Christmas at Farmleigh

Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park, Dublin, Co Dublin

Farmleigh gate, by davida3

Farmleigh is an estate and house in the Phoenix Park in Dublin, which belongs to the government and is used to accommodate visiting dignitaries and guests of the nation, for high level Government meetings and last but not least, for public enjoyment.

There are year round events there, as well as a regular weekend food market.

At Christmas Farmleigh really comes into it’s own and puts on a wonderful programme of seasonal events. The surrounding, the decoration, the music and the special events planned for the holiday season will get even the most ardent cynic into Christmas mood!

For children there are Magic Shows and Puppet Shows as well as Christmas Tales from Storytellers from all over Ireland. Outside all the family can enjoy Horse and Carriage Rides and a Live Crib and there will be a Children’s Christmas Room in the house.

You can stock up with lots of tasty Christmas goodies at the weekend Food Market while listening to Festive Choirs singing Carols.

Special events and appearances for Christmas include the Mellowhchords, with their special Christmas Barbershop programme, the Garda Ladies Choir and the always melodious Dublin Welsh Male Voice Choir. A special concert by soprano Virginia Kerr in the ballroom will include Christmas favorites as well as populat songs from opera.

There is an exhibition of the work of Austrailian Artist Sidney Nolan in the gallery until December 28th.

If you are not in Ireland at Christmas, Farmleigh is open throughout the year with a varied programme of music, drama and outdoor evnts, but do check the website for event times and get there in good time, it is extremely popular.