Gifted: The Contemporary Craft & Design Fair
Visitors can browse handmade creations from more than 400 designers, makers, and artisan food producers under one roof. Highlights include the Christmas Food Emporium, tastings, author book signings, and a Guinness World Record-holding knitted map of Ireland diorama. Guests can also join free card-printing workshops and explore curated displays of Irish ceramics and sustainable goods.
What to Expect
Ireland’s largest celebration of craft, design, and artisan food.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Organizer
Gifted Fair
Food & Drink
The Food Emporium features artisan producers offering chocolate, cheese, chutney and other Christmas-table goods, with Polish wine tastings; the fair also has two main restaurants and several cafés.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Christmas shoppers and craft, design, and artisan food fans
Vibe
Festive and artisanal
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
€
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Adults: €15 (plus Ticketmaster fees if booking online); OAPs: €12 (only available from the box office during the Fair); Children under 16 accompanied by a parent or legal guardian: Free (this does not apply to school groups). Special discounts are available for groups of 10 or more visitors if booked in advance of the show. – Get tickets
- Parking: Visitor parking is available at the venue; RDS parking is fee-paying, has limited availability, and cannot be booked in advance. The stated daily rate is subject to change.
- Accessibility: Guide dogs and accredited assistance dogs have full access to the fair.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed, except guide dogs and accredited assistance dogs.
Tips & Advice
- Shop on Wednesday 2 December if you can, because every purchase at the fair gets a 10% discount on the opening day.
- Leave your coat and bags at the free cloakroom at the front of the Main Hall so you can browse over 400 stands hands-free.
- Pick up a free re-admission pass at the Organisers' Office before you leave if you want to come back, because your original ticket won't get you in again.
- Bring a reusable water bottle with you, because there's a Water Bottle Refill Station in the Food Emporium where you can top it up.
- Consider taking the bus or DART, because RDS parking is limited and can't be booked ahead, although a free shuttle runs from Simmonscourt to the entrance.
Special Events & Promotions
- 10% off all purchases on the opening day, Wednesday 2 December.
- This year is The Year of Ceramics, celebrating Irish ceramic artists.
- The Year of the Chocolatier in the Food Emporium, with handmade Irish chocolate from Irish chocolatiers.
- Free Print Your Own Christmas Card workshops with We Make Good on the balcony, several sessions each day.
- Group discounts for 10 or more visitors, booked in advance by phone or email (not online).
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I come back on another day?
Yes. Before you leave, pick up a free re-admission pass at the Organisers' Office, because your original ticket won't let you back in.
Is there somewhere to leave coats and shopping?
Yes. There is a free cloakroom for coats and purchases at the front of the Main Hall.
Where do I park?
Parking is in the Simmonscourt Arena Car Park on Simmonscourt Road. A free shuttle bus takes you to the fair entrance and back. Parking is fee-paying, limited and can't be booked in advance. The RDS is also served by buses and the DART.
What is there to eat and drink?
There are two main restaurants and several cafés. The Christmas Food Emporium has over 100 Irish artisan food producers, and Polish Wine Fest offers wine tastings there.
What else is on besides shopping?
We Make Good runs free Christmas card printing workshops on the balcony, and Dubray hosts book signings with Irish authors. You can also see the Guinness World Record knitted map of Ireland, the Made Local exhibition from the DCCI, and the reuzi Loves sustainability showcase.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.