There’s no better time to soak up the sparkle of the season than across Ireland’s most festive cities and towns. From glowing winter trails and Christmas markets to pantos, concerts, skating, and Santa magic, Dublin, Limerick, Waterford, Kilkenny, and Carlow are bursting with cheer for all ages. And with JJ Kavanagh’s coach services, getting there is easy, so you can focus on the lights, the laughter, and the unforgettable moments that make Christmas special.
Dublin – Lights, Magic & Christmas Classics
Dublin shines brightest at Christmas, with something magical on every corner. Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo returns with The Wild Kaleidoscope, a dazzling night-time adventure through 13 glowing zones, Europe’s tallest lantern and a brand-new Winter Glow Village serving mulled wine, waffles and festive treats.
Over in Smithfield, TwinkleTown brings an extra-large ice rink, a sparkling market, the cosy Twinkle Tavern and the world’s first Santo Panto, part Santa visit, part show, all festive fun. The city streets glow each evening with Dublin Winter Lights, transforming 25 iconic locations into an outdoor gallery of colour and imagination. And for a festive night out, catch Beauty & the Beast at the Gaiety or Celine Byrne’s Christmas Celebration at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.
Travelling to 3Arena for a concert this December? Check out our direct to event coaches to avoid the queues this Christmas and guarantee your seat for a comfortable and convenient journey.
Limerick – Skating, Stories & Seasonal Smiles
Limerick glows with festive spirit each December, beginning with the twinkling charm of Limerick on Ice, a magical chance to glide under the lights at Arthur’s Quay Park. Families will love Christmas at the Limerick Milk Market, where Santa’s Grotto, festive food and local crafts bring warmth to the winter chill. And for a sprinkle of circus sparkle, Fossett’s Christmas Circus delights with acrobatics, comedy, colour and Christmas wonder.
Round off your festive journey with Cinderella at UCH, complete with spectacular costumes, big laughs and heart-warming moments, perfect for a family day out.
Waterford – Fairs, Festivities & Pure Christmas Magic
Waterford becomes a storybook city during Winterval, Ireland’s largest Christmas festival and now the European City of Christmas. Expect festive markets, Santa experiences, music, light shows and over 1.8 million visitors revelling in the celebration.
For theatre lovers, Cinderella at Theatre Royal brings big laughs, magical storytelling and that classic Waterford panto energy. Add candlelit concerts, local craft events and seasonal surprises across the city, and you’ve got a perfect Christmas day out.
Kilkenny – Tradition, Wonder & Festive Family Fun
Kilkenny’s medieval streets come alive during Yulefest, with a Christmas market, Santa arrivals, live music, craft stalls and festive entertainment each weekend. St Canice’s Cathedral Christmas Tree Festival adds a touch of community magic, with local groups decorating trees that fill the cathedral with colour and creativity.
For families, the Santa Experience at Jurassic Newpark is truly unforgettable, a twinkling trail, elf workshops, reindeer meet-and-greets, gingerbread decorating, the Jurassic Express Train and even Paddy the Christmas Dinosaur. It’s pure Kilkenny magic.
Carlow – Cosy Markets & Community Cheer
Carlow offers calm and cosy festive moments. From seasonal markets to family events, Santa visits and local performances, it’s a warm and welcoming place to enjoy the run-up to Christmas. Whether you’re catching a workshop, picking up a handmade gift or simply taking in the lights, Carlow is made for an easy-going festive day out.
Why Choose JJ Kavanagh?
Free Wifi
On-board wifi
USB Charging
USB points at each seat
Toilets
For your convenience
Comfort
Very comfortable seats
Baggage
Ample allowance
With an average vehicle age of less than four years, our coach fleet is one of the most modern, reliable, and comfortable in the European marketplace. We invest significantly in upgrading and expanding our fleet annually to provide you with the best travel experience. Our commitment to maintaining a young and technologically advanced fleet ensures that you receive top-quality service and comfort on every journey.
Plan Your Christmas Adventure
From glowing light trails in Dublin to festive markets in Waterford, magical Santas in Kilkenny and ice-skating fun in Limerick, every stop offers its own sparkle. Let JJ Kavanagh take care of the travel so you can focus on the joy, the stories, and the unforgettable Christmas memories.
Pre-book your tickets today and make it an extra-ordinary Christmas ✨