Roscrea's Taste of Christmas market and festival this weekend

IT'S beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Roscrea as preparations are underway for the hugely popular Taste of Christmas festival, which returns to Roscrea for the second weekend in December and is packed with fun and attractions.

Now in its eleventh year, the 2023 event promises a Christmas wonderland in the heart of Roscrea, with a dazzling gathering of all that is best in arts, crafts and top-class produce from artisans and artists based in our beautiful area.

It has been confirmed the wonderful Christmas Market will take place in the Black Mills on Saturday December 9th and Sunday December 10th and that Santa will be in his Roscrea grotto to meet all the boys and girls on both days!

Santa's very popular North Pole Express Train will also be in Roscrea for the Taste of Christmas Festival - making for wonderful photo opportunities and family Christmas memories against the backdrop of Roscrea's most beautiful historic monuments.

The event has become an annual seasonal highlight of the Midlands and the diverse array of food and craft produce on offer at the Christmas Market attracts large numbers of visitors to the heritage town - where local businesses and producers have a unique opportunity to showcase their produce.

The Christmas Festival always provides a huge boost for the town and the atmosphere it creates is truly magical - where old friends meet and everyone comes together as the Christmas season gets underway.

This year, visitors can expect a wide variety of stalls in the historical site – where the perfect opportunity to meet local craftspeople and food producers and purchase that special gift for this Christmas awaits you.

Local Councilor and founder of the annual event, Michael Smith, told the Tribune it is the great working relationship that exists between Tipperary County Council and the Office of Public Works that opens up a magical venue for the event every year.

“I want to acknowledge and thank the local authority for the continued support in hosting the Taste of Christmas. We have always worked closely with the officials in the OPW, their continued help and co-operation ensures that this event is made possible", Cllr Smith said.

“Local craftspeople and food producers have been working for several months with this Christmas Market in mind. Preparations are in the final stages and we ask people to come and join us as we begin the festive season, with a real sense of hope and optimism for the future.

Roscrea Chamber of Commerce is looking forward to a bumper weekend for Roscrea as the festival always brings an increase in footfall for other businesses in the town.

“We would like to wish the committee a very successful market and Taste of Christmas Festival. This brings a huge increase in footfall to the town and allows us to offer different discounts and incentives for shoppers.

"We will be working closely with the committee and hope that this attracts extra retailers during this very important period", the local Chamber said.

Almost 50 stalls and attractions will be on display and visitors are advised to wrap-up for the cold weather, but remember the Market will be inside the warm Black Mills venue.

The Christmas Market will be held on Saturday December 9th and Sunday December 10th from 11am to 6pm and Santa will be in his grotto from 12:30pm to 5:30pm on both days.