With the newly introduced government restrictions on gig attendance having a major impact on Irish musicians this month, there's no better way to support your favourite acts than to buy merch and music directly from the source. In the run up to Christmas, this will be easier than ever – with the Merchy Christmas market returning to The Grand Social in Dublin on December 18 and 19.

Following the success of their 2020 event, Merchy Christmas will be open each day from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of €5 to Dublin Simon Community.

At the merch market, spread across The Grand Social, a host of Irish artists will be flogging their wares directly to their fans.

This year, the artists taking part in the market include:

Ailbhe Reddy, Gemma Dunleavy, HousePlants, Junior Brother, Kneecap, Kynsy, Lankum, Loah , Maria Kelly , Melts, Myles Manley, Nealo, Niamh Regan, Paddy Hanna, Pillow Queens, Rebel Phoenix, Rob De Boer, Royal Yellow, Saint Sister, Silverbacks, Skinner, Soda Blonde, Somebody’s Child, Sorcha Richardson, Tandem Felix, Tebi Rex, The Mary Wallopers, The Scratch, The Zen Arcade, Thumper, Touts, Vernon Jane & Bicurious, Wyvern Lingo, and more to be announced.

Merchy Christmas was the brainchild of Conor Cusack and Saint Sister – who, in the midst of lockdown last year, had the idea of a public merch stall, as a way of creating a personal connection with their listeners, and to thank them for their support over the year. After reaching out to the likes of Lankum, CMAT and The Mary Wallopers, it became clear that this was something lots of other artists wanted to be part of.

Working with Keiron Black and the folks at The Grand Social, they put together a two-day event across multiple floors, which was hugely successful.

“The last two years have been very difficult," Saint Sister comment. "In the absence of any proper guidance we have, time and time again, had to reorganise and replan in order to get by. Merchy Christmas is a small part of the rejigging that all artists have had to do over the last while. Last year, it gave us a boost when we needed it most. Thank God for our community! We’ll see you at the merch stand.”

Nealo, who will also be returning this year, describes last year's Merchy Christmas as one of his "highlights of the year."

"It was heartwarming to meet people face to face and to hang out and chat with people who like my music and also to other artists and friends," he adds. "After a year of no gigs or face to face interactions, it was refreshing to be there in person hanging out and buying and selling merch. 10/10 would go again.”

The Grand Social are also excited to welcome everyone back to “help artists recover from the ongoing restrictions that keeps everyone from performing, especially this time of year."

"We are a fully independent venue and every ounce of this project is directly in line with our ethos," they continue. "It is an amazing opportunity for fans to buy merch directly from the artists they love!”

In line with current public health guidelines, all attendees must provide either proof of full vaccination, or that they have recovered from COVID-19 in the past six months. You may also be asked to show a photo ID. In line with current Government guidelines, The Grand Social ask that patrons practice social distancing and wear a face coverings while attending the market.