5 December 2025
Vandeleur Walled Garden & Visitor Centre will be ushering in the festive season this year with a new programme of Christmas events for visitors of all ages.
Kicking off at 6pm on Friday, December 5, the Christmas Launch & Blessing of the Crib event marks the official start of Christmas at Vandeleur.
The evening will begin in the courtyard, where the local parish priest, Fr Michael Collins, will offer a special blessing of the crib. Guests will then be invited to make their way into the Walled Garden for the switch-on of the Christmas lights in the arboretum. This year’s display will unveil the garden’s brand-new Christmas Glow in the Garden trail—an enchanting, illuminated walk that brings the winter landscape to life. In the newly renovated Glasshouse, visitors will then be treated to festive music from the Le Chéile Choral Group.
Acting General Manager of Clare Tourism Development, Melanie Lennon, said, “The team at Vandeleur Walled Garden & Visitor Centre warmly welcomes the local community and visiting guests to join this special evening celebrating togetherness, music, and the wonder of the season. Enjoy some seasonal treats in the Woodland Café and browse for gifts in the Gifts of Vandeleur shop.”
The celebrations continue the following weekend with two signature events: the Annual Christmas Market on Saturday, December 13, and the 2025 Winter Art Exhibition, on Saturday and Sunday, December 13 and 14.
This year’s Christmas market will feature over 30 local artisan stallholders, each offering a unique selection of handcrafted gifts, seasonal foods, homewares, decorations, and artisan treats.
The Winter Art Exhibition will showcase the work of two talented local artists: Hazel Murray and Ailish Malone. Hazel Murray’s atmospheric paintings draw on the dramatic beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way, capturing its rugged coastlines, shifting skies, and evocative sense of place. Ailish Malone, recognised for her distinctive coastal-inspired work, will present a series of evocative artworks alongside her exquisite handmade silk designs, celebrated for their craftsmanship and delicate detail.
Christmas Glow in the Garden will be open from 4pm daily until closing time. The Woodland Café and Gifts of Vandeleur Shop will also be open daily. Santa will also be present on the first three weekends of the month, until 7.30pm, to welcome young visitors.
Vandeleur Walled Garden & Visitor Centre invites everyone to come together and celebrate this special time of year. Standard admission rates apply. For more information, visit: vandeleurwalledgarden.ie
Page last reviewed: 05/12/25
Content managed by: Tourism
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