Looking ahead to the Christmas Fair

With 22 years of success behind it, the Kingscourt Craft Fair has established itself as highlight of the Christmas season. And this year the organisers are looking forward to a great fair bringing a festive atmosphere to the community centre .

“It’s an annual tradition held below in the community centre,” says Martin Kelly, one of the volunteers behind it.

“Small businesses come and display their items and hopefully it generates sales for them while bringing a bit of buzz to the town itself.”

Neighbouring counties of Monaghan and Meath are well represented amongst the stall holders.

“The last person that applied for a stand came from Navan,” Martin says to emphasise the point.

“A couple of local bakers are coming from Monaghan, so it’s a regional fair, and some people actually, believe it or not, from August on will be looking to book their places.”

The reason the stall holders are eager to return is the attendance.

“The footfall last year I think was 3,600 across the two days,” recalls Martin noting it’s well able to cater for such attendances given community centre is “one of the largest” in the region.

A total of 51 stalls will attend the event, despite their aim to “scale it back” a little ahead of a rebrand in 2026.

“They are looking to rebrand the event as a Christmas market more than a trade fair,” explains Martin. They hope this will see it “go hand in hand” with the switching on of the lights in future

This year Santa turned on the lights with a big community get together on Friday last, November 28, while the market is happening this coming weekend.

He’s grateful for the community stalwarts and volunteers who make the craft fair a hit every year.

“Marie Smith has been involved in from the very beginning, as has Clifford from the very start. They also get assistance with the likes of putting up posters from the Community Employment Scheme who give up their time to do it over the weekend.”