Monthly Archives: November 2024

Santa's Magical Trail at The Clanard Court Hotel Kildare
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Santa’s Magical Trail at The Clanard Court Hotel Kildare

Welcome to Santa’s Magical Trail

Hello Everybody and welcome to Santa’s Magical Trail at the Clanard Court Hotel…

We are now taking online bookings for the 2024 Santa Season ahead!

We will have TWO magical Santa experiences on offer as follows for you…

1. Our famous overnight SLEEP OVER includes our Magical Trail experience + Santa Visit with Gift, a Festive Banquet Meal (dinner), Bed & Breakfast Stay + evening Santa’s Magical Show with Elf Entertainment! LEARN MORE HERE

2. Our daytrip DINE, SHOW & SANTA VISIT experience and includes a Festive Banquet Meal (lunch) + Santa’s Magical Show (matinee) + Make-A-Teddy Kit + Santa Visit with Gift LEARN MORE HERE 

Both experiences are running on select dates in December and will absolutely deliver on guaranteed FUN and oodles of Christmas Cheer! Something both our Elf Helpers and Santa Team simply excel at here at the Clanard Court Hotel, where these experiences magically happen every year. WE JUST LOVE CHRISTMAS!

***PLEASE NOTE for previous customers prior to 2020, the Dine, Show & Santa Visit is the replacement experience to the past Trail Only experience and does not include the Magical Trail***

We will be in our 16th YEAR of running our award-winning leading Kildare Santa experience this year…we really love all things Santa and believe in lots of FUN, MAGIC and SMILES along the way!!! To date Santa’s Magical Trail has raised €130,000 for children’s charities and local community projects. This year we will be supporting Barretstown as our nominated and locally County Kildare based childrens charity.

BOOK NOW

Clanard Court Hotel
Dublin Road
Athy
Co. Kildare
T: + 353 59 8640666
Email: smt@clanardcourt.ie

Christmas and the Chocolate Factory festivities at The Square Tallaght
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Christmas and the Chocolate Factory festivities at The Square Tallaght

Enter a world of pure imagination at The Square Tallaght this Christmas!

Step into Santa’s Enchanted Elevator and embark on a magical adventure brimming with delightful surprises and festive wonder, in their “Christmas and The Chocolate Factory” grotto.

A child’s ticket is priced at €14 , including a Wonka-style premium chocolate bar with a golden cinema ticket inside. Discounted rates available when booking for three or more children.

Complete your Christmas day out at the outdoor Family Funfair, or pick up an Adventure trail map and complete the steps with lots of fun photo opportunities.

Pop along on any Saturday from Nov 23rd for free family fun including Wonka Live shows (Nov 30th & Dec 14th) , Princess sing along & meet & greets (Dec 7th) or the Christmas Elf party (Dec 21st).

All show dates coincide with special movies screenings in Movies@TheSquare cinema for a complete festive fun date.

For checking off your Christmas lists, The Square has shopping made easy with 160 shops and restaurants including Dunnes Stores, Tesco, Penneys, JD Sports, River Island, H&M, Rituals, The Works and more.

For tasty treats, there’s plenty to pick from, whether it’s favourites like Nando’s, Eddie Rockets and McDonald’s or newcomers to The Square including Cluck Chicken, Griolladh, Café Sol and Boojum.

The Square is just 10 minutes from the M50, and easily accessible thanks its location on the LUAS, with plentiful car parking just €1 for the first 3 hours, and multiple bus routes on its doorstep.

For further information on all activities, including pricing and bookings visit www.thesquare.ie/xmas                             

Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs Lightshow and Santa's Grotto at Loughcrew Meath
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Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs Lightshow and Santa’s Grotto at Loughcrew Meath

As dusk falls, Loughcrew Gardens will be transformed into a magical lightshow wonderland, where enchanting lights and creative installations will fill the air with festive cheer. Many of the stunning displays have been thoughtfully crafted from recycled materials, adding an eco-friendly touch to the experience. Each twist and turn of the path will reveal beautiful surprises, making it a must-visit destination for a truly unforgettable evening. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture these dazzling moments!

Children will also enjoy meeting Santa, sharing their Christmas wishes, and receiving a special gift to make their day even more memorable.

Visitor Information

  • Annual Garden Ticket: Please note, this event is not covered by the Annual Garden Ticket.
  • The Journey: A 1km walk through the Historcal ground, which may take 1 Hour.
  • Weather Precautions: The event runs rain or shine, so be prepared for Ireland’s unpredictable weather!
  • For Families: The Loughcrew Ligtshow is a family-friendly experience, suitable for all ages.
  • Food & Drinks: Enjoy a variety of refreshments at Lime Street Coffee Shop during your visit.
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Our venue is fully accessible for guests using wheelchairs.
  • Dog Friendly: Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead.
  • Children Under 2: Free entry for children under 2 years old.
  • Parking: Ample parking available on-site.
  • Toilets: Restroom facilities will be available.

Plan Your Visit

  • Dates: Every Fri, Sat, and Sun from 14th November until 23rd December
  • Tickets: Prices start from €18 excl. booking fees. Book your tickets below to secure your journey into the Loughcrew Lightshow Wonderland.
  • Opening Hours: The adventure begins at 5:30pm, with the last entry at 7:30pm.

We look forward to welcoming you to Loughcrew Estate, where magic and sustainability come together for an unforgettable festive experience!

TICKETS: €70 family (2+2)
€22 child
€18 adult
€18 under 2/carer
€17 Senior/Student

BOOK NOW

snow white lightshow loughcrew

 

Loughcrew Estate & Gardens
Oldcastle,
Co. Meath,
A82 X4Y1
Tel : +353 49 854 1356
Email : admin@loughcrew.com

Santa's Secret Workshop at International Rugby Experience Limerick
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Santa’s Secret Workshop at International Rugby Experience Limerick

Santa’s Secret Workshop returns to the International Rugby Experience after last year’s sell-out success. 

This enchanting event, in the heart of Limerick city, is back this Christmas to immerse families in the true spirit of the season.

From the twinkling foyer to the whimsical Candy Cane Lane, excitement fills the air as families embark on a journey through the fun-filled workshops. Join the renowned IRE Elves for letter posting, toy testing, invention inspection, and more, as everyone works together to bring the magic of Christmas to life.

Create cherished memories in Santa’s cosy sitting room as he warmly greets each visitor by name, checking his lists and gifting beautifully wrapped presents to those who have been good all year long.

Don’t miss out on this perfect start to a Christmas filled with wonder for the whole family.

Santa’s Secret Workshop is produced by award winning, Limerick based production company Honest Arts.

Dates: 22nd November – 23rd December 2024

Tickets: Child €25 (incl. gift) / Over 13s €25 (incl. gift) / Santa Baby (Under 12 months) €15
Adult & Over 13s (without gift) €15

Please note at least 1 adult ticket must be booked to accompany any children.
Please note a maximum of 10 tickets per time slot may be booked.
Only a limited number of adults will be able to access the workshops at any one time as these are Elf Sized!

Time slots can only be booked once. If you need to purchase additional tickets for your visit after booking, please contact info@internationalrugbyexperience.com

Professional photos will be available to purchase on the day with digital and printed options available.

Book to visit the International Rugby Experience after you have booked your Santa tickets, and enjoy the interactive tour for just €12.50 per adult and €7.50 per child *
Exclusive Discount Code will be included on your Santa E-Tickets.

Please arrive at least 5 minutes before your booked time as admission cannot be guaranteed for late comers.
Please allow approximately 25 minutes for your visit to Santa’s Secret Workshop.

*€5 discount applicable on Adult, Child & Senior Citizen Tickets International Rugby Experience tour.
Applicable for visits from 22nd November – 23rd December 2024
Discount available on a maximum 10 tickets per customers.

BOOK NOW

Christmas Festival Slieve Aughty Centre Galway
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Christmas Festival Slieve Aughty Centre Galway

Christmas Festival & Craft Market

We are thrilled to welcome you back to this year’s magical Christmas Festival!

Santa’s Enchanted House
Santa is back!! Ready to spread joy and hand out gifts to the little ones in his little cozy house! With his trusty helper and a mischievous Grinch watching over the fun, Santa will lead sing-alongs, tell stories, and make sure every child feels comfortable and brave.

Christmas Craft Market
Explore our charming craft market filled with unique, locally-made gifts—perfect for your loved ones. The market adds a touch of holiday magic to the festivities.

Pony Rides & Games
Your children can enjoy festive pony rides in the outdoor arena, filled with Christmas cheer and plenty of fun!

Face Painting & Crafts
Little ones can unleash their creativity with face painting and arts and crafts activities.

Cosy Up
Warm up by the open fires with a cup of hot chocolate, mulled wine, and other festive treats.

Enchanted Forest Walk
Take a self-guided walk through the enchanted forest to visit the Christmas fairies!

Café Delights
Our café is open on weekends, serving delicious goodies and nutritious meals in a warm, festive atmosphere.

Wreath-Making Workshops
Join our wreath-making workshops (booking required) and create beautiful Christmas decorations. Watch as others craft their masterpieces and get inspired! Dates to be announced shortly! 

Festival and Market Hours
We will be open on December 7th & 8th, 14th & 15th from 12 PM to 5 PM.

Get the full Slieve Aughty Christmas Experience

Highlights

  • Market stands.
  • Santa visits and pony rides.
  • Pet the ponies.
  • Check out the farm animals.
  • Visit the Enchanted Forest, where the fairies have been busy decorating for the holiday season.
Important Info
  • The festival does not cancel for weather.
  • The festival requires advance booking.
  • All activities will be outdoors/outdoor covered.
  • Wellies and warm clothing advised.
  • Children must be supervised at all times.
  • We operate a “leave No Trace” policy. All litter must be disgarded responsibly
  • Please carpool and park responsibly. Parking will be managed on festival days
Pricing
  • €28 per child (ages 4-12), including pony rides
  • Adults, teens & toddlers: €5 (toddlers receive a gift from Santa)
  • Special packages available upon request
  • Carers FREE
  • Groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount!
  • Christmas market: FREE entry (no registration needed)

 

BOOK NOW

Slieve Aughty Centre
Kylebrack
Loughrea
Co. Galway
Email: info@slieveaughtycentre.com
Telephone: +353 (090) 974 5246

Santa-at-Shannon-Aviation-Museum
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Santa at Shannon Aviation Museum

Visit Santa in his Aviation Wonderland at Shannon Aviation Museum this Christmas and virtually take to the skies while you’re there!

2024 Dates:

Saturday 7th Dec, 
Sunday 8th Dec, 
Saturday 14th Dec, 
Sunday 15th Dec.

Booking is essential and must be done by phone. We will work out the details on an individual basis and do our very best to accommodate.

Slots are limited, please call us on (061) 363687 to book your place. 

Package 1 – Solo Santa Visit

€25.00 per child

Ideal for the littles ones, age 7 or under.

Visit Santa’s Aviation Wonderland at Shannon Aviation Museum.

Experience an aviation inspired Christmas. Get up close to real aircraft, cockpits, jet engines a fighter jet and more! 

On Solo Santa Tickets, we even have tot-size pedal planes and runway outdoors, great for pictures!

Bring your letters along, the crew will stow them aboard for express Jet delivery back to the North Pole! Don’t forget your camera, you can dress up Top Gun style and the crew will even take your family photo!

Flight Simulation is not included in this package.

Package 2 – Flying Santa Visit

€47.50 per child

Ideal for children over 7 years old.

Dress up Top Gun Style in your flight suit, and complete Santa’s Airport Flight Simulation (preflight brief plus 25 mins flying time)

Take off in your aerobatic Extra 300 aircraft, from a top-secret northern location on a classified Flight Plan to land at Santa’s Private Runway!

You have special permission to make a touch and go and do a few loop the loops, just for fun!

Look out for the runway lights shining as you approach, and keep a close look out for Santa’s Air Traffic Control Tower, Mrs. Claus is up there trying to cope with all the traffic around today! Now it’s time to head back to base, and make your best landing!

Then it’s off to Visit Captain Santa himself, do be sure to bring your letter, you can tell Santa what you want for Christmas!

Flying Santa Package suitable for over 7’s. Supervised at all times by our crew!

Package 3 – B737 Landing & Santa

€75.00 per child

Minimum age 8

Visit Captain Santa Claus & fly a Boeing 737-800 NG 10-mile Approach and Landing Lapland International. (10 min approx)

Ideal for those who want to experience what it is like to fly a passenger airliner, take the Captains seat behind the controls of the most popular one in the world, the Boeing 737-800 NG. Experience the sights sounds and sensations of flight during an Approach and Landing into Lapland International Airport.

This is an experience they will remember for years to come! Limited slots are available, so book this one early.

This option is perfect for the older child, making the occasion feel just as magical as it used to be, especially for the budding pilot!

Package 4 – Full Santa Experience

€95.00 per child

This package combines it all! Minimum age 8

Dress up Top Gun Style in your flight suit, and complete Santa’s Airport Flight Simulation (preflight brief plus 25 mins flying time) Take off in your aerobatic Extra 300 aircraft, from a top-secret northern location on a classified Flight Plan to land at Santa’s Private Runway! 

Look out for the runway lights shining as you approach, and keep a close look out for Santa’s Air Traffic Control Tower, Mrs. Claus is up there trying to cope with all the traffic around today! Now it’s time to head back to base, and make your best landing!

Take the Captains seat of a Boeing 737-800NG Simulator and experience the sounds and sensations of flight as you fly over Lapland approaching into land and then it’s off to visit Captain Santa himself in his Aviation Wonderland. Don’t forget your letter, you can tell Santa everything you want for Christmas!

Full Santa Package suitable for over 8’s. Supervised at all times by our crew!

Extras

€17.50 per Adult & €14.50 for Seniors

All parents must accompany children throughout the Santa experience – Museum Admission applies. Parents are more than welcome to observe the flight simulators and everyone is welcome to take photos as they wish.

Our crew will kit out your family crew with flying suits for their Santa Visit, and Mom and Dad get to be Airline pilots for a great family photo before your visit to Santa in his Aviation Wonderland.

Adults accompany their children all the time, including while in the Boeing 737 Flight Simulator. Parents are also welcome to take photos and videos while their future pilots are at the controls!

BOOK NOW

Shannon Aviation Museum

Link Road, Shannon,
Smithstown, Co. Clare,
V14 PH34
Email : info@shannonaviationmuseum.com
Tel : +353 61 363687

Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo
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Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo

Wild Lights, the spectacular, night-time experience at Dublin Zoo, is back with an exciting new theme which will bring you on a ‘A Journey Through Time’.

From Earth’s creation and the dawn of dinosaurs to the rise of civilisations and empires as well as first inventions, discover the history of our planet through the ages. As you journey through the immersive experience, over a thousand breath-taking, magical lanterns will tell the story of evolution and life on earth.

Embark on a magical adventure like no other, where you will be transported across time through mesmerising and colourful displays of light and sound through hand-crafted traditional Chinese lanterns.

Perfect for families, couples, groups and anyone who loves adventure, Wild Lights is an unforgettable experience where truly magical memories are made.

Wild Lights will take place from 24th October 2024 and will run through to 5th January 2025.

Book Now

Pricing:

  • Admission to Wild Lights will range from €24.50 to €25.50 for adults and from €20 to €21 for children.
  • Annual pass holders can avail of a special rate, from €22.50 to €23.50 for adults and from €18 to €19 for children.
  • Students and OAP tickets are available from €20.50 to €21.50 for annual pass holders and from €21.50 to €22.50 for those without an annual pass.

Peak prices apply to Thurs-Sun, Nov 20th, and Dec 27th to Jan 5th. Off-peak prices apply to midweek dates (Mon-Wed) in December.

Please see individual dates for correct pricing for period.

Children under 3yrs can visit for free but require a (free) ‘Under 3yrs’ ticket to gain entry.
Carers can visit for free if accompanying an adult or child with additional needs – valid carer ID required.

Phone: 01-474 8900
Email: wildlights@dublinzoo.ie

EPIC Dublin Will the Real Santa Please Stand Up
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EPIC Dublin Will the Real Santa Please Stand Up

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Get ready for some festive fun this Christmas at EPIC!

It’s been a while, but Santa is making his grand return to EPIC for Christmas 2024, and this year he’s not alone.

Gone is the classic Christmas grotto; instead, the whole family will have to go on an adventure-filled hunt through the museum to find the Real Santa amongst a series of cunning imposters. The ‘Bad Santas’ are out to trick you, so you’ll have to work together if you ever hope to find the real deal in time for Christmas Day.

What’s Included:

  • A special Santa Passport to take on their adventure.
  • A series of magic Christmas-themed questions that only the true Santa would know the answer to.
  • An exclusive “I Found the Real Santa” sticker at the end of the quest.
  • A polaroid selfie with Santa to remember the experience.

Here at EPIC, we believe every Christmas should have its own unique memory, and our brand new Santa hunt is a fun and fresh activity designed to get the whole family involved, and to especially engage our young visitors. You won’t find anything else quite like it in Dublin this festive season.

Tickets won’t last long, so don’t delay on booking!

Important Note

The hunt takes place throughout the museum and is suitable for children 4 years and above. During your visit to the museum your child will meet a variety of ‘Bad Santas’ (Rock Star Santa, Pirate Santa…). These ‘Santas’ will engage with visitors but will be clearly not the real Santa. At the end of your visit you will meet the Real Santa who children will have the opportunity to engage with along with the chance for a quick photo. Each child will receive a ‘I met the Real Santa’ sticker, no gifts or professional photo included.

We invite you to come and make this festive activity a part of your museum visit! Bring your family and enjoy the challenge of finding the real Santa—it’s sure to be a memorable part of your day.

Tickets are non-refundable. If you wish to change the date/time contact us on +353 (0)1 906 0861. Please note these changes are subject to availability and are made at our discretion.

Book Now

CHQ Custom House Quay
Dublin 1
+353 (01) 906 0861
info@epicchq.com

Santa's Magical Village at Castlecomer Discovery Park Kilkenny
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Santa’s Magical Village at Castlecomer Discovery Park Kilkenny

Step into a whimsical wonderland at Santa’s Magical Village this holiday season where you and your family will visit a wonderfully decorated and festive indoor spaces, join in the Christmas cheer with our mischievous elves and meet the great man himself – Santa Claus!

This event will be running from the 29th of November to the 23rd of December 2023 in the magically festive & historic setting of Castlecomer Discovery Park’s Craft Yard.

Refreshments will be available on site in the main building at Jarrow Café or lunch and dinner at the locally renowned TukTuk Wok Bar Asian Restaurant, available for dine in, delivery and collection, www.tuktukstreetfood.ie (056 4440060). Bookings highly recommended as limited spaces were available during last year’s sold out event.

What sounds better than visitors having the opportunity to explore the onsite retailers in the Craft Yard www.castlecomercraftyard.com with a hot chocolate and cookie in hand? Follow us on Instagram (santas_magical_village) as we update Christmas Market days at the Craft Yard. A great opportunity to pick up those last minute gifts for someone special!

Visitors will have the option to explore the park’s extensive trails, visit the playground or experience some of the permanent on site attractions and activities by checking in with The Discovery Park team (056 4440707). Free parking is available to every visitor and ticket holder during this event.

SENSORY DAY – On Friday the 29th of November and Thursday the 12th of December we are welcoming all neuro-diverse families to Santa’s Magical Village and celebrate with Santa your way.

This is event is fully wheelchair accessable.

Call 087 4885972 or email santacastlecomer@gmail.com to enquire about Group or Corporate packages available.

Book Now

Castlecomer Discovery Park
The Estate Yard
Drumgoole
Castlecomer
Co Kilkenny

The-Santa-Express-at-Oakfield-Park-Donegal
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The Santa Express at Oakfield Park Donegal

The Santa Express in Oakfield Park is one of Ireland’s most famous festive events, and this year is bigger and better than ever before.
 
What’s new at The Santa Express 2024 in Oakfield Park?
Christmas Currency. Each member of your party will receive a Christmas token upon arrival. These can be exchanged for an item of your choosing. Choose between a hot drink from the Holly Hut, bag of sweets from The Treat truck, reindeer food to take home, an embossed Christmas card from the Green Room, raffle entry (for prizes such as family ticket to Santa next year), children’s charity donation where every token donated, is worth 1 euro. You can also club your tokens together for an extra round of crazy golf or make-your-own candle.
Real Snow Machine. Watch real snowflakes tumble across the piazza making it feel like the perfect fairy tale Christmas.
Christmas Crazy Golf. The Igloo has been transformed into an exciting Christmas themed crazy golf course! Suitable for all ages. See if you can beat Mo’s record.
The Biggest Christmas Tree in Ireland! It has long been an ambition to build the biggest Christmas tree in Ireland and this year we have achieved it! This magical construction can be seen from the train journey as well as with the newly extended Candyland, Toytown and Unicorn Kingdom.
Craft in The Green Room. New last year, The Green Room has been even more lavishly decorated and filled with new and exciting arts and crafts activities. We have real wooden logs hand cut into Yuletide logs for you to decorate.
A Sensory Tent, designed in conjunction with Letterkenny Autism Family Support group and situated in a new heated tepee to ensure everyone has an equally amazing experience.
New and Exciting Christmas Menu in Buffers as well as indoor seating. No prebooking required. Buffers have created a delectable Christmas menu, with cosy indoor seating and festive favourites.
Fun House Cabins! The fully covered cabins outside Santa’s grotto have been given a fresh makeover, filled with all things fun from bendy mirrors, old fairground games, and face-painting stations and the elves are prepped with exciting new games for all ages and abilities.
Interactive challenges, collect stamps to complete your North Pole Passport application as you progress around your Santa Express journey. The entire experience takes around 2-3 hours including a 45-minute train journey.
 
There is Nothing like The Santa Express…
Walk through the brand-new tunnel of lights and feel the snow on your face as you emerge into the ambient Christmas village where The Santa Express train awaits.
 
Snuggled together in your own private carriage, you’ll be gently whisked away to Santa’s grotto through the frosty forest where there’s a festival of lights, the biggest Christmas tree in Ireland, Candyland and Toytown, and many magical creatures to see along the way.
 
At Santa’s grotto, the spirited elves invite you into in the freshly decorated festive Fun House to play before you meet Santa! Warm and cosy by his fire, he can’t wait to meet you and give you your special Christmas gift.

Book Now

Oakfield Park
Oakfield Demesne
Raphoe
Co Donegal
Tel : 0749173922
Email : gardens@oakfieldpark.com