– The Magic of Santa at Fota House

 – An Enchanted Christmas at Johnstown Castle

 – Whimsical Holiday Spirit at Strokestown Park 

 

The Irish Heritage Trust properties of Fota House and Gardens in Cork, Johnstown Castle Estate Museum and Gardens in Wexford and Strokestown Park House in Roscommon will welcome visitors to enjoy the festive season with a variety of Christmas events at each location with Santa also on-site to ensure Christmas wishes are fulfilled.

 

Cork

The Magic of Santa will begin at Fota House on November 25th 2023 and the man in red, Mrs Claus and their merry elves will be meeting with boys and girls all the way up until December 22nd.

Final preparations are underway by the cheery Elves at Fota House and Gardens, these little elves are easily distracted; so they are calling on the help of all who visit to assist them in finishing their jobs, spread a little festive cheer and sprinkle a bit of magic on everything insight in order to impress Santa in their quest to become the elf that will accompany him on his journey around the world on Christmas Eve.

This fully interactive traditional Christmas experience for families lasts one hour and brings visitors through seasonally decorated rooms inside the beautiful and historic Fota House which families will go through with a maximum of 3 other families. Each room has characters and storylines to create a fantastical experience which culminates with an individual family visit to Santa after which he will invite children to visit his North Pole library where each child will receive a gift of two age-appropriate books.

Tickets are available from €15 per adult and €25 per child at  www.fotahouse.com

There is also a host of festive fun on-site with a vintage merry-go-round and the Alpine Skate Trail which is opening on November 3rd all the way until the end of January 2024. Cork’s Alpine Skate Trail will be set among the trees in Fota House, providing a stunning backdrop which offers an authentic rustic feeling and a festive mood for ice skating.

 

Wexford

At Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens ‘An Enchanted Christmas’ is on offer with the castle team having created a magical festive experience.

Santa will arrive to meet all of the boys and girls at Johnstown Castle in Wexford and he will share a traditional experience which offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy festive activities with a team of merry elves inside this fairytale castle.

Each group will enjoy individual time with Santa and the children will join Santa’s elves in the magical workshop where they will choose their very own gift. When all of the hard work is complete in the Elf workshop each child will receive a hot chocolate voucher and adults will receive a tea/coffee voucher. There will also be carol singing, a Santa Paws and a Christmas shopping experience at the visitor centre.

‘An Enchanted Christmas’ at Johnstown Castle will be on offer from December 1st at weekends and from December 15th through to December 22nd from 10 am to 7 pm. Pre-booking is essential via www.Johnstowncastle.ie

 

Roscommon

Visitors to Strokestown Park House can embark on a whimsical holiday journey through Strokestown Park House with Santa’s playful head elf, catering to Christmas enthusiasts of all ages. A wondrous festive escapade awaits, as the enchantment of Christmas comes alive for you and your loved ones. The Palladian Mansion will undergo a magical transformation, enveloping you in the allure and enchantment of yesteryears’ traditional charm and wonder.

Following a visit with Santa in the house library, the festive expedition continues into the woodland where the merriment of the season merges with delightful fun, creating cherished Christmas memories that last a lifetime.

Amidst the buzz of meeting Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the diligent elves, make sure to relish the pleasures of storytelling, crafting, and a medley of unforgettable surprises along the enchanting path. And as Santa famously quips, “Can it truly be Christmas without a cup of steaming hot chocolate?” Surely not! Christmas of Yesteryear at Strokestown Park House will be open at 11am on weekends from November 25th until December 19th, from which date it will remain open until December 22nd inclusive. Each experience is 2 hours, tickets are €35 per child with infants under one going free and adults €15. See www.strokestownpark.ie