LEARN all about ancient times at The Holly King at Fore Abbey Valley, Co Westmeath. Open every weekend until 23 December, the festival teaches visitors about ancient times when it was believed a seasonal battle took place between the Oak King in the Summer and the Holly King in the Winter. A visit to The Holly King this Christmas in his indoor sacred grove at Fore gives visitors a unique opportunity to learn about trees, receive an oak tree sapling, a candy cane treat and the chance to make a Christmas wish. This Christmas adventure will last for 200 years. Find out more at www.discoverireland.ie

EXPLORE Yulefest Kilkenny, a curated Christmas festival for all the family to enjoy throughout December. With a wide range of seasonal activities, the programme offers everything from family friendly festive events to fine dining. Combine shopping with skating or browsing with brunch, see light installations, hear castle choirs and snap Christmas carousels against the backdrop of an atmospheric and walkable city. Sip hot chocolates or crafted cocktails and whether you want to take elfies or selfies, take time out so you can take it all in at Yulefest Kilkenny. See www.yulefestkilkenny.ie for more information.

VISIT Wicklow Christmas Market, set within the magical Abbey Grounds in Wicklow town on 15, 16 and 22 December. Featuring traditional German-style stalls, workshops, artisan food, live music, a funfair craft market and Santa Claus, this Wicklow winter fun is perfect for all the family. For animal lovers, the alpaca experience offers an alternative activity. So why not come on down and try out some of our local artisan foods, buy some decorations or find a gift for a loved one. There is something for everyone so make sure you don’t miss out on this year’s fantastic Christmas market. See www.wicklowchristmasmarket.com for more information.

ATTEND a winter exhibition at Mayo’s Temple bar gallery. Running until February, this exhibition will feature a film installation from Irish artist Ailbhe Ní Bhriain. Inscriptions of an Immense Theatre uses imagery captured at a number of diverse locations to explore the ideas of heritage and the legacy of empire. Ní Bhriain is known for her powerful and immersive multi-screen video installations. For this thought-provoking and, at times, disturbing work, Ní Bhriain combines film with the heavy use of computer-generated imagery to produce a piece which pokes at the sometimes invisible constructs that support the cultural and historical narratives of western society. See www.templebargallery.com for further information.

CELEBRATE Christmas at the Milk Market in Limerick city. A full week of markets until Monday 24 December, the famous market will feature up to 60 stalls and shops. Packed with a wide range of artisan food, craft & gift possibilities, quality festive and speciality foods, toys, books, fashion and more, it’s not to be missed. Support the transition year student enterprise market on Friday, 14 December. Meet Santa Claus on Saturday or visit the Vintage and Handmade Christmas Craft Fair on Sunday. To find out more, see www.milkmarketlimerick.ie