Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown is all set to sparkle and glow this Christmas to spread light and cheer right across the county as Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council announce their plans for the festive season. All activity this year is outdoors inviting people to wrap up warm, get out in the crisp clean air, soak up the festive spirit and go ‘walking in a winter wonderland.’
The county is illuminated by thousands of lights with exciting new 3D light installations, new fairylike forest walks and several buildings are bathed with a magical glow. The bandstand on the East Pier is dressed in beautiful lights shining like an iconic festive beacon against Dún Laoghaire harbour’s inky night. The enormous red Christmas Bauble glitters with hundreds of lights at Myrtle Square and the glimmeringilluminated 3D picture frame at Marlay Park will bring many perfect ‘insta’ moments.
A new 3D illuminated gift tower brings festive cheer to dlr LexIcon at Haigh Terrace and Dundrum Library hosts another beautiful 3D illuminated Christmas scene. Where possible, all official Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Christmas trees are living trees and their lights are LED extra low voltage for safety and each set only uses 4.8watts of electricity so they are very energy efficient.
The very popular illuminated forest walk at Marlay Park is back this year and Cabinteely Park also has a brand-new walking trail all lit up for Christmas. Both are open from 4pm to 8pm Monday to Friday, fully accessible for wheelchairs and buggies and are an oasis of calm beneath the twinkling lights away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas.
“People are weary from the seemingly never-ending pandemic so we want to evoke feelings of joy, comfort, nostalgia and our ‘favourite things” said
An Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Lettie McCarthy, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council as she officially switched on the lights. “We want to encourage people to take walks outdoors and stay safe but still soak up lots of festive cheer while exploring the many beautiful park, trees and trails all around the county.”
Santa Post Boxes are in place at dlr LexIcon in Dún Laoghaire, Marlay Park in Rathfarnham, Deerpark in Mount Merrion and Cabinteely Park by special commission of Santa Claus. Santa and the Elves are reminding everyone to post their letter early. They too are spending extra time washing their hands and keeping their distance in the toy factories of the North Pole this year. The postal address is Santa Claus, North Pole, The Arctic, The World, The Universe. The letters are whizzed off to the North Pole via Elf Airlines direct to Santa who replies to every single one.