Christmas in Temple Bar:Wrap up and enjoy the free programme of cultural events in Temple Bar, in Dublin, over Christmas. It features street performances, children's workshops, carol singing, a Christmas-themed movie, book reading and the opportunity to learn how to have a sustainable kind of Christmas. Temple Bar is also offering an alternative way to shop for Christmas, with its three outdoor markets. See www.templebar.ie
New Ross Nollaig Festival
Enjoy the seasonal atmosphere of the historic walled town of New Ross, in Co Wexford, with a three-day Christmas festival that includes a national carol-singing competition. The festival, which takes place from December 19th to 21st, includes street markets, a parade of visiting choirs through the streets singing carols, evening carol services in the town's churches, and a visit by Santa to Dunbrody Famine Ship (below).
Santa at Crag Cave
Visit Santa and his elves in his (overground) grotto at Crag Cave in Castleisland, Co Kerry. You can see the live reindeer and polar bears, and enjoy the snow scenes and outdoor Christmas lights.
Visits to Santa are by appointment only. www.cragcave.com.
Skibbereen walks
A reminder that Skibbereen Walking Group's programme of winter walks in Co Cork continues up to and right through Christmas and into the new year. Next week's walk is in Rosscarbery. Call 087-9079076.
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