Saturday and Sunday, visitors can enjoy the delicious treats on offer, explore the homemade produce and items for sale at the craft stalls, making ideal Christmas gifts. The market will be full of Christmas cheer with live music, magic shows and storytelling. Farmleigh House will be open to the public and dressed in holiday style. The ballroom will have a variety of choirs performing Christmas songs each weekend. Farmleigh at Christmas is a free event but performances will be ticketed on a first come basis. Visitors to Farmleigh can also enjoy performances by ‘The Velvettes’ this December. The band was formed by leader Fran King in 2012, and reflect his love of the great American songbook of the 1940s & 50’s onwards.

Kilkenny Castle are inviting visitors to explore the beautifully decorated period rooms. During the afternoons, while wandering through the castle, visitors can enjoy the wonderful music of the talented pianist, Helen Hughes (14 December) and Dynamica Quartet (21 December).

For those looking for sustainable options, the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin is hosting a Sustainable Christmas Craft Market on Sat 13 Dec and Sun 14 Dec. The carefully curated sustainable Christmas Market will include over 50 stallholders all within the charming surroundings of these wonderful gardens. The Gardens will also be the setting for winter daily guided tours and festive winter plants themed tours throughout December many musical events, demonstrations and festive walking tours of the Gardens.

The turkey has been synonymous with Christmas and with Thanksgiving in the United States as a celebratory feast. Join us in Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin for a fascinating talk tracing the development of the human connection with the bird, and examining the life of its 6.7 million wild cousins still living in North America.

Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran said,

“The OPW has a fun filled festive line up for the Christmas period and our staff and guides are looking forward to welcoming visitors to their sites. We are very fortunate to have a treasure trove of beautiful historic sites and locations which make the perfect background for fun, festive family days out over this Christmas period. Join us this December for Christmas fun with family and friends”.

Christmas Colouring Competition

For our aspiring artists why not take part in our Christmas Colouring Competition. Pick up our festive image of the Custom House at our participating sites or online. Please see heritageireland.ie/christmas for more information.

Christmas with a Heritage Card

Give the gift of discovery this Christmas with an OPW Heritage Card — a whole year of adventures through Ireland’s most iconic sites. From the magic of Newgrange, to the prehistoric wonder of the Ceide Fields, and the timeless beauty of the Rock of Cashel.

With individual and family cards available, it’s the gift card for all seasons. Get your Heritage Card today at selected OPW sites or by clicking the link. Order before 19th December and a limited edition Christmas gift wallet will be included with your heritage card!

ENDS

For more information about the events please see links below:

Charles Fort Military Fortress, Co. Cork