Where to find Santa near you

This year marks 20 years of Santa’s workshop at Aillwee Caves in Ballyvaughan, Co Clare, and it promises to be better than ever.

Just imagine being guided by elves deep into the caves to meet the great man himself.

When you get there, he will have a chat and give you a lovely present.

Included in the ticket price is face painting, puppet shows and carnival entertainment as well as entry to the birds of prey center.

There’s also hot fruit punch, mince pies, tea/coffee and pressies for all.

Friday morning 6 December promises to be a special day for children with autism and other sensory challenges.

Softer lighting and music will be played alongside an area with beanbags and bubbles while the carnival rides will be set at a slower and quieter pace.

Booking is essential so check the website for available times. Lo Call 1890-245 593 or 065-707 7036.

Prices: Adults €17, children €35 and babies (up to one year) €8.

The Christmas Experience at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is set to be the best yet.

Open until 23 December, Santa will be in his famous grotto on the traditional village street which transforms into a winter wonderland with twinkling fairy lights, friendly elves and indoor activities.

Santa will have a gift for all children who visit and a complimentary glass of mulled wine and mince pies for the grown ups.

Mrs Claus will be in the Golden Vale cottage preparing treats.

There’ll be magic and puppet shows, traditional Christmas fireside tales with the resident seanchaí, bouncing castles, a toddler play area and festive-themed shops. Not forgetting the magical Polar Express train and traditional carousel rides.

New for 2019 is a funhouse experience complete with magic mirrors, wobbly floors and all manners of madness. The Ice Rink is back and is suitable for all ages. There’s also a live crib. For more check out their website.

Prices: Adult €15, child €32.50 and babies under 12 months €8.

Breakfast with Santa is back again at Bunratty Castle. Cross the castle drawbridge and fun, fanfare and an array of entertainment await in the castle’s stunning banquet hall.

Once breakfast has started, Santa makes his grand entrance and he and his elves join in with the merriment at each table.

Operating from Saturday 30 November and every Saturday and Sunday until 22 December.

Price: €25.99 per person.

Oakfield Park near Raphoe in Co Donegal employs about 20 people for most of the year but that increases to over 100 at Christmas when more than 20,000 adults and children visit its Santa experience. This is one of the biggest Christmas events in the country with the highlight being the Santa Express Train and its 4km of tracks.

You can enjoy a festive train ride under thousands of lights, meet Santa in his cosy grotto, experience the entertainment and fun laid on by the elves, relax as Mrs Claus reads a story, or visit Elf School to become a certified elf by completing all the challenges. For more contact gardens@oakfieldpark.com or call 074-917 3068.

Prices: Adult €16, child €19 and infant €10 – includes train ride, meeting with Santa, gift and a hot drink for children and variations of this for adults and infants.

If the GAA is your children’s obsession, then the Santa Experience at Croke Park might just be the holy grail of Santa visits this Christmas. You start your journey in the elf team dressing rooms and training camp before testing your skills in the North Pole Gaelic games skills zone. Walking through the tunnel and out onto the hallowed ground of the famous pitch is as exciting for the adults as it is for the children.

The experience also includes admission to the GAA museum. Santa has been greeting children (each family individually) since 29 November and you can catch him there until 23 December. Parking is free. Tickets can be booked online here.

Prices: Adults and toddlers (13-23 months) are €10.Children are €16 (two to 12 years). Infants go free.