A picture from Lough Gur Christmas. I PICTURE: Keith Wiseman
TOWNS and villages across County Limerick have transformed into a winter wonderland this festive season, with a variety of family-friendly events taking place.
The calendar is bursting with festive events and activities, set to entertain and enchant.
Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr Francis Foley said that towns and villages across Limerick will be a hive of activity as family and friends return home this Christmas.
“There is a whole host of festive activities and events programmed for your entertainment and I would urge everyone across Limerick city and county to come out and support local business wherever possible,” he said.
Here is a list of the events across the county:
Yuletide all Wrapped Up!
· It’s panto time (oh, yes it is!) as Mother Hubbard and her faithful dog Growler, along with a whole host of zany characters, make an appearance in Old Mother Hubbard’s Crazy Christmas at Friars’ Gate Theatre.
· Huddle in for a festive storytelling session at Newcastle West Library, as Simone Schuemmelfeder shares some heart-warming tales about winter traditions from around Europe, in Festive Folktales from Far Away.
· For the true spirit of Christmas, you can’t beat the Feenagh Christmas Experience for a fun, festive, family day out! Meet Santa and enjoy the train ride, outdoor games and lots more.
· Lap up some classic Christmas family comedy at its finest, with a screening of Home Alone at Friars’ Gate Theatre.
· Or Cycle and Celebrate at the Barnagh Greenway Hub with bike hire at Barnagh Greenway Hub, lunch at Platform 22 Café and drinks tokens for three Abbeyfeale bars included.
Ho-ho-ho! Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Throughout the month of December, boys and girls (on the nice list!) can visit Santa in some of the most unique locations across Co. Limerick.
· Visit Santa, Rudolph and all the other reindeer at Stonehall Wildlife Park before they head off on their big adventure on Christmas Eve.
· It has been a busy year for Santa and the elves, so he has decided to check in to the Castle Oaks House Hotel, Castleconnell for some ‘R & R’- make sure to catch him before Christmas Eve!
· Meet Mrs. Claus and the big man himself, as he prepares for the famous beard-pulling test! The Santa Experience at Lough Gur is set to wow children and parents alike in the magical and serene setting of Lough Gur.
· Mrs. Claus, the Elves and the beardy man in red are making a welcome visit to the Old Schoolhouse, Grange, Bruff this December.
· Take a sleigh ride to Kilmeedy’s Enchanting Santa Village, to visit Mrs. Claus and the Elves Workshop before getting your picture taken with Santa himself!
· Even Santa needs to take a break, so why not join the big man himself for breakfast on Christmas Eve at D&M Garden Centre, Croagh as he welcomes you into his Christmas kitchen.
Christmas Craft Fairs, Markets and Workshops
· Get crafty with some very special festive themed workshops this December, at The Painted Pot, Barnagh Greenway Hub.
· Let the Christmas creativity flow and make your very own set of Christmas tree decorations with an Adults Christmas Decoration Workshop at Lough Gur Pottery.
· Stock up on last minute Christmas gifts at this special showcase of local food and crafts at Barnagh Greenway Hub Indoor Christmas Market.
· Whether you’re looking for tasty treats, traditional decorations or cute Christmas crafts, there’s something for everyone at Ballyneety Hub Christmas Market.
· Or soak up the Christmas atmosphere and support local makers, creators and traders at the Twilight Christmas Fair in Knockainey.
Limerick Christmas Racing Festival:
The Limerick Christmas Racing Festival takes place at Limerick Racecourse, Patrickswell from the 26 – 29 December and is the ideal place to continue the festive celebrations in style.
In Abbeyfeale, Kilmallock and Newcastle West, shoppers will get an extra two hours free parking in each of the towns from 2.30pm daily until the 31 December. This is in addition to the first hour free. Parking is free on Sundays as always.
Donn O’Sullivan, Head of Marketing and Communications with Limerick City and County Council said: “Keep an eye on our Christmas in Limerick website Limerick.ie/Christmas and our Christmas in Limerick social media for the latest updates on Christmas events across County Limerick.”
Full details about what’s on over the Christmas period in Limerick are available in the Christmas in Limerick 2022 event guide online and will be distributed throughout Limerick.
Keep up to date with all things Christmas in Limerick via: Limerick.ie/Christmas
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