Cork's Christmas market is going strong on Grand Parade, and continues from Friday to Sunday over the next three weekends until December 20. The market opens from midday to 8pm, and is one of the highlights of 'A Christmas Celebration on the Grand Parade', presented by Cork City Council in association with Bord Gais Energy. Up to 50 stalls dot the Grand Parade from Bishop Lucey Park, down past Nano Nagle Bridge and on to the new boardwalk where the Grand Parade meets South Mall.

A huge variety of artisan food produce will be on sale each weekend, from sushi to roast pig on a spit, and ethnic cuisines. Three of the producers taking part are Krawczyk's West Cork Charcuterie, fish from Oli O'Driscoll's own boat, the Clodagh O in Schull, and 'Soap Dreams' -- natural soaps made from olive, sunflower and coconut oils, produced by Martin Hobbs using a traditional method, with herbs and flowers from his own garden in Macroom. Visit www.cometocork.com for more details.

Over in Killarney, the Christmas spirit is also getting into full swing. At the Malton Hotel today there is a Christmas Craft and Food Fair from 12 noon to 6pm. The 'Christmas in Killarney Festival' is also under way, with myriad events happening right through December. 'Christmas in Killarney' brought to mind the old Bing Crosby song of the same name, it was the B side of White Christmas, and put me in festive humour on my recent visit to the fabulous Brehon Hotel & Angsana Spa in the town. The hotel has great breaks on offer for Christmas.

You can also visit 'Killarney on Ice', which runs from December 4 until January 10.

Irish and international craft and food markets will run every weekend, where you will be able to pick up all sorts of gifts and foodie items. There are events at the INEC and karaoke competitions in the town. If you want a real treat, there are three magnificent evenings of opera by St Mark's Opera Company who will be flying in specially from Florence -- who said you needed to fly anywhere?

The gala opening evening with a selection of the Best of Opera takes place on December 10 -- tickets are €35 including a post-opera reception in the Ross Hotel.

Puccini's La Boheme is on December 11 and Verdi's La Traviata on the 12th -- tickets for both events €25. Check www.christmasinkillarney.com

In Wicklow Gaol there is a Christmas Fair every Saturday until Christmas with hot chocolate, marshmallows, carol singing and fun for all the family. In the magnificent Russborough House next Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6, will be the Christmas fair of the West Wicklow arts and crafts group featuring photographs, paintings, bog oak, sculptures, knitting and so on. Next Saturday also, a Christmas fair will be held in the Gaelscoil Ui Cheadaigh on Vevay Road in Bray. There will be a wreath-making demonstration and also a make-up demonstration, a visit from Santa Claus, and a children's puppet show.

In Wicklow Courthouse on Sunday, December 13, the 'Christmas Spirit Fair' promises quality handcrafts made locally -- pottery and scarves, chutneys and beadwork, Christmas decorations and jewellery, home baking and framed pictures, cards and spicy oils, tea cosies and socks. Unusual and charming gifts, whilst supporting local artisans -- www.visitwicklow.ie.

In the lovely town of Westport, Co Mayo, from December 11 to 13, up to 20,000 visitors are expected to visit 'Shop 'n' Spraoi na Nollaig' taking place in Westport Mall, which will be transformed into a traditional Christmas wonderland. It is all about showcasing locally produced food and crafts in Mayo. There will be a carnival atmosphere with street performances, exhibitions, carol singing, Santa's grotto, a 'live nativity crib', and lots of free giveaways -- www.westportmarket.ie

In Dublin, the '12 Days of Christmas at Docklands' kicks off on December 12 up to the 23rd, 12 noon to 8pm. A European-style traditional Christmas market will be created at George's Dock in the IFSC. There will be stands selling seasonal food and unusual craft gifts. There will also be traditional fairground attractions, mulled wine, carol singing, a German theme bar, an eating area and Christmas entertainment. Visitors will enter this winter wonderland of twinkling lights through the arch at Custom House Quay -- www.ddda.ie

Down in Co Clare, at the Lodge at Doonbeg, they are "following in the grand tradition of cities like Vienna, Munich and Prague" and holding their inaugural Christmas market on December 12 and 13. The courtyard will be transformed into an "old-world town square" featuring stalls stocked with goodies from fine wares to handmade crafts, with the smells of gingerbread and roasting meats from the outdoor cafe to tempt you. There will be a 'live nativity crib', Santa and carol singers -- www.doonbeggolfclub.com

Don't forget too that the town of Ennis is a great place for shopping -- it reputedly has the largest number of boutiques of any town. Mary Gleeson, general manager of the Old Ground Hotel, says traders there really need support after the floods. The town will be open for shopping from December 6 onwards and they will be glad to see you. The Old Ground also has great seasonal offers and party nights. www.flynnhotels.com

Starting out on an exciting new foodie career is Gillian Kearney, with her new Bramley Lodge Cafe & Food Store. Gillian, who comes from a "pub background", is in partnership with Fergal Deasy and Paul O'Sullivan, and, without having done any marketing, the trio are drawing the crowds. Located just off the N25 on the road to Cobh, the business is in a pretty Hansel & Gretel-style house. Fota Resort Hotel general manager John O'Keeffe said Bramley Lodge was proving popular with his guests for foodie gifts.

All the dishes served in the cafe, and fresh and frozen ready meals in the shop, are produced in their own kitchen without any artificial additives, and most are gluten-free. Bramley Lodge is open seven days a week and when the cafe is closed overnight, the baked goods and ready meals such as Skeaghanore West Cork duck are prepared in the kitchen. Look out for their mincemeat with blueberries and cranberries at €5.95 and save yourself a lot of work with their Christmas puddings at €24.95, €14.95, and dinky individual ones for €5. For more information call (021) 488-2499.

Merry shopping.