We are a tad bah humbug about Christmas chatter before December 8th here at Isaacs. We think there is a massive danger of peaking too early with a plethora of Christmas jumpers, markets, lights and Christmas drinkies. We could be all be done in with the season by the 12th. However we must admit, it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas now in Dublin. We held off for as long as possible but it’s time to talk festive and what’s to do in Dublin !
Christmas Markets
Dublin Flea Market move from their usual spot at Newmarket Dublin 8 to the Point Square for 4 days only from Thursday 7- 10th December. With Ireland’s best upcoming artists, craft markets and designers and over 140 stalls you are bound to pick up some quirky and personal Christmas gifts. Just a short Luas ride from Isaacs . See Dublin Town for other options.
Christmas Movies- Naughty or Nice at the Lighthouse
The Lighthouse in uber cool Smithfield is the coolest cinema in Dublin and this year they are showing some great old Christmas classics in their naughty or nice Christmas season. Catch a beer after in the nearby quirky basement bar: the Hacienda. One of Dublin’s best kept secrets . You have to ring the doorbell, the owner is a tad selective about who he let’s in, so use your charm!
Christmas choirs
Want to get closer to the meaning of Christmas ? See the marvellous Gardiner Street Gospel Choir at St. Francis Xavier Church at 730pm mass every Sunday . There is a special Christmas concert on Tuesday 19th December ( €12 tickets) book here at http://www.gardinerstreetgospelchoir.com in aid of the Peter McVerry Trust- an awesome Dublin Charity for the homeless
Christmas Crib
The Charming Moving Crib (been there for Donkey’s years! ) is a real Dublin institution and should give you a warm glow for the true meaning of Christmas. Not far from Isaacs Hostel on Parnell square, the Moving Crib tells the story of Christmas and brings you back to simpler times. Plus it’s free -you don’t need to book
Christmas Drinks ( difficult to avoid in Dublin )
Well you can always partake in the raucous 12 pubs of Christmas . Don your Christmas jumper and get completely lit. However to be frank, we think our hostellers (mostly) are classier and seeking more authentic experiences . Better to enjoy a warm and snuggly pub with a fire, hot whisky /port or Guinness and a smattering of Irish Craic. Try the Celt ( our local), O Neills pub near Trinity College or Toners on Upper Baggot Street. They all fit the bill. Just ask the guys at the desk!
Christmas Swims
After all that activity, you could take a dip in the Irish sea to waken up. This is a big thing on Christmas Day in Ireland . There are however groups who go daily all year round without wet suits! The Frosties in Skerries , the forty footers in Sandycove so nothing to stop you (apart from your sanity and er’ dignity! . Join them and bring your Swim pants and a flask of something warm
That should cover just about every eventuality for the Christmas season . Enjoy!
