Christmas at the Castle is one of the most popular festive markets nationwide - but there are surprising benefits to attending outside of peak hours.
The crowds are a lot less dispersed during the week, meaning people can browse the variety of stalls with added comfort. However, the slightly quieter vibe didn’t take away from the cosy atmosphere, as many families with small children enjoyed the less hectic crowd.
One downside to attending during the week is the absence of the Indoor Craft Markets. These run exclusively on Saturday and Sunday, with a variety of local vendors on hand. However, there were still plenty of food stalls and craft traders in the main outdoor attraction to choose from.
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I was struck when entering the markets by the vast array of Christmas trees, bedecked with twinkling lights. They span a large portion of the walk up to the markets, before arriving at a checkpoint to show your tickets.
One of the main attractions is the carousel located right in the centre of the courtyard, which costs €4 per ride. The lit up merry go round is an instant hit with young children, although the occasional adult might be tempted not to miss out on the fun.
The markets are a haven for hot chocolate lovers, especially as freezing temperatures set in. Prices for hot chocolate start at €3, depending on the size and drink on offer. I opted for a regular Belgian hot chocolate, which cost €4.50, although the classic Cadbury’s hot chocolate was also available for a euro less.
Other festive treats on offer included mulled wine, totalling €6.50. You can also enjoy a spiced rum or whiskey for €7.00, while non-alcoholic mulled apple juice is also available for everyone to enjoy.
Music lovers can soak in the talents of several local choirs, who perform in a special tented area of the attraction on a rotating basis. Carol singing takes place within the tent at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm daily, while seated cushions are on hand for people to sit back and enjoy the seasonal cheer.
Ultimately, the markets are a perfect place to pack in some last minute Christmas shopping. The stalls offer a variety of gifting ideas, including ceramics, jewellery, cosmetics, toys and glassware.
One niche stall was the Inspiration 4 U vendor, which sells beautiful outdoor spinners. These eye catching items are made out of stainless steel and are recommended for outdoor use, as the wind enables the ripple effect visible on the designs.
Equally, there are some creative home grown items on offer that would make ideal stocking fillers. The Unique Oaks stall boasts a range of humorous gifts, with cheeky coasters and witty wooden spoons up for grabs.
The markets will run until 21 December. Tickets quickly sold out after their initial release due to high demand, forcing organisers to ask those unable to make their slot to cancel via Eventbrite.
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