Twixmas, as the days between Christmas and New Year have become known, can be a haze of overindulgence and sheer laziness, but if yours is a house with little people, lounging around in your pyjamas all day soon loses its appeal and cabin fever can set in.
In a bid to get you out and about this festive season, we’ve taken a tour of the country to see what sights and delights are worth braving the elements – entertaining all the family, without breaking the bank.
1 Beyond the Trees Avondale Experience Wicklow
Starting in Co Wicklow, a magic winter woodland has taken over the Beyond the Trees Avondale Experience in Rathdrum. he forest park’s landmark, the treetop walkway is transformed into Treetop Night Lights and it remains open through the Christmas period and into February.
Families of all ages can enjoy the Avondale House Tours, while the kiddies rides feature a magical carousel, lady bird, a junior carousel and a hook and duck stall. Older children will enjoy taking to the rink at Wicklow on Ice. There is a wide selection of Christmas market stalls and food trucks featuring a variety of delicious offerings and a special festive menu is available at the Seed Café.
This is also a great option for those who want a slower approach to family days out as the opening hours are from 4pm to 8pm. The magical light display, with the illuminated walkway offers a stunning view of the surrounding woodlands. Tickets are priced at €20.
See beyondthetreesavondale.com
2 Winterlee at Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh
Winterlee is an immersive winter wonderland that transforms SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh into a playground of ice and festive magic
Step into the magic of Winterlee, Cork’s ultimate winter wonderland, set against the backdrop of Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
This event transforms the well-known sporting grounds into a glittering wonderland throughout the festive season. Suitable for all ages and family members, there is plenty for everyone from the alpine skate trail to the winter village and fun fair.
Winterlee is where the magic of winter truly comes to life. You can also warm up with hot chocolate or mulled wine while sampling the culinary delights from the local vendors.
Entry is free to the wonderland with fees on the amusements and skating. Adult ice-skating tickets are €21 with family tickets also available from €53.
See winterlee.ie
3 Mother Goose Pantomime, Limerick
Limerick Panto Society present Goldilocks this Christmas.
Limerick Panto Society will stage Goldilocks at the TUS Millenium Theatre from 27 December to 5 January, with two performances daily. The title role of Goldilocks is played by the talented Aoife Diffley.
The society, which has entertained audiences in the midwest for the past 38 years, will have a live band providing the musical backdrop to the show. It features a chorus of 50 who will sing songs from Taylor Swift and The Greatest Showman, along with a few classics like the Bare Necessities.
Tickets are priced at €22 for children and €24 for adults and are available from limerickpanto.com
Across the city in University Concert Hall, Mother Goose is this year’s Specsavers Limerick Panto. Starring an exciting mix of Panto favourites, including Richie Hayes, Myles Breen, and John Sharpson, Mother Goose will also feature comedian and actress Faye Shortt, along with Keith Hanley, Evan O’Hanlon, and Esther Brady.
This year’s show will quack you up with its hilarious antics and memorable performances. Tickets for Mother Goose cost €25.
See uch.ie/show/mother-goose
4 Thomond Park: United Rugby Challenge
Jack Crowley of Munster in action at Thomond Park in Limerick, which will host the Munster v Leinster game on December 27. \ Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
If it’s a different kind of energy or excitement you’re after, you could head to Thomond Park where Munster take on Leinster in the United Rugby Challenge, with the home side out to avenge their defeat in Croke Park earlier in the season.
A cold terrace may not strike everyone as a fun location for an afternoon out of the house but the intense rivalry between two giants of Irish rugby is sure to spark flames.
Tickets for the fixture, on 27 December cost €25. Accessible ticket enquiries please contact tickets@munsterrugby.ie. For groups please contact tickets@munsterrugby.ie.
See ticketmaster.ie
5 Mountain View Christmas Market Kilkenny
The market at Kilkenny.
Heading south to Kilkenny, and the Marble city has had a jam-packed festive schedule running throughout December but it is offering a more relaxed vibe in the days between Christmas and New Year.
The Mountain View Christmas Market is holding a special New Year’s Eve Market to close out the festivities with stalls showcasing arts and crafts from local designers. The market will be open all afternoon, making it the perfect place to get the New Year’s celebrations started.
There’s no better time to get out in the fresh air and enjoy a walk on your own or with your nearest and dearest. Follow Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile and step into the new by retracing the footsteps of the past.
This trail runs through the heart of Kilkenny, linking the 13th century St Canice’s Cathedral with the impressive Kilkenny Castle and much more.
Alongside the picturesque settings, you’ll be doing your mind, spirit, and body some good.
See mountainview.ie
6 Carlingford Skypark: Adventure Lights
Carlingford Skypark has four zones—Adventure, Mythological, Extinction, and Fun.
Crossing over to the northeast, families in this corner of the country have the perfect activity on their doorstep at this time of year, with Carlingford’s Skypark offering an Adventure Lights experience guaranteed to enthral visitors of all ages.
The park consists of four zones: Adventure, Mythological, Extinction and Fun, each offering a unique blend of excitement and discovery. Begin your journey in the Adventure Zone, where your path is lit by stunning light displays and you can challenge yourself with Skypark’s newest attractions. Next, step into the Mythological Zone, where ancient Irish legends come to life before your eyes. Prepare to face creatures of old and relive the stories of a time long past.
In the Extinction Zone, witness the awe-inspiring history of creatures that once roamed the earth but have now faded into legend. Finally, embrace the joy of the Fun Zone, where laughter and play take centre stage, featuring the electrifying Skynet giant trampoline and interactive activities for all ages. As you journey along the trail, test your knowledge with the Land of Legends quiz, uncovering secrets at every step.
When the adventure winds down, indulge in a feast of flavours at the food extravaganza under the stars. And before you leave, tie a ribbon on The Adventure Tree of Life, marking your passage through this unforgettable realm.
Runs until 2 February 2025. Tickets are €20 for adults and children aged 3-16 years. Children under three go free.
See skypark.ie
Twixmas, as the days between Christmas and New Year have become known, can be a haze of overindulgence and sheer laziness, but if yours is a house with little people, lounging around in your pyjamas all day soon loses its appeal and cabin fever can set in.
In a bid to get you out and about this festive season, we’ve taken a tour of the country to see what sights and delights are worth braving the elements – entertaining all the family, without breaking the bank.
1 Beyond the Trees Avondale Experience Wicklow
Starting in Co Wicklow, a magic winter woodland has taken over the Beyond the Trees Avondale Experience in Rathdrum. he forest park’s landmark, the treetop walkway is transformed into Treetop Night Lights and it remains open through the Christmas period and into February.
Families of all ages can enjoy the Avondale House Tours, while the kiddies rides feature a magical carousel, lady bird, a junior carousel and a hook and duck stall. Older children will enjoy taking to the rink at Wicklow on Ice. There is a wide selection of Christmas market stalls and food trucks featuring a variety of delicious offerings and a special festive menu is available at the Seed Café.
This is also a great option for those who want a slower approach to family days out as the opening hours are from 4pm to 8pm. The magical light display, with the illuminated walkway offers a stunning view of the surrounding woodlands. Tickets are priced at €20.
See beyondthetreesavondale.com
2 Winterlee at Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh
Winterlee is an immersive winter wonderland that transforms SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh into a playground of ice and festive magic
Step into the magic of Winterlee, Cork’s ultimate winter wonderland, set against the backdrop of Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
This event transforms the well-known sporting grounds into a glittering wonderland throughout the festive season. Suitable for all ages and family members, there is plenty for everyone from the alpine skate trail to the winter village and fun fair.
Winterlee is where the magic of winter truly comes to life. You can also warm up with hot chocolate or mulled wine while sampling the culinary delights from the local vendors.
Entry is free to the wonderland with fees on the amusements and skating. Adult ice-skating tickets are €21 with family tickets also available from €53.
See winterlee.ie
3 Mother Goose Pantomime, Limerick
Limerick Panto Society present Goldilocks this Christmas.
Limerick Panto Society will stage Goldilocks at the TUS Millenium Theatre from 27 December to 5 January, with two performances daily. The title role of Goldilocks is played by the talented Aoife Diffley.
The society, which has entertained audiences in the midwest for the past 38 years, will have a live band providing the musical backdrop to the show. It features a chorus of 50 who will sing songs from Taylor Swift and The Greatest Showman, along with a few classics like the Bare Necessities.
Tickets are priced at €22 for children and €24 for adults and are available from limerickpanto.com
Across the city in University Concert Hall, Mother Goose is this year’s Specsavers Limerick Panto. Starring an exciting mix of Panto favourites, including Richie Hayes, Myles Breen, and John Sharpson, Mother Goose will also feature comedian and actress Faye Shortt, along with Keith Hanley, Evan O’Hanlon, and Esther Brady.
This year’s show will quack you up with its hilarious antics and memorable performances. Tickets for Mother Goose cost €25.
See uch.ie/show/mother-goose
4 Thomond Park: United Rugby Challenge
Jack Crowley of Munster in action at Thomond Park in Limerick, which will host the Munster v Leinster game on December 27. \ Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
If it’s a different kind of energy or excitement you’re after, you could head to Thomond Park where Munster take on Leinster in the United Rugby Challenge, with the home side out to avenge their defeat in Croke Park earlier in the season.
A cold terrace may not strike everyone as a fun location for an afternoon out of the house but the intense rivalry between two giants of Irish rugby is sure to spark flames.
Tickets for the fixture, on 27 December cost €25. Accessible ticket enquiries please contact tickets@munsterrugby.ie. For groups please contact tickets@munsterrugby.ie.
See ticketmaster.ie
5 Mountain View Christmas Market Kilkenny
The market at Kilkenny.
Heading south to Kilkenny, and the Marble city has had a jam-packed festive schedule running throughout December but it is offering a more relaxed vibe in the days between Christmas and New Year.
The Mountain View Christmas Market is holding a special New Year’s Eve Market to close out the festivities with stalls showcasing arts and crafts from local designers. The market will be open all afternoon, making it the perfect place to get the New Year’s celebrations started.
There’s no better time to get out in the fresh air and enjoy a walk on your own or with your nearest and dearest. Follow Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile and step into the new by retracing the footsteps of the past.
This trail runs through the heart of Kilkenny, linking the 13th century St Canice’s Cathedral with the impressive Kilkenny Castle and much more.
Alongside the picturesque settings, you’ll be doing your mind, spirit, and body some good.
See mountainview.ie
6 Carlingford Skypark: Adventure Lights
Carlingford Skypark has four zones—Adventure, Mythological, Extinction, and Fun.
Crossing over to the northeast, families in this corner of the country have the perfect activity on their doorstep at this time of year, with Carlingford’s Skypark offering an Adventure Lights experience guaranteed to enthral visitors of all ages.
The park consists of four zones: Adventure, Mythological, Extinction and Fun, each offering a unique blend of excitement and discovery. Begin your journey in the Adventure Zone, where your path is lit by stunning light displays and you can challenge yourself with Skypark’s newest attractions. Next, step into the Mythological Zone, where ancient Irish legends come to life before your eyes. Prepare to face creatures of old and relive the stories of a time long past.
In the Extinction Zone, witness the awe-inspiring history of creatures that once roamed the earth but have now faded into legend. Finally, embrace the joy of the Fun Zone, where laughter and play take centre stage, featuring the electrifying Skynet giant trampoline and interactive activities for all ages. As you journey along the trail, test your knowledge with the Land of Legends quiz, uncovering secrets at every step.
When the adventure winds down, indulge in a feast of flavours at the food extravaganza under the stars. And before you leave, tie a ribbon on The Adventure Tree of Life, marking your passage through this unforgettable realm.
Runs until 2 February 2025. Tickets are €20 for adults and children aged 3-16 years. Children under three go free.
See skypark.ie
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