Thousands Turn Up for Doonbeg Christmas Market

During the weekend of December 12th, The Lodge At Doonbeg hosted its inaugural Christmas Market, a European holiday tradition made famous around the world by cities like Vienna, Munich and Prague, where it saw an estimated 8,000 people from across Ireland visit over the two-day festival.

Participants were treated to shopping from more than 50 vendors offering a variety of items such as wooden Christmas ornaments, local art, handcrafted wares, and baked goods. For those who could not secure a table at the booked Long Room and Darby’s Pub, food vendors offered plenty of choices including mulled wine, Bailey’s hot chocolate, and hog burgers hot off the roasting spit.

A visit from Santa, the live Nativity re-enactment by the Doonbeg Drama Group, and evening carol singers provided festive entertainment throughout the day.

Aoife Higgins who traveled from Dublin for the Doonbeg Christmas Market said, “My boyfriend and I were in Vienna last weekend and I have to admit this market certainly matches that stride for stride.”

Many vendors reported that they had sold out of their products on Saturday and had to work feverishly overnight to create items for Sunday’s crowds. Given the overwhelming success of this event, it is certain to become an annual fixture on the Doonbeg calendar with many vendors already reserving their places for next year.

For more information about The Lodge at Doonbeg Golf Club, visit DoonbegGolfClub.com.