Doneraile has lots to celebrate this Christmas season

WHILE there’s no need for any added incentive to celebrate at this time of year, Doneraile does have extra cause for celebration as Christmas approaches and 2017 draws to a close, too.

This year, Doneraile Wildlife Park was named as Ireland’s fourth-most-popular ‘free to enter’ attraction of 2016 by Fáilte Ireland, attracting over 480,000 visitors last year. This was an 11% rise on the visitor numbers of 2015.

The annual Fáilte Ireland list of top attractions is eagerly anticipated within the tourist sector each year – and receives widespread attention from the national media.

Alongside Doneraile in the top five are much better-known locations like the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin city centre and the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Kilmainham.

A lot of work and investment has gone into keeping up the historical beauty of Doneraile over the past few years and this has helped boost tourist numbers. Now, there’s something in Doneraile for everybody; if you’re a walker, a wildlife watcher, a landscape enthusiast, or maybe you have an interest in garden history.

Drawing so many visitors to Doneraile has meant local businesses have upped their game and this has had a spin-off for local residents, especially at this time of year.

Doneraile hits the spot when it comes to buying those Christmas gifts as it boasts top quality goods, value for money and plenty of choice for the discerning shopper.

While Cork’s larger towns may attract shoppers from across the county, Doneraile has something special when it comes to finding those somewhat unique goods, all served with a smile and friendly service and plenty of parking friendly stores to boot.

Local pharmacies have a range of beautiful toiletries for the festive season and all shops will be offering great deals, particularly when it comes to food and groceries for the Christmas Day meal.

And while the shopping may take its toll on the feet, why not call in to some of the local bars for a Christmas drink or lunch or dinner with family and friends over the festive season.

There may even be time for a make over at the local salon, that’s after those clothing and footwear presents have been selected and bought nearby - all ready for wrapping ahead of Christmas morning.