30 November 2015
By Bryan Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Lights on!
Last night, Santa Claus arrived by Fire Engine and joined Tómas O’Brien, Chairman of the Kinsale Chamber of Tourism & Business as they turned on the Christmas lights to officially launch ‘Kinsale Christmas’. This was followed by a mini disco in Actons Hotel with DJ Denis Collins.
As well as the 8m Christmas Tree in the Town Park, The Mast is beautifully lit up and also has a special dedication star to the late Eileen Murphy, a stalwart volunteer on the Kinsale Tidy Towns Committee and dear friend to so many people in Kinsle. A floating Crib is installed on the Kinsale Yacht Club Marina that will be lit by night, adding to the Christmas atmosphere.
Santa at The Mill continues for a second year following last year’s success, running every weekend until Christmas. Tickets are selling fast on www.kinsalechristmas.com. There is a new twist on last year’s theme – with plenty to engage the little ones – and a wonderful atmosphere for all the family.
Speaking at the turning on of the lights ceremony, Tómas O’Brien, Chairman of Kinsale Chamber of Tourism & Business said: “All credit is due to the voluntary Kinsale Christmas Committee, The Tidy Towns Committee, The Chamber of Tourism & Business and everyone who lives and works here. Kinsale offers something for everyone, including quality accommodation for winter breaks and party nights, excellent restaurants, cosy cafes, and boutique shopping,” he added.
As well as 700 off-street parking spaces in the town, there will be FREE on street parking every weekend in December to boost local trading. Look out for the ‘Heart of Kinsale’ stickers and enjoy browsing in the many shops and galleries for last minute Christmas gift ideas. See www.kinsale.ie for details.
Some festive highlights:
Santa at The Old Mill Opening Times:
Friday 11th and 18th December 6-9pm
Saturday 5th 12th, 19th December 11am-7pm
Sunday 6th, 12th, 20th, December 11.30am-7.30pm
Kinsale Christmas Market returns to the Blue Haven Hotel on Thursday 3rd December, where you can enjoy mulled wine, hot chocolate, carol singing, Santa and facepainting and stock up on lots of lovely Christmas gifts in a very festive setting.
The 5km Santa Dash takes place this year on Sunday December 13th at 11.30 am organised by Kinsale TriClub, with the help of Belgooly AC & Riverstick-Kinsale AC. The course has been accurately measured by John Quigley using Jones Counter and prizes will be awarded for guesstimate time. Run, walk as a group or with your family and Santa hats, suits, and dodgy Christmas jumpers are welcome as there will be plenty of fun, prizes and entertainment and Santa will be there too! Proceeds go towards The Ciara O’Brien Trust and Kinsale Christmas lights. Online registration www.kinsaletriclub.com
