Victorian tea at Christmas
Looking for ways to catch up with friends and family during this Christmas break? This might just be the adventure to make us leave the couch and a trail of sweet wrappers behind. Step into another era at the Victorian Teatimes in Arklow. This unforgettable afternoon tea is brimming with elegance as guests can dress in beautifully crafted period costumes before settling into a richly decorated salon of velvet couches, lace-draped windows and glowing firelight. Of course, the spread is luxurious: delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones with cream and jam, pretty pastries and endless pots of tea served on fine china and gleaming silver. With its lavish décor, warm atmosphere and truly immersive charm, this two-hour, over-13s experience is a dreamy escape. Prices are €40 per person and for bookings call 089 428 5848. See victorianteatimes.com.
Victorian Tea Times in Arklow offers a unique and immersive experience of the Victorian era, combining delicious food with elegant Victorian ensembles.
Mummers bring old-world magic back
Over Christmas, Mummers will visit homes across the country, reviving the age-old tradition of house-to-house performances, bringing people together in a joyful, inclusive celebration of tradition, creativity and community. On Saturday 3 January, there will be a vibrant Mummers’ Parade, followed by the Mummers’ Ball in the village of
Drumkeeran, Co Leitrim inviting people of all ages to celebrate one of Ireland’s most vibrant folk traditions. Everyone is welcome to join the lively parade – just come disguised and ready for fun. The event is free and forms part of the Sowing the Seed project led by artist Edwina Guckian, an initiative dedicated to reviving seasonal customs through creativity and community. Supported by Creative Ireland and Leitrim Arts, it promises a magical start to the year. You’ll find the Mummers on the roads of Leitrim from now until 6 January. For a full list of locations see sowingtheseedproject.com.
The Mummers’ Parade. \ Edwina Guckian
Neary’s Bar in Dublin, just off Grafton Street is always packed during the Christmas season. To celebrate, The Little Museum of Dublin has launched A Little History of Neary’s, a beautiful new book celebrating one of the city’s most cherished pubs. Written by Dr Daryl Hendley Rooney in partnership with Neary’s Bar and Lounge, it’s packed with colourful characters, rare photographs and over a century of Dublin life. From theatre legends to 1916
anecdotes, it’s an entertaining read for anyone who enjoys a good story. Available now at shop.littlemuseum.ie for €9.99.
A Little History of Neary's by Daryl Hendley Rooney. / Little Museum of Dublin
We’ve fallen a little bit in love with The Divine Foodie, a Wicklow-based catering team known for food that feels generous, colourful and made for sharing. Whether you’re planning a birthday, a work get-together or simply want to make hosting easier in the new year, they’re a lovely option to have on your radar. From grazing tables to cosy delivered dishes, everything looks beautifully put together. Pictured below: Thinking Of You – a basket filled with an Irish farmhouse cheese, a mini trio of relishes, crackers, handmade treats and a hand-tied floral arrangement (€50). Delivery is for Wicklow and Dublin only – you lucky divils! Explore their menus at thedivinefoodie.com.
Wexford on Ice has taken over the quay again this festive season, bringing a real ice rink to the heart of town until 4 January.
Whether you’re wobbling on your first pair of blades or gliding confidently under the lights, it’s a lovely way to enjoy winter by the water. Sessions are welcoming for all ages and abilities and there’s even a cosy spot for hot drinks and cheers on the sidelines. Experience a Christmas family day out or skate dates with your mates under twinkling lights. Get your skates on! Adult tickets are €21 and children’s tickets cost €19.See wexfordonice.com.
Wexford on Ice.
A Country Christmas Morning
By Tom Kelleher, Robertstown, Co Kildare
Frost feathers the fields overnight,
each gate and ditch holding its breath.
The yard is hushed but for a robin
tilting his head at the cold.
Smoke lifts early from chimneys,
blue against a pale
December sky.
Somewhere a kettle clicks to the boil,
and the radio murmurs carols
low enough not to break the spell.
Footsteps crunch on the gravel,
bringing turf and kindling indoors.
The barn smells of hay and winter,
of work paused just for today.
There’s no rush here this morning.
Even time seems wrapped in wool.
We mind the quiet like a gift,
passed gently from hand to hand,
and call it Christmas.
Victorian tea at Christmas
Looking for ways to catch up with friends and family during this Christmas break? This might just be the adventure to make us leave the couch and a trail of sweet wrappers behind. Step into another era at the Victorian Teatimes in Arklow. This unforgettable afternoon tea is brimming with elegance as guests can dress in beautifully crafted period costumes before settling into a richly decorated salon of velvet couches, lace-draped windows and glowing firelight. Of course, the spread is luxurious: delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones with cream and jam, pretty pastries and endless pots of tea served on fine china and gleaming silver. With its lavish décor, warm atmosphere and truly immersive charm, this two-hour, over-13s experience is a dreamy escape. Prices are €40 per person and for bookings call 089 428 5848. See victorianteatimes.com.
Victorian Tea Times in Arklow offers a unique and immersive experience of the Victorian era, combining delicious food with elegant Victorian ensembles.
Mummers bring old-world magic back
Over Christmas, Mummers will visit homes across the country, reviving the age-old tradition of house-to-house performances, bringing people together in a joyful, inclusive celebration of tradition, creativity and community. On Saturday 3 January, there will be a vibrant Mummers’ Parade, followed by the Mummers’ Ball in the village of
Drumkeeran, Co Leitrim inviting people of all ages to celebrate one of Ireland’s most vibrant folk traditions. Everyone is welcome to join the lively parade – just come disguised and ready for fun. The event is free and forms part of the Sowing the Seed project led by artist Edwina Guckian, an initiative dedicated to reviving seasonal customs through creativity and community. Supported by Creative Ireland and Leitrim Arts, it promises a magical start to the year. You’ll find the Mummers on the roads of Leitrim from now until 6 January. For a full list of locations see sowingtheseedproject.com.
The Mummers’ Parade. \ Edwina Guckian
Neary’s Bar in Dublin, just off Grafton Street is always packed during the Christmas season. To celebrate, The Little Museum of Dublin has launched A Little History of Neary’s, a beautiful new book celebrating one of the city’s most cherished pubs. Written by Dr Daryl Hendley Rooney in partnership with Neary’s Bar and Lounge, it’s packed with colourful characters, rare photographs and over a century of Dublin life. From theatre legends to 1916
anecdotes, it’s an entertaining read for anyone who enjoys a good story. Available now at shop.littlemuseum.ie for €9.99.
A Little History of Neary's by Daryl Hendley Rooney. / Little Museum of Dublin
We’ve fallen a little bit in love with The Divine Foodie, a Wicklow-based catering team known for food that feels generous, colourful and made for sharing. Whether you’re planning a birthday, a work get-together or simply want to make hosting easier in the new year, they’re a lovely option to have on your radar. From grazing tables to cosy delivered dishes, everything looks beautifully put together. Pictured below: Thinking Of You – a basket filled with an Irish farmhouse cheese, a mini trio of relishes, crackers, handmade treats and a hand-tied floral arrangement (€50). Delivery is for Wicklow and Dublin only – you lucky divils! Explore their menus at thedivinefoodie.com.
Wexford on Ice has taken over the quay again this festive season, bringing a real ice rink to the heart of town until 4 January.
Whether you’re wobbling on your first pair of blades or gliding confidently under the lights, it’s a lovely way to enjoy winter by the water. Sessions are welcoming for all ages and abilities and there’s even a cosy spot for hot drinks and cheers on the sidelines. Experience a Christmas family day out or skate dates with your mates under twinkling lights. Get your skates on! Adult tickets are €21 and children’s tickets cost €19.See wexfordonice.com.
Wexford on Ice.
A Country Christmas Morning
By Tom Kelleher, Robertstown, Co Kildare
Frost feathers the fields overnight,
each gate and ditch holding its breath.
The yard is hushed but for a robin
tilting his head at the cold.
Smoke lifts early from chimneys,
blue against a pale
December sky.
Somewhere a kettle clicks to the boil,
and the radio murmurs carols
low enough not to break the spell.
Footsteps crunch on the gravel,
bringing turf and kindling indoors.
The barn smells of hay and winter,
of work paused just for today.
There’s no rush here this morning.
Even time seems wrapped in wool.
We mind the quiet like a gift,
passed gently from hand to hand,
and call it Christmas.
SHARING OPTIONS