CELEBRATE Irish sport and sports writing at Tailteann, Kells, Co Meath, this Saturday and Sunday, 1-2 December. With two days of interviews and talks on Irish sport – including GAA, soccer, rugby, rowing and cycling – this is a unique event not to be missed. Some of the best-versed sporting experts partaking in the event include: George Hamilton, Paul Kimmage, Sarah Keane, Paul Rouse, Alan Gernon, Sinead and Sam Lynch and Jimmy Geoghegan. Joining them will be sporting heroes Rosemary Smith, Alison Miller, Sinead Finnegan, Sarah O’Connor and Colin Stewart. For tickets and more information, see www.hinterland.ie
EMBARK on a magical train ride at the Stradbally Woodlands Railway, Co Laois, departing this Saturday, 1 December. Be a part of this enchanting journey with Santa Claus and his mischievous elves on a winter wonderland trail. As well as an unforgettable railway adventure, every child will get to have their very own meet and greet with Santa Clause, who will hand over a specially wrapped present, a delicious cookie and some yummy hot chocolate. This special family day out is ideal for both young and old who love the magic of Christmas time. See www.kikitheatregroup.ie for more information.
EXPERIENCE the magic of Winterval Waterford this December. Running until Sunday 23 December, this festive event sees Waterford City transform into a winter wonderland and attracts over 500,000 visitors each year. New exhibitions for 2018 include Enchanted Christmas, a brand-new Santa experience and 12 Days of Christmas. There will be an array of fantastic markets, selfie stations, the Winterval Express Train and Sleigh and a 600sq m ice rink to enjoy, plus much more. This is a truly spectacular festive experience. For more information, see www.winterval.ie.
ENJOY this weekend’s Christmas Food and Craft Fair at Duckett’s Grove House and Gardens, Co Carlow. On Sunday 2 December, the beautiful Duckett’s Grove will be transformed into Carlow’s very own winter wonderland. Showcasing the best of Carlow’s food, craft and music, this is a feast of festivities for all the family. From hampers, treats and wreaths, to jewellery, cards and ceramics, there is something for every stocking. There will be weaving, woodturning and beekeeping demonstrations to show you how it’s done, as well as story time, Santa Clause and plenty more fun. See carlowtourism.com for more information.
Duckett's Grove Christmas fair.
SKATE on down to Wexford On Ice, running until Sunday 6 January 2019. A great way for the whole family to experience the magic of Christmas in Wexford Town, the ice-rink is situated for the first time on Wexford Quay. There will be skating sessions starting on the hour, with stability aids provided for new skaters, so there’s no need to be afraid to try if you’re a novice on the blades. There will also be family skating sessions each Saturday morning for those with special needs, taking place between 10am and 11am, free of charge. There really is no excuse not to get your skates on and get down to Wexford On Ice this Christmas. See www.wexfordonice.com for more information. CL
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CELEBRATE Irish sport and sports writing at Tailteann, Kells, Co Meath, this Saturday and Sunday, 1-2 December. With two days of interviews and talks on Irish sport – including GAA, soccer, rugby, rowing and cycling – this is a unique event not to be missed. Some of the best-versed sporting experts partaking in the event include: George Hamilton, Paul Kimmage, Sarah Keane, Paul Rouse, Alan Gernon, Sinead and Sam Lynch and Jimmy Geoghegan. Joining them will be sporting heroes Rosemary Smith, Alison Miller, Sinead Finnegan, Sarah O’Connor and Colin Stewart. For tickets and more information, see www.hinterland.ie
EMBARK on a magical train ride at the Stradbally Woodlands Railway, Co Laois, departing this Saturday, 1 December. Be a part of this enchanting journey with Santa Claus and his mischievous elves on a winter wonderland trail. As well as an unforgettable railway adventure, every child will get to have their very own meet and greet with Santa Clause, who will hand over a specially wrapped present, a delicious cookie and some yummy hot chocolate. This special family day out is ideal for both young and old who love the magic of Christmas time. See www.kikitheatregroup.ie for more information.
EXPERIENCE the magic of Winterval Waterford this December. Running until Sunday 23 December, this festive event sees Waterford City transform into a winter wonderland and attracts over 500,000 visitors each year. New exhibitions for 2018 include Enchanted Christmas, a brand-new Santa experience and 12 Days of Christmas. There will be an array of fantastic markets, selfie stations, the Winterval Express Train and Sleigh and a 600sq m ice rink to enjoy, plus much more. This is a truly spectacular festive experience. For more information, see www.winterval.ie.
ENJOY this weekend’s Christmas Food and Craft Fair at Duckett’s Grove House and Gardens, Co Carlow. On Sunday 2 December, the beautiful Duckett’s Grove will be transformed into Carlow’s very own winter wonderland. Showcasing the best of Carlow’s food, craft and music, this is a feast of festivities for all the family. From hampers, treats and wreaths, to jewellery, cards and ceramics, there is something for every stocking. There will be weaving, woodturning and beekeeping demonstrations to show you how it’s done, as well as story time, Santa Clause and plenty more fun. See carlowtourism.com for more information.
Duckett's Grove Christmas fair.
SKATE on down to Wexford On Ice, running until Sunday 6 January 2019. A great way for the whole family to experience the magic of Christmas in Wexford Town, the ice-rink is situated for the first time on Wexford Quay. There will be skating sessions starting on the hour, with stability aids provided for new skaters, so there’s no need to be afraid to try if you’re a novice on the blades. There will also be family skating sessions each Saturday morning for those with special needs, taking place between 10am and 11am, free of charge. There really is no excuse not to get your skates on and get down to Wexford On Ice this Christmas. See www.wexfordonice.com for more information. CL
Read more
Wild about Westport: Rainy day relaxation
The many faces of June Rodgers
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