5 great places to get Christmassy in Kilkenny

snow along the river Barrow, Ireland. Christmastine 2010

 In Ireland the days are fairly short in Winter, with daylight being (roughly) from 8am to 4pm. No wonder the holiday season is so welcome; the joyous lights & the festive colour and sparkle speaking to the need for more light. So- here are a few things on in Kilkenny to kick start your holiday cheer!

 First is a 1 day only event sponsored by Kilkenny Arts Office- The Market on Sat 1 Dec, 10.30-6.30. You won't want to miss it- there will be ''amazing artists, illustrators and makers selling exceptional, original, unique, quirky, and exquisite creations. The range will include jewellery, ceramics, paintings and drawings, t-shirts, fine art prints, origami accessories, pill boxes, crocheted collars, hats and vintage inspired headbands and plenty more besides.'' There will also be lots of handmade edible yummies, plus some of the fantastic Lego creations made at  Lego Quest will be on display!

One of the fab Lego Quest creations! Photo Ken McGuire

 Also on 1 Dec, the craftspeople of Made In Kilkenny open up their pop-up shop (runs til 24 Dec) Tis worth calling in on opening day, as they are offering 10% off  as well as some special offers & mulled wine :-)

The next Christmass-y event in Kilkenny is Rothe House's Christmas Miscellany, Weds 5th December, 7.30pm. They'll  have ''Music and musings on a Christmas theme, with mulled wine and mince pies. €20 with all proceeds going to Rothe House Fundraising campaign. Book by calling 056 7722893, or emailing info@rothehouse.com.

Also at Rothe House is a children's workshop Saturday 8th December, 10.30 - 12.30  ''Lots to do and make, and lots of Christmassy stuff to bring home! €6.00 per child'' Book at 056 772 2893, or info@rothehouse.com.

This weekend only (1-2 Dec) there is a pop- up craft shop in Thomastown by Jennie Castle, and after visiting the exhibition collect a voucher to enjoy a complimentary tea or coffee with every purchase from SOL Bistro, Thomastown. See their Tripadvisor reviews here. Nice!

Last but not least is Shankill Castle's Christmas Fair, which is 30 Nov to 1 Dec; read more on it from The Kilkenny People here.

I'm battling the flu, so I'm not sure will I get to any this weekend, but many more holiday events will be on in December, such as The Kilkenny Christmas Market, Kilkenny On Ice, The Mount Juliet Christmas Village & Santa train. More on them later!

 Plus, don't forget Winterval now on in neighboring Waterford- it looks to be the biggest Christmas festival in the Southeast!

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