Winter glistens in Krakow

Ryanair starts flying direct from Cork to Krakow this week. Great timing, says Pól Ó Conghaile, if you want to visit one of the most atmospheric Christmas markets in Europe.

There’s something very special about winter in Central European cities. Of course, for residents of places like Budapest, Vienna and Krakow, winter is probably greeted with as much sighing and shaking of the head as it is here at home.

But for the rest of us, thoughts of Christmas markets, of snow-covered squares sparkling with fairy lights, of the reviving powers of mulled wine and hot chocolate, are pretty darn irresistible.