With twinkling lights in the trees, phenomenal light shows, festive surroundings, and often tasty or warming treats to enjoy along the way, these wonderful illuminated winter trails in Ireland make for a truly memorable family activity.
Don’t forget to wrap up warm and take plenty of photos!
Fun Winter Trails in Ireland
Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo

Dates: October 28th to January 9th 2023
Wild Lights, the spectacular, night-time experience at Dublin Zoo, is back with an exciting brand new theme – The Magic of Life!
Over a thousand breathtaking, dazzling lanterns will portray a fascinating and important story by shining a light on biodiversity.
Travel through the illuminated and magical woodland scenes before encountering the wondrous pollinators including giant bees and bee-hives. See some of nature’s most amazing transformations from the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a stunning butterfly to the intriguing co-operation between ants in a colony.
Discover the abundance and diversity of life in the tree tops of our rainforests and then dive underwater and witness some of the most beautiful sea creatures and the mesmerising coral – all lit up through magical hand-crafted traditional Chinese lanterns.
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Wonderlights ‘The Night Sky’ at Malahide Castle & Gardens, Dublin

Dates: November 4th to January 3rd 2023
Journey from the Irish Countryside, across the Northern Seas, through the Arctic Forests and discover the spectacular Northern Lights!
Wonderlights is an enchanting evening spectacle for all the family, taking you on an awe-inspiring walking trail through the illuminated gardens of Malahide Castle. Guests can expect a magical mix of lights, colour, nature and sounds.
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Land of Light at Belvedere House, Westmeath
Dates: November 18th to December 28th
Land Of Light is an outdoor event that combines the use of nature and technology to provide a spectacle of lights, music and performance for attendees of all ages. Set in the beautiful grounds of Belvedere House, Gardens & Park in County Westmeath, the experience delivers thrills and excitement at every turn.
As you walk your way along the forest trail, the night sky, trees and buildings are lit up by a spectacular light show, with stunning atmospheric music to complete the scene. It’s like walking through another world!
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Hillsborough Light Trail, Belfast
Dates: December 1st to January 1st 2023
Following a successful first year, the magic is back at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, close to Belfast. Over a million twinkling lights and seasonal sounds will fill the air with festive fun!
Look forward to some time together with friends and family as you discover sparkling tunnels of light, then walk under giant baubles and beneath glistening trees drenched in jewel-like colour.
For a moment of reflection, pause at mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden, gaze at the larger-than-life illuminations and, to make a moment to remember, don’t forget to glimpse Father Christmas along the way.
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Don’t Miss…
Get wrapped up in the magic of Christmas with these fantastic family events and activities around Ireland – seasonal fun guaranteed!
Christmas Trail of Lights at Bunratty Castle, Clare

Dates: November 25th to December 23rd
With a little sprinkling of magical fairy dust over this quaint little corner of County Clare Santa has created a magical illuminated festive trail for all to enjoy!
Spread across the park’s extensive 26 acres, take a wander along the park’s charming paths and enjoy an array of illuminated festive displays along the way. Meet a host of colourful festive characters, take a ride of the Bunratty Polar Express or a whirl on our magical carousels. And you never know you might even catch a glimpse of the big man in the red suit before he takes off to his workshop in the North Pole.
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Illuminated Forest Walk at Marlay Park, Dublin
Dates: 2022 dates TBC
The beautifully illuminated forest walk at Marlay Park is a one-kilometre trail amongst the trees. Fully accessible for wheelchairs and buggies, and an oasis of calm beneath the twinkling lights.
For more information, check the Facebook page.
