Monthly Archives: September 2023

emerald-park-tricky-trail
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Spooktacular Halloween Fun at Emerald Park Meath

Get ready for a thrilling and spine-tingling Halloween season at Emerald Park, Ireland’s only theme park and zoo. This year the park is hosting two spooky events that promise to thrill visitors of all ages. From a family-friendly day adventure on the ‘Tricky Trail,’ to the heart-pounding excitement of ‘Emerald Park After Dark,’ Emerald Park’s Halloween festivities have something for everyone young and old this season.

Tricky Trail at Emerald Park (Day Event)

Embark on a journey filled with magic, mystery, and mayhem at Emerald Park’s Tricky Trail as Theatreworx Productions return for another spooktacular Halloween. This family treasure hunt is set to immerse families in a world of spooky stories, eccentric experiments, spellbinding performances, and captivating entertainment.

Upon arrival, guest can collect their Tricky Trail map before embarking on a terrific treasure hunt. Begin your trail by exploring the Ghoulish Graveyard, and be sure to watch out for some friendly ghouls as you go! Guests will continue their journey through the Freaky Forest and Haybale Maze, complete with colourful witches’ hats and surprise fairytale characters. Emerald Park’s resident scarecrow will be ready to test guests’ courage with tricks and games in the Scarecrow’s Barn. Then, reach the House of Helga where guests can take a whirl at witchcraft with potions, storytelling, and spells. Get spooky with Dracula in his legendary castle for some fang-tastic fun on the main stage.

As guests travel through the trail there will be plenty of hidden treasures to find and perhaps even a trick or treat surprise at the end!

Entry to the Tricky Trail is included free with all ticket prices on October 21st, 22nd, 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st, and November 1st from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

 

Emerald Park After Dark (Night Event)

“Howl-o-ween” at Emerald Park is calling and it’s time to experience spine-tingling excitement like never before at “Emerald Park After Dark”.

With the thrill of the night and the adrenaline rush of your favourite park attractions, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Dare to conquer the legendary “BIG EIGHT” attractions at the park, including Cú Chulainn coaster, Endeavour, The Rotator, Dino Dash, Flight School, Air Race, Windstar, and Power Surge. Soar through the night, brace for twists and turns, and roar your way through these exhilarating thrill-seeking rides.

Dates: October 20th, 21st, 28th, and 29th

Time: 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Prices: General Admission – €17 | Members – €12

Indulge in delicious food, drinks, and sweet treats during the event. The Argentinian Grill and Dino Bite will be open, along with offerings from Boost, Donut Delights, and souvenirs at the Gift Shop.

Please note that the After Dark attractions are suitable for individuals 1.2 meters in height and above, and this is a NO SCARE event.

Don’t miss out on the Argentinian Grill’s burger meal deal offer for just €8.95 (in-park price €9.95) when you book your meal online in advance.

Capture the memories with on-ride photo souvenirs available at Flight School, Dino Dash, and Cú Chulainn.

Visit Emerald Park this Halloween season for a day filled with unforgettable adventures, magical moments, and endless fun for the entire family. Don’t wait – get your tickets now and make this Halloween one to remember!

Book Now

Winterval-Waterford
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Winterval Waterford City

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Winterval, Ireland’s largest Christmas festival returns to Waterford this November and December for its 11th year with its biggest and most festive programme yet. Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, will be transformed into a magical Winterval wonderland from Friday, November 17th until Saturday, December 23rd.

Be a part of our journey through a world of Christmas celebration, magical experiences, festive family attractions, seasonal surprises and an abundance of free and ticketed events for all ages to enjoy.

Brought to you by Waterford City and County Council, Winterval 2023 will see the return of lots of the original attractions like Santa’s arrival to Waterford, Winterval On Ice, the Port of Waterford Eye, the Helter Skelter and Winterval Carousel; newer events like the Winterval Circus, the Fire Show, and the Lego exhibition, and magical reimaginations of so many of the festival favourites including a multi-dimensional light show, European-style Winterval food and craft markets, a packed programme of live music and performances and an enchanting display of festive decoration that will dazzle and delight Kids from 1 to 92 … and it’s all happening this Christmas in the heart of Waterford City.

Tickets are now on Sale for Santa’s Gingerbread House

Top secret visits have been taking place right under the noses of the people of Waterford as Santa has made preliminary visits to Ireland’s Christmas Festival to ensure his elves are carrying out all of his tip top plans for his candy filled Gingerbread house in the city centre for Winterval.

The elves have been super-duper busy preparing for the confidential check-in’s from the main man and for the official arrival of Santa at the 2023 Winterval festival, which will take place in Waterford for the 11th year this November 17th to December 23rd 2023.

From September 3rd 2023, tickets for all the little boys and girls visiting the festival are on sale for a visit to Santa Claus at his wonderful Gingerbread House at www.winterval.ie

Overflowing candy canes, jellytot buttons and icing tops, ‘Santa’s Gingerbread House’ will land in the heart of Waterford City Centre, right at the top of John Robert’s Square, surrounded by all the other delights and activities that Winterval has to offer. A band of merry elves will lead little ones to the door of Santa’s magically sweet cabin and families can enjoy the photo stops along the way.

The all-new ‘Santa Gingerbread House’ offers free tickets for adults, and visitors to the main man will each receive a present and printed family photograph.  Santa will host little guests all the way through the festival until December 23rd, 2023.

At Ireland’s Christmas Festival there will be plenty to see and do before you ever head to Santa Claus. The festival organisers are planning another Winterval festival extravaganza with all of the festival’s firm favourites including the Waterford Illuminates light show, Ice Skating, the Winterval Christmas Market, live music gigs and lots more set to dazzle and delight.

Commenting on the festival planning, Winterval festival co-director John Grubb says,

“Trevor Darmody from the Waterford Academy of Music and Arts and I have been reliving our great Christmas pasts over the entire summer as we meet the fellow festive creators across Ireland and beyond.

We have a wonderful, surprising and delightful array of events and activities for all ages in the family and we can’t wait to unveil the full programme of events in the next few weeks too. For now, Santa has given his seal of approval and we are thrilled to say “tickets to see Santa at Winterval are now available.” 

Further details of the 2023 Winterval Festival programme will be revealed over the coming weeks, for now, details on the Santa experience can be viewed and reservations made at www.winterval.ie

Elf-Town-Galway
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Elf Town Galway

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Elf Town Galway back for 2023

Elf Town is a 2 hour Christmas experience set over 3 different buildings with the magical journey itself set over 4 floors, where at the end, you and your family get a private visit with Santa who is the most realistic and authentic Santa you will find – The children will be amazed when he knows a little secret about each child.

This year, every child will receive an Elf Town branded gift pack with an official invite from Santa to Elf Town addressed to the children, our unique Golden ticket and a map of Elf Town. New to 2023 – Santa will also include a personalised postcard for each child thanking them for coming to Elf Town – something the grown-ups can leave on the tree on Christmas morning. This will come by post from Santa himself before your booking date. All included with your ticket purchase.

Only at Elf Town can your family have a private visit with the “Real Santa.” Our Santa is the most realistic and authentic Santa you will find. When we say, “Believe in the Magic” If at this stage you do not already – you are guaranteed to now. Santa will know some secrets on each of the children that visit his Grotto. Your children will be amazed when Santa can tell them something about themselves such as something they are good at, teachers name, best friend etc. Guaranteed to keep the children believing in the magic – not to mention the grown-ups! Santa gives each child a special Elf Town gold toy coin for them to go to Santa’s toy shop that is stacked floor to ceiling, with lots and lots of presents that the Elves have made for the boys and girls – where they can exchange the toy coin for any present they choose.

Beginning your journey at our Castle gates and explore a magical world!

  • Jack Frosts Ice House – 50 Mtr sq House made of real ice – a great photo op!
  • Postal Portal – Children can sit with Postie elf and write and send their letters to Santa.
  • Disco Dancefloor – Hit our LED Dancefloor and strut your stuff with “Boogie” our Disco Elf.
  • Rudolph the red nose reindeer – our very popular puppet.
  • Elf Terrace – Spend 15 minutes here – listen to the tales from the Elves and maybe throw some snowballs!
  • Mrs. Claus Kitchen – Elf Town would not be the same without Mrs. Claus – an old favourite when the children get to decorate a cookie with Mrs. Claus
  • Elf Town Express – Watch the children’s amazement as they look at our train steam up the tracks in our beautiful mountain setting.
  • Your family’s private visit with Santa. Our Santa is the most realistic and authentic Santa you will find. When we say “Believe in the Magic” If at this stage you do not already – you are guaranteed to now. Santa will know some secrets on each of the children that visit his Grotto. Your children will be blown away when Santa can tell them something about themselves such as something they are good at, teachers name, best friend etc. Guaranteed to keep the children believing in the magic – not to mention the grown-ups!
  • Santa’s Toy Shop – Santa gives each child a gold toy coin for them to go to Santa’s toy shop that is stacked floor to ceiling with lots and lots of presents that Santa’s Elves have made for the boys and girls. Here they can exchange the toy coin for any present they like.
 
 

Book your tickets online

 

Galway Races
Galway, H91 V654
Web : https://elftowngalway.com/

winter wonderland at kia ora mini farm
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Kia Ora Mini Farm Wexford

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Visit Santa in Gorey, Wexford at his Kia Ora Mini Farm Magical Christmas Experience

Santa Claus is delighted to announce his return to the Wexford Winter Wonderland that is Kia Ora Mini Farm. Come visit the animals, see Santa’s cosy home and view in amazement our enchanting musical light show.

Admission: €24.50 per child, €12.50 per adult, €12.50 under 11 months old

The Booking Time that you are choosing is the actual time that you will meet Santa. You can arrive at the farm any time during our opening times prior to this time but AT LEAST 15 minutes prior to the booking time. All guests on the booking should arrive to check in together. If your booking is late in the evening you should give yourself plenty of time to visit our animals and have a look around the farm before you make your way to visit Santa. Please be outside Santa’s door 5 minutes before your booking time.

Book Now

Contact us on 053 94 21166, 086-0836715 or 086-8788424 for details

Opening Hours Christmas 2023

  • Sat 25th & Sun 26th Nov 1pm to 7pm
  • Saturday, 2nd Dec & Sunday, 3rd Dec: 1pm – 7pm
  • Fri, 8th Dec: 4pm to 7pm
  • Saturday, 9th Dec & Sunday, 10th Dec: 1pm – 7pm
  • Mon, 11th Dec to Fri 15th Dec: 4pm to 7pm
  • Saturday, 16th Dec & Sunday, 17th Dec: 1pm to 7pm
  • Monday 18th Dec & Tues 19th Dec: 4pm to 7pm
  • Wed 20th to Thurs 23rd Dec: 1pm to 7pm

CLOSED ON CHRISTMAS EVE

kia ora mini farm wexford

From start to finish a festive Christmas visit to Santa at Kia Ora Farm in Wexford is full of sparkle and will include:-

  • Thousands of Twinkling Lights
  • Live Stable of Bethlehem
  • Illuminated Light Show
  • Feed the Reindeer and other animals
  • Visit Santa’s Bedroom Kitchen, Workshop and Post Office
  • Post your Letter in Santa’s Post Box

 

kia ora mini farm wexford

From start to finish a festive Christmas visit to Santa at Kia Ora Farm in Wexford is full of sparkle and will include:-

  • Each Family will have their own booking time with Santa Claus. You Can take as many photos as you wish and throughout the farm.
  • Each good child will then be directed to the Giant Present Room to check if their family is on the list to choose their fantastic gift.
  • Please ensure to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your booking time to ensure that you are ready to meet Santa at the time specified in your booking.
  • Please ensure that everyone on the booking arrives together at the same time to the entrance for check in to the farm at least 15 minutes prior to time booked to see Santa.

 

Address : Courteencurragh, Gorey, Co. Wexford

Phone : 053 9421166 / 086-8788424 / 086-0836715

Web address : www.kiaoraminifarm.com

 

 

crag cave kerry
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Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Crag Cave Kerry

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Santa’s Winter Wonderland 2023

Please note. Santa’s Grotto is in our play area Crazy Cave, it is not in the cave.

On Christmas Eve, some years ago, as Santa flew over Crag Cave in Castleisland with Rudolph and the reindeer, it started to snow. Fresh snowflakes are one of Santa’s favourite things and watching them fall gently on the sleigh, he got distracted!

Santa accidentally dropped a bottle of magic dust! 

It sprinkled all over Crag Cave and now, each December magic fills the air around us. So every year Santa returns to this special place with Rudolph, some of the reindeer and the elves to visit all the boys and girls at his Winter Wonderland in Castleisland, County Kerry.  

With a dash of magic dust, our Winter Wonderland experience brings Santa and Rudolph, Santa’s bedroom, the elves’ bedroom, the North Pole post box, polar bears, snow scenes and an animated reindeer ride to all our visitors.

I can’t wait! What will happen during our visit?

Each family will be able to visit Santa on their own in the grotto.

The elves will guide all the children and families through the Winter Wonderland.

Children can enjoy an animated reindeer ride and a complimentary one hour play in our Crazy Cave soft play centre.

Rudolph and some of the other reindeer will be outside enjoying the magic Crag Cave grass!

Santa’s elf will take a photograph of each family and it can be viewed after play time in the Christmas shop and purchased if desired. (Photographs are not included in the Winter Wonderland experience.) However, Santa’s elves are happy to take photographs on your own devices as you make your way through the Winter Wonderland.

 

Santa’s Winter Wonderland Prices

(including one hour in Crazy Cave soft play centre)

Child:  €25

Babies less than 1 year old : €15

Adult: €10

Book Now

After your visit to Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Crag Cave, why not take the time to spread some magic dust feeling to the special people in your life? Browse through our Christmas shop where there’s a treasure trove of hand-made, artisan and bespoke Christmas gifts and decorations.

Please note the play area is open until 7pm at the weekends and 8.30 on weekdays during Santa.

Our Garden Restaurant and Crazy Cave café serves delicious hot food, snacks, freshly baked pastries and a selection of teas and coffees. During the Winter Wonderland weekends, food will be served until 5:30pm. On weekdays you can enjoy a late evening meal until 6:30pm.

 

Crag Cave
Castleisland
Co. Kerry
Tel: +353 (0)66 714 1244
Email: info@cragcave.com
Website

Helix-Panto-Treasure-Island-2023
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The Helix Panto Treasure Island

TREASURE ISLAND AT THE HELIX – TICKETS NOW ON SALE

Tickets for The Helix Panto 2023 Treasure Island are now on sale. This firm family favourite created by the energetic team at TheatreworX Productions will run from November 24th 2023 to January 14th 2024. 

Treasure Island promises to be as fun, fresh and magical as ever with a script full of twists and turns and plenty of adventure. It truly is a panto that all the family – young and old – will enjoy!

Read Our Review Here

Michael Brady of The Helix Theatre said 

“Due to phenomenal interest, everyone involved in the Helix Panto made the decision to go on sale with our panto earlier than previous years. The Helix Panto is proud to be part of so many family traditions over the holidays and we are always delighted to see new families embrace TheatreworX’s fresh and imaginative approach to panto year on year. We’re excited to stage another unconventional panto title Treasure Island and know that our audiences will be excited too.”

Tickets for Treasure Island are from €27.50 plus booking fee are now available to buy online:

Book Now

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#HelixPanto 

santa-experience-dunnes-stores
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The Santa Experience – Santa’s Magical Cabin

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Santa and his elves are back for 2023! 

It has been a busy year here in the North Pole. After the success of 2022 Santa and his elves have been working hard to ensure every family has a wonderful private visit with Santa Claus! 

Upon check in each family will meet their elf guide who will take them directly to Santa’s Magical Cabin. 

As always Santa Claus will have know some special information about your children, give them a lovely age appropriate gift and take some gorgeous professional photos to capture the magic of meeting Santa!

Grotto-only visits: This year, all locations will again be cabin-only private visits with Santa meaning each family/group will get their own one on one time with Santa.  As always, Santa will have special information about your children, give them an age-appropriate gift, and take a memorable photo that will last a lifetime!

Precise timeslots: In order to reduce wait times and prevent crowds, we have created more precise timeslots. Similar to previous events, check-in will be no more than 10-minutes before your timeslot. Please arrive at check in with your your QR code or confirmation email ready for inspection.

Special needs: Because of the changes we have made to our event we do not have a specific autism friendly day because every day is autism friendly! As always, if your child has specific needs that may not be met at our event, please contact us ahead of time at info@santaexperience.ie, and remind the receptionist on the day so we can make your visit run as smoothly as possible!

Santa and his elves can’t wait to see you this Christmas! 

Come join the magic!

Venues

  • Dunnes Stores, Ilac Centre, Dublin 1
  • Dunnes Stores, Henry St., Dublin 1
  • Dunnes Stores, Kilnamanagh, Tallaght, Dublin 24
  • Dunnes Stores, Patrick Street, Cork
  • Jetland Shopping Centre, Ennis Road, Limerick
  • The Kyle Centre, Portlaoise 
  • Dunnes Stores, Ennis Town Centre

Dates/Times

  • 17th November to 23rd December 2023
  • 12pm to 6pm (generally) See website for times
  • Please check our online booking system for exact opening times of your preferred location

Admission

  • Children €13.50 (incl. gift)
  • Adult €6 (no gift)
  • Baby €13 (with gift)
  • Baby €6 (no gift)
  • Special invite: €14 (plus postage)

Photos

  • €16 for first photo
  • €14 for each additional copy
  • €40 Digital photo USB + 1 printed photo 

Santa’s Shop

  • Reindeer Food: €4
  • Finding Nutmeg book €12
  • Finding Activity book €7

Booking

Book online now at www.santaexperience.ie

Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSantaExperience/

Instagram: santaexperienceireland

Youtube: http://youtu.be/NIRE3g7ENBY

 

santa-by-the-sea shoreline hotel
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Santa By The Sea Shoreline Hotel

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Santa by the Sea Experience 2023

The run up to Christmas is the highlight for many families every year, with twinkly lights everywhere, festive drinks with loved ones and nativity plays, and of course, a trip to visit Santa! Here at Shoreline Hotel we want to bring the magic of Christmas alive with Christmas cheer and spirit. Santa and his Elves are eagerly awaiting all the boys and girls to come and visit him in his special Grotto this winter in North County Dublin.

Santa By The Sea on 2nd & 3rd, 9th & 10th, 16th & 17th

Our Santa Festive Family Day includes:

A visit and a gift with Santa in his magical Grotto (please ensure you give  your children’s age and gender upon booking to ensure Santa doesn’t disappoint)

A delicious 2 course lunch for the family before your visit with Santa in the warm and festive surroundings of our Brasserie overlooking the sea.

It is a cost of €30 per child and €30 per adult.

Sitting times are  12.20pm and 3.30pm

Picture with Santa is available to purchase for €10

To book please contact us by email on sales@shorelinehotel.ie or call us on 018109200 and dial 2 for sales.

Full payment to be made upon booking.

BOOK NOW

 

shoreline hotel

Next-Level-Gaming-Van-Birthday-Parties
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Next Level Gaming Van Birthday Parties

Parties For All Ages

Next Level Brings The Party Right To Your Door.
(Now With Virtual Reality, PS5’s & Xbox Series X’s)

Micro Business Awards Entertainment Winner 2022.

Birthday Parties are what we do and what we are amazing at. Providing your child with the best possible entertainment they can have. All our staff are fully certified in Customer Service & Autism Awareness and are some of the friendliest and professional people out there, have a look below to see some of our services on offer:

1 Hour To 3 Hours+ Of Gaming Van Fun For Your Kids Special Birthday.

Fully Supervised By Experienced And Friendly Staff To Let You Unwind While We Take Care Of The Rest.

What Do People Say:
‘All their friends want the gaming bus for their birthdays now. That kinda says it all doesn’t it. Great price great service 5*!!! – Amanda O’Brien

‘Really made my son’s birthday party great, kids all years of age loved it’ – Damo O’Donoghue

‘Hi, would just like to say i would highly recommend Next Level Gaming van. I hired the van for my sons 9th birthday 28th of June all i can say is that he had a fantastic day and everyone loved it.. He is still talking about it today. Thank you for making his special day even more special’ – Sharon Dalton

Games Include: Minecraft, Fortnite, Roblox, Fifa, Plants Vs Zombies, Lego, Brawhalla And Over 250 Other Available Games On Request

Book Now

Prices
Mon- Thurs From €170
Fri – Sun From €200
Travel Costs May Incur Outisde of Dublin & Wexford

Sweet Bags
NLG Sweet Bags Available @ €2.50 Per Child

Mystery Box
Custom Mystery Boxes Now Available From €34.99

Extra Time
Extra Time Is Available At Each Party (Once There Is Availability) @ €35 Per Half Hour

Training
All Our Staff Are Fully Certified & Trained In Customer Serice, Autism Awareness & Health & Safety & More To Ensure You Know That Your Party Is IN The Safest Of Hands With NLG

Next Level Gaming Van
Tel : 085 241 4681
Email : nextlevelire@gmail.com
Visit Web Site

Pink-Ladies-Glam-Van-Birthday-Parties
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Pink Ladies Glam Van Birthday Parties

Available Throughout Ireland, Ireland’s Only Glam Van Bringing The Best Glam Parties Right To Your Door

What To Expect:

Package Name: Glamorous Birthday Bash (From €300)

Package Description: Celebrate your child’s special day in style with Pink Ladies’ Glamorous Birthday Bash! Our fully-equipped Glam Van will come to your location and provide an unforgettable party experience for your child and their friends. With a range of exciting activities to choose from, your child and their guests will be treated to a day of glamour, fun and pampering!

Package includes:

  • Up to 10 People (€350), Up to 8 People (€300)

  • Choice of services (4 For Birthday Girl & 2 For Everyone Else)

    • Nail Painting

    • Face Mask

    • Face Gems

    • Hair Art

  • This package also includes Pink Ladies Robes, Towels, Glitz & Glamour Tattoes, Hair Band (Returned at the end of the party), Red Carpet Entry (Subject to T&C’s), Karaoke, Pick & Mix & Drinks For The Entire Party (€30) & Downloadable Invites

  • Professional and friendly staff to host the party

  • Access to our outside TikTok party area (coming 2024)

  • Use of our fully-equipped Glam Van, complete with music, lighting, and decorations

  • Set up and clean up of the party area

  • 2 hours of party time

Please note that prices may vary depending on the location, party size, and other factors. Contact us today to customize your Glamorous Birthday Bash package and make your child’s special day unforgettable!

Also please note due to Insurance reasons, we cant allow anyone under the age of 6 in the vans

Products

Our services are provided by highly trained beauty therapists. All our products are water-based and pass all health & safety guidelines

Please note that even though all our products are water-based, if there are any allergies of any of the kids please inform us at time of booking

(A waiver may need to be signed)

Additional Items

Additional Glam Memory Photos: €10 per print (Available Soon)

Glam Box: €45 (Includes Satin Pink Ladies Robe, Flip Flops, Hair Band, Nail Poilsh & Remover, Face Mask, Sleep Mask & More Accessories)

Pick & Mix Sweets and Drinks will be available as an extra add-on that will be available to all our guests for €30

Book Now

Pink Ladies Glam Van
Tel : 085 241 4681
Email : info@pinkladies.ie
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