One, two, tree!
President welcomes families to Aras for festive switch on
DOZENS of families braved the stormy weather yesterday to be present when Michael D Higgins switched on the Christmas tree lights at Aras an Uachtarain.
The Irish President and wife Sabina welcomed people from all over the country to the Aras to what is now an annual event.
A spokesperson said that since his inauguration, President Higgins has made a determined effort to open the property to members of the public.
And he has invited countless people and organisations that work on initiatives to promote social change, inclusion and practical solidarity to visit the house and surrounding gardens.
Meanwhile, Storm Elin, which brought strong gales and belting rain, made conditions miserable for those who ventured out to do their Christmas shopping around the country yesterday.
And, with more stormy weather on the way in the coming days, traders are concerned footfall will be down on last year.
However, there was no shortage of shoppers at the opening of the new Skechers outlet in Dundrum Town Centre yesterday.
Dublin GAA star Dean Rock visited the store with the Sam Maguire trophy while horse racing champion Nina Carberry was also in attendance.
The new outlet is 4,000 square feet and boasts a huge selection of apparel and accessories and exclusively features Snoop Dogg’s footwear collection and Skechers football boots.
The recent Dublin riots have also deterred the public from venturing into the city centre.
December 8 and following days have been traditionally known as Culchie Christmas when rural families used to visit the capital to do their festive shopping.
But some retail experts have said this tradition is in decline for reasons, including the proliferation of large retail centres in the other cities and large towns.
The pedestrianisation of many areas of central Dublin has also made it more difficult for rural shoppers who would normally travel to the city by car.
Also many people now believe that Dublin is not a safe city any more and are shopping locally.
However, despite the weather there were plenty of brave souls who visited the Christmas markets in Dublin’s Henry Street which has 51 stalls this year and open seven-days a week.
In recent days Dublin’s Lord Mayor urged the public not to be afraid of visiting the city this Christmas despite the riots which caused the capital “massive reputational damage”.
Daithi de Roiste made the plea as he officially opened the traditional Christmas markets in the heart of the capital.
Areas which saw some of the worst rioting in five decades have been transformed into markets which will remain open until Christmas Eve.