From cultural pop-ups to fashion, crafts and design, these are the dates to add to your diary before it fills up in December …
Brazilian Showcase, EPIC Museum, Co Dublin
On November 30 from 10am to 6pm, visitors to Epic Museum at CHQ Dublin will enjoy the very best of Brazil with traditional gifts, interactive demonstrations, product samplings and food tastings as well as music, dance and specially designed activities for children. The event will shine a spotlight on the diverse and growing Brazilian cultural and entrepreneurial community in Ireland. There are over 50 stalls offering present inspiration, so be sure to visit Joelles which specialises in natural home fragrances, Carla Horrana jewellery and Churros do Lulu for delicious churros filled with Dulce de Leche. Tickets are €5, available at www.brazilirelandchamber.com/event-details/brazil-showcase
Pop-Up Gaeltacht, Co Dublin
Dive into an evening of Irish language, culture and craic as The Clockwork Door in Dublin is transformed into a Gaeltacht on November 30. Whether you’re a beginner or a gaeilgeoir, this event promises enlightening conversations, games and a warm community spirit. Sip on a cup of tea (or a pint) and practice your Gaeilge in a fun, relaxed environment. Let’s celebrate our language and heritage together – slán go fóill and see you there! Tickets from €12 at www.eventbrite.ie
Happy Days Christmas Market, Dublin
This was such a success last year that Happy Days Christmas Market Pop-Up returns this year, featuring five Irish and female-owned businesses for the festive period. Irish brands The Smooth Company, Croia Jewellery, Cotone Collection, Candy Claw Clips and Studio Byrne have been curated to align with Happy Days’ customers support of women in business. Open daily until January 5 2025 at Mart House, 18 Leopardstown Road, Dublin 18 and online at www.happy-days.ie. Happy Days’ new festive collection is also available to rent, with over 800 dresses from a number of designer brands.
The Irish Pop-up Collective (IPUC), Dún Loaghaire and Maynooth
The biggest free indoor all-Irish Christmas shopping event, over 55 Irish brands and businesses will showcase their products at the pop-up in the Glenroyal Hotel, Maynooth on December 1 and at the Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire on December 8. Founded by Kate Fine and Debbie Millington, the IPUC has grown in momentum and provides an opportunity to buy great gifts from sustainable Irish businesses. New additions to the pop-ups include Callan Knitwear, Anam Cosmetics, Chloe’s Papercraft and Polly & Andy which provides sensory socks for kids. These brands join previous favourites including Capulet & Montague (jewellery), Úna Burke Leather (accessories), Oxmantown (beauty), Cleo Prickett (clothing), Begley & Bowie (clothing), Kopper Kreation (homewares), Sinéad O’Moore (ceramics), Bon Chocolatiers and Mella’s Fudge. Full details can be seen by following @irishpopupcollective
Fia Christmas Pop-Up Collective, Brian S Nolan, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin
The Fia range consists of caps, beanies, scarves, sweaters, capes, cardigans, gilets and socks perfect for the outdoor enthusiast and those who love to wear natural materials from lambswool to cashmere and Irish tweed. This pop-up runs from December 2 to 24 in Brian S Nolan where you’ll also find present ideas from other local artisans such as wall art by Ninfa Studio, therapeutic oils and candles by Soak, and silver and gold jewellery from Yvonne Bolger Jewellery. www.fiaclothing.com
Gifted, The Contemporary Craft and Design Fair, RDS Dublin
Ireland’s biggest Christmas craft, design and artisan food fair returns to the RDS from December 4 to December 8. Attendees can meet over 400 designers and makers, and enjoy demonstrations and workshops, all while finding unique quality gifts and stocking up on tasty foods at the Christmas Food Emporium. Irish booksellers Dubray will host themed events for book lovers, including book signings, and even a personal shopper to help you find the perfect book for every reader on your gifting list. This year the event also has a new section dedicated to celebrating sustainable brands, with ‘Reuzi Loves’ curated by sustainability advocate Patricia Kane. Another new addition for this year, We Make Good x Gifted is a unique collaboration featuring handcrafted products and festive workshops like Christmas card printing. On the first day of the fair, there is 10 per cent off all purchases, making it the perfect day to tick off your list, if you can make it. Adults €12, accompanying children under 16 go free. www.giftedfair.ie
Rae Feather and Helen Turkington Pop-Up, Co Tyrone
Taking place at Tullylagan Country House, Sandholes, Cookstown from December 5 to 7, this gorgeous pop-up is sure to include covetable gifts from homeware to party gear. Our top pick is their recent collaboration of pretty pyjamas. www.raefeather.com