Christmas Market Coach Trips to Belfast & Dublin from the North West

Are You Starting to Plan Your Christmas Market Trip?

We are now entering that time of year when the Christmas plans start forming, and when groups, families and friends begin chatting about a festive day out.
Two of the most popular choices every single year for people across the North West are the Belfast Christmas Market and the Christmas markets and festive lights in Dublin.

 From the Derry/Londonderry, Limavady and Coleraine areas, both are easy day trips or why not include overnight options, and this is where booking professional coach hire makes all the difference in how relaxed your festive day becomes.

A Festive Day in Belfast

Belfast’s Christmas Market sits right in front of the iconic Belfast City Hall in Donegal Square, a central, walkable location that immediately feels Christmassy the second you arrive. Wooden stalls, international street food, mulled wine chalets, handmade decorations, artisan candles, local chocolate and cheese makers, it is all right there in one place.

You are also steps away from the shops in Victoria Square and Donegal Place, and if you want to do something extra, the SSE Arena’s open winter skate sessions usually run around the same time (Check for Availability) or why not take in a Belfast Giants game for a great night out.

Staying overnight?

Here are three popular central hotel options if your group wants to make a night of it,

Europa Hotel (4 Star), right beside Great Victoria Street station and walking distance to the market.

Merchant Hotel (5 Star), perfect for a luxury festive experience in the Cathedral Quarter.

The Fitzwilliam Hotel (5 Star) luxury hotel located a short walk from shopping and the Christmas market at City Hall.

Dublin’s Christmas Experience 

Dublin offers a bigger city feel, perfect for those who want more than just a Christmas market, but a full Christmas city experience.

Recent years have included the Christmas Market at Dublin Castle, the Christmas Village on George’s Dock, pop up stalls throughout Temple Bar, traditional stalls at St Stephen’s Green, the famous Grafton Street lights, and the iconic Christmas windows at Arnotts and Brown Thomas, and in 2025 Dublin Loves Christmas is the biggest new addition to the city’s festive line-up, taking over the RDS in Ballsbridge from November 15th to December 23rd, 2025.

Entry to this is free, with a full-size ice rink, Observation Wheel, ‘thrill rides’ (you pay for the attractions), and a market area featuring local traders, food stalls, and Bavarian-style market stalls.

This is a brilliant choice for groups who want shopping, food, markets, drinks and big city festive atmosphere all in one place.

Staying overnight?

Two brilliant luxury options in the heart of Dublin,

The Merrion Hotel (5 Star), elegance, stunning rooms and beautiful dining.

The Shelbourne Hotel (5 Star), an iconic landmark hotel right on St Stephen’s Green.

Why coach hire simply works better

Driving to either city during Christmas can be exhausting, with stop start traffic, expensive parking, long walks back to the car with bags, and someone always having to say “I will drive”.

Coach travel takes all of that away.

You arrive together, you leave together, you are dropped close to the action, and everyone can enjoy the day without worrying about driving home.
You get to relax, chat, listen to Christmas music and get into the festive mood from the minute you step onboard.

Executive Travel NI is here to make your festive plans simple, smooth and enjoyable.

Book Your Festive Transport

We are now taking bookings for Belfast and Dublin Christmas Market trips from, Derry/Londonderry, Limavady, Coleraine and across the Causeway Coast

We have executive mini and mid coaches ideal for small group outings, 16 to 33 seats, and full size luxury coaches up to 53 seats for larger groups.

Make Christmas simple. Make it social. Make it a proper day out.

Executive Travel NI

📞 028 7135 4013

📧 [email protected]

🌐 www.executivetravelni.com