Christmas market fever

CHRISTMAS markets, all the rage throughout Europe for decades, have taken off in a huge way here at home.

As part of Cork City’s Christmas celebrations, the Grand Parade will be turned into a Christmas Market every weekend up to December 17 and then again from December 20 to 22.

The German Christmas Market from December 10 to 12 will be held in Tralee and features a selection of traditional German foods and crafts as well as Christmas-themed Irish produce.

The Connemara Coast is offering weekend two-night stays tailoring to the Galway Market. Visit www.connemaracoast.ie or call 091 592108.

For those on a much tighter budget, Snoozles Hostel offers accommodation from €12.50 per night. Details on www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/Snoozles-Hostel-Galway/Galway/29496

Around the country there are other Christmas markets in: Ballyvaughan, Co Clare (Dec 11-12 & 18-19); Doonbeg, Co Clare (Dec 11-12); Ducketts’ Grove, near Carlow Town (Dec 11-12); Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal (Dec 18); Killarney, Co Kerry (Dec 10-11 & Dec 17-18); and Westport, Co Mayo (Dec 10-12).

For information on these and other Christmas Markets and festivals, visit www.DiscoverIreland.ie/christmas

- NOW in its fourth year, Mount Wolseley Hotel in Co Carlow has teamed up with Rathwood Garden Centre to offer a Santa visit with a difference — The Mount Wolseley train.

Starting today, the train leaves Rathwood each Saturday for the next three weeks (10.30am). On arrival, kids will have story-telling and workshop sessions and a guided tour of Santa’s house from the man himself.

There are two Rathwood Santa Family Packages; a one-nighter at €295 that includes dinner, bed and breakfast, and a two-night stay for €419, including one dinner, and, of course, train tickets.

Contact reservations on 059 9180100 or log onto www.mountwolseley.ie

- MEANWHILE, a less time consuming but very interesting Christmas experience for kids is available at the Maryborough Hotel and Spa in Cork. Priced at €25, the package includes a short (eight-minute) Christmas movie in 4D, an unhurried visit to Santa, decent parcel and a commemorative photograph. Details (pre-booking essential) from 021 4365555 or log on to www.maryborough.com/santa

- IRISH ski enthusiasts are thinking beyond the tried and tested resorts this year and Irish travel company Project hope to meet demand for holidays to Norway.

Geilo is the most complete ski and mountain resort in Norway, and with snow from December to April it also has one of the longest seasons in Europe.

Prices from Dublin start at €560 and are based on three adults and three children, sharing a self-catering apartment.

For details visit www.Project-Travel.ie or call 01 210 8391.