As dusk settles and the Christmas lights begin to twinkle against the wet Irish winter evening, the historic stone grounds of Ballymaloe come alive. Held over two weekends in November (14th–16th & 21st–23rd), the Ballymaloe Grainstore hosts what is widely considered Ireland’s most famous Christmas Craft Fair.
It is the essential stop for thousands of visitors seeking unique, high-quality gifts and a truly festive atmosphere in East Cork.
Shopping Local and Handmade
The fair is a celebration of Irish craftsmanship, featuring hundreds of the country’s finest independent makers. It is the perfect opportunity to find sustainable, handmade Christmas presents that you won’t see on the high street.
Among the many talented artisans showcasing their work this year, keep an eye out for:
- Christina Keogh: Stunning, handcrafted silver and gold jewellery designs from this respected Irish goldsmith. christinakeogh.ie
- Clarissa Webb: Luxurious merino woollens sourced from Donegal to keep you warm this winter.
- Wasi: A unique range of coastal-inspired products including lotions, ointments, bath salts and more celebrating “everything seaweed” from West Cork.
- Buzz of Nature: Delicious raw honey and atmospheric beeswax candles, perfect for the festive table. buzzofnature.ie
A Historic Setting
The fair takes place in the heart of a culinary landmark. The world-renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School was established here in 1983 by Darina Allen and her brother Rory O’Connell. They continued the revolutionary farm-to-fork ethos pioneered by Myrtle Allen at Ballymaloe House in the 1960s, putting Irish seasonal food on the global map. The craft fair is steeped in this rich history of quality and local production.
Don’t forget to explore the grounds—follow the signs for “More Stalls” to find hidden gems and visit the Pop-Up Wine Shop to pick up delicious bottles for Christmas.
2025 Free Shuttle Bus Timetable
To make your visit easier, a free shuttle bus operates continuously over both weekends. No booking is required.
🚌 Route 1: Midleton Service
- Pick-up: Midleton Train Station
- Stops: Cloyne -> Ballymaloe Craft Fair
FRIDAY
- Midleton to Ballymaloe: 5.00pm | 6.50pm
- Return to Midleton: 8.15pm | 9.30pm
SATURDAY
- Midleton to Ballymaloe: 10.50am | 11.50am | 2.50pm
- Return to Midleton: 12.15pm | 4.15pm | 6.15pm
SUNDAY
- Midleton to Ballymaloe: 9.50am | 11.50am | 12.50pm
- Return to Midleton: 1.15pm | 3.15pm | 4.15pm | 5.15pm
🚌 Route 2: Ballycotton Service
- Pick-up: Ballycotton Playground
- Stops: Broderick’s -> Ballymaloe Craft Fair
FRIDAY
- Ballycotton to Ballymaloe: 6.00pm | 7.30pm
- Return to Ballycotton: 7.50pm | 9.00pm
SATURDAY
- Ballycotton to Ballymaloe: 11.20am | 3.30pm
- Return to Ballycotton: 1.00pm | 3.50pm | 5.50pm
SUNDAY
- Ballycotton to Ballymaloe: 10.15am | 12.20pm
- Return to Ballycotton: 4.00pm | 5.00pm
For a complete list of all participating stallholders, visit the official Ballymaloe Grainstore website.
