WHAT’S ON AROUND THE COUNTY THIS CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18 CHRISTMAS MUSIC NIGHT
A night of festive songs and carols led by Jack Stacey and Séamus Kiely is benig held at Captains Table restaurant in the Dunbrody Visitor Centre. Special guests include Keith Flanagan, Clodagh and Stephanie Kinsella, Barrowside, Clare Ronan, Bernie Sinnott and Tom Sullivan. The event begins at 7.30 p.m. Tickets can be booked at the Dunbrody Visitor Centre at 051 425239.
CHRISTMAS COUNTRY SHOW
A special Christmas Country show is to take over the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy on December 18 featuring the likes of Philomena Begley, Dominic Kirwan, Kathy Durkin, Louise Morrissey and many more. For tickets call reception at 053 9237800.
MAKE A FESTIVE TABLE ARRANGEMENT.
Wexford Library will host Margaret Lanigan at 6.30 p.m. as she outlines the design of a festive table arrangement. Each participant will get to make their own Christmas centrepiece. People can bring their own baubles or decorations to add to the candle and greenery supplied in order to personalise their arrange- ment. Places strictly limited – booking is essential.
SHINE BRIGHT CHRISTMAS SHOWS
The students of Shine Bright Theatre group in Rosslare Strand have two Christmas shows coming up shortly. The shows will be staged in Our Lady’s Island on Tuesday and Thursday, December 18 and 20, at 6.30 p.m. The cast, which will include children aged between 3 and 12, will perform ‘the story of Christmas’, ‘The Little Match Girl’ and ‘Christmas Eve Disaster’ each night. They promise to be a fun-filled family evenings. Tickets are priced €8 (adults) and €6 (children).
SANTA’S ENCHANTED CASTLE
There’s plenty of magic at Enniscorthy Castle this festive season as it has been transformed into Santa’s Enchanted Castle. Featuring a number of themed rooms such as the Ice Room, Beauty and the Beast Banquet, Elf University, 100 Acre Wood and the Underwater Coral Reef, you’ll also get the chance to stop at Mrs Claus’s Sweet Shop before seeing santa himself. To book a place, visit santasenchanctedcastle.ie.
CHRISTMAS STORYTIME
A Christmas toddler storytime will take place in Gorey Library, at 11 a.m. A very special guest is due to arrive on the day, so it promises to be a fun day.
CHORAL GROUP
Gorey Choral Group present their annual Festive Evening in the Ashdown Park Hotel at 7.30 p.m. Tickets on sale from choir members, hotel reception, Whitmore Jewellers and Wades Pharmacy.
VARIETY CONCERT
The pupils of St Mary’s National School, Ballygarrett, are putting on a Variety Christmas Concert at 7 p.m. Tickets are available from the school and on the door each night. All proceeds will go towards the playground development of the school.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19 RTÉ NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S ‘SWINGIN’ CHRISTMAS.
Superstar composer-arranger Andrew Cottee directs the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra with stellar vocalists Matt Ford and Anna-Jane Casey for a sensational concert of Christmas classics made famous by the likes of Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra including songs like ‘Let it Snow’, ‘winter Wonderland’, ‘The Christmas Song’ and ‘White Christmas’. The concert is at the National Opera House at 7.30 p.m. Tickets from the box office at 053 9122144.
VARIETY CONCERT
The pupils of St Mary’s National School, Ballygarrett, are putting on a Variety Christmas Concert at 7 p.m. Tickets are available from the school and on the door each night. All proceeds will go towards the playground development of the school.
SANTA’S ENCHANTED CASTLE
There’s plenty of magic at Enniscorthy Castle this festive season as it has been transformed into Santa’s Enchanted Castle. Featuring a number of themed rooms such as the Ice Room, Beauty and the Beast Banquet, Elf University, 100 Acre Wood and the Underwater Coral Reef, you’ll also get the chance to stop at Mrs Claus’ Sweet Shop before seeing santa himself. To book a place, visit santasenchanctedcastle.ie.
CHRISTMAS CAROLS IN PIERCESTOWN.
There will be Christmas carols in aid of St Vincent de Paul in Piercestown church at 7 p.m.
OULART SCHOOL CAROL SERVICE
The pupils of Scoil Mochua will present carols in St Patrick’s Church at 7.30 p.m.
CRAOBH LOCH GARMAN ‘ROVING SESSION’.
The Wexford town branch of Comhaltas has been bringing its lively ‘Roving Session’ to various hostelries in and around Wexford. This, the last of the year, takes place at Riley’s Tavern, Monck Street. The session, which is free, welcomes musicians, singers, dancers, storytellers and, of course, an appreciative audience.
CASTLEBRIDGE COFFEE DAY
The annual Christmas coffee day organised by the Porter House in Castlebridge, and in aid of Castlebridge Day Care Centre will be held from 11 a.m. till 7 p.m. Do get along and enjoy their usual selection of mince pies, porter cake etc and have a chat with friends. All donations very much welcome for the old folks of the local community. The organisers are looking forward to seeing you on the day.
That same night they will have their Christmas Bingo session. This is always a great night of entertainment. There will be plenty of prizes, plenty of spot prizes and the Snowball must go on the night.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20 CHRISTMAS MUSIC NIGHT
A night of festive songs and carols led by Jack Stacey and Séamus Kiely is benig held at Captains Table restaurant in the dunbrody Visitor Centre. Special guests include Keith Flanagan, Clodagh and Stephanie Kinsella, Barrowside, Clare Ronan, Bernie Sinnott and Tom Sullivan. The event begins at 7.30 p.m. Tickets can be booked at the Dunbrody Visitor Centre at 051 425239.
CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT
Hosted by St Peter’s College Past Pupils Union, this year’s offering promises to be a great night with some extremely talented acts. Held in conjunction with Wexford Marinewatch and It’s Good two Talk, tickets are €10 for adults and €5 for children, and are on sale in the college reception, from It’s Good two Talk and from Wexford Arts Centre, as well as on the door on the night. The concert takes place in Rowe Street Church at 8 p.m. ‘A Christmas Carol’ at Wexford Library.
The library is delighted to welcome Wexford Drama Group at 7.30 p.m. to give a rehearsed reading of the ever popular ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens. Booking advised through 053 9196760.
JMA ALBUM LAUNCH
Local band JMA will launch their third album ‘We All Got To Get Our Thrills’ at Wexford Arts Centre, just in time for Christmas. The album contains 11 new songs from the pen of Michael Egan. All are welcome and admission is free but booking is essential at 053 9123764.
SANTA’S ENCHANTED CASTLE
There’s plenty of magic at Enniscorthy Castle this festive season as it has been transformed into Santa’s Enchanted Castle. Featuring a number of themed rooms such as the Ice Room, Beauty and the Beast Banquet, Elf University, 100 Acre Wood and the Underwater Coral Reef, you’ll also get the chance to stop at Mrs Claus’ Sweet Shop before seeing santa himself. To book a place, visit santasenchanctedcastle.ie.
SHINE BRIGHT CHRISTMAS SHOWS
The students of Shine Bright Theatre group in Rosslare Strand have two Christmas shows coming up shortly. The shows will be staged in Our Lady’s Island on Tuesday and Thursday, December 18, and 20, at 6.30 p.m. The cast, which will include children aged between 3 and 12, will perform ‘the story of Christmas’, ‘The Little Match Girl’ and ‘Christmas Eve Disaster’ each night. They promise to be a fun-filled family evenings. Tickets are priced €8 (adults) and €6 (children).
KILRANE-ROSSLARE HARBOUR VILLAGE CHRISTMAS.
KRH Tops/Community Group will hold its annual Village Christmas at 6.30 p.m. in St Patrick’s Church, Rosslare Harbour. Christmas Carols and music performed by our talented group and invited guests, and a Ceremony of LIght with the Rosslare Harbour Lifeboat Crew to remember those lost at sea will also take place. A beautiful celebration of Christmas in your own community.
Afterwards there will be tea or coffee and homebaking served in Railway Social Club, combined with our Monster Christmas Raffle. Santa will arrive in style to his Grotto, with a gift for every child. Mrs Claus and Olaf will be there for face painting and musical fun and games.
Admission Children €35 and Adults Free. This is a festive evening not to be missed. A chance for everyone in our little community to come out and enjoy a festive evening, join in the singing, enjoy the music, see the children smile, meet your neighbour for a cuppa and remember those who have spent their Christmas in Rosslare Harbour over the generations.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21 TWO MANY DANCE MOVES
Two Many Dance Moves is an after-school dance programme for children and teens starting from age three up to teens. The programme covers contemporary technique, creative work, devising dance and choreography. The students will showcase their work from Term one. The audience will be brought on a journey of creative expression through movement. The show takes place in the National Opera House – tickets from 053 9122144.
AN IRISH CHRISTMAS/ NOLLAIG NA NGAEL.
St Iberius Church is the venue for a concert by candlelight, featuring a selection of music, songs, stories and poetry with a distinctly Irish flavour. The focus is on Christian and Celtic traditions that have been handed down through the generations. There will be performances by uilleann piper Éanna Harrington, harpist Shelly O’Grady, poets Máire Ní Bhriain and Fintan Murphy, singers Ann Marie Corcoran and Melanie O’Reilly, musicians David Creevy (guitar), Jame McIntyre (guitar) and Alice McIntyre (fiddle) and acapella group Credo. There is no admission charge but donations for the Christmas Fast by Canon Arthur Minion and Fr Aodhan Marken are welcome. The concert starts at 7 p.m.
CHRISTMAS GUITAR PERFORMANCE
Kick off the festive weekend with Phillie O’Donoghue’s students from North Wexford Music School, who will perform a wonderful recital of guitar music in Gorey Library, at 3.30 p.m.
SANTA’S ENCHANTED CASTLE
There’s plenty of magic at Enniscorthy Castle this festive season as it has been transformed into Santa’s Enchanted Castle. Featuring a number of themed rooms such as the Ice Room, Beauty and the Beast Banquet, Elf University, 100 Acre Wood and the Underwater Coral Reef, you’ll also get the chance to stop at Mrs Claus’s Sweet Shop before seeing santa himself. To book a place, visit santasenchanctedcastle.ie.
BANDSTAND PRESENTS
Having enjoyed a successful debut at the Presentation Centre back in October, Bandstand is back with yet another fiery line-up of independent Wexford talent on Friday, December 21, at 6.30 p.m. at Enniscorthy’s Presentation Centre. Among the acts are 12 Gauge Outrage, Marabou, Stone Blind State and Innuendo. Tickets are priced at €10 and can be purchased online at presentationcentre.ie or by calling 053 9233000.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 THE ASK CHRISTMAS CONCERT
The first Ask Christmas Concert will be held this year in aid of Pieta House. The National Opera House will host an evening of collabortion from some of Wexford’s finest musicians including the Ocelots, Basciville and the Man Whom, all featuring orchestral arrangements written and directed by Liam Bates and performed by his orchestra. Tickets from 053 9122144. 8 p.m. start.
SANTA’S ENCHANTED CASTLE
There’s plenty of magic at Enniscorthy Castle this festive season as it has been transformed into Santa’s Enchanted Castle. Featuring a number of themed rooms such as the Ice Room, Beauty and the Beast Banquet, Elf University, 100 Acre Wood and the Underwater Coral Reef, you’ll also get the chance to stop at Mrs Claus’ Sweet Shop before seeing santa himself. To book a place, visit santasenchanctedcastle.ie.
CHARITY GIG FOR HOMELESSNESS
The Crown Live will host a charity gig later this month to raise money for the Wexford branch of the society of St Vincent de Paul and the Simon Community. The gig will take place on Saturday, December 22, and will feature some of Wexford’s foremost music acts including Niall Cash; Tierney; Mark Walsh; Fin Winner and the Famous Séamus. Doors will open at 8 p.m. and tickets, priced €10, are now available at the Crown and also by email at saculdypuffinproductions@ gmail.com. The proceeds from the event will be split between the two aforementioned charities.
SANTA AT KILCANNON
Kilcannon Garden Centre has been transformed into a winter wonderland this Christmas and it offers all kinds of Christmas magic to explore for kids, culminating in getting to sit down with Santa Claus himself. It runs from midday till 5 p.m. and the cost of entry is €15 per child with two accompanying adults free of charge. To book your place, visit kilcannon.ie or call 053 9235514.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Gorey Choral Group and friends annual Christmas Concert will take place in Gorey Library, at 3 p.m. Take a break from the Christmas shopping and join in for a seasonal mix of music and readings, including a piano performance by Darragh Gilleece, finishing off with a recital from the Gorey Choral group. There will be tea or coffee and mince pies.
CHRISTMAS DECORATION WORKSHOP
Bricks4Kidz will host a Christmas Decoration workshop at their base in Wexford town from 10 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.
BREE CAROL SINGING
Bree Youth Club’s annual Carol Singing in aid of Hope will take place on after Mass. Hot chocolate and refreshments will be available afterwards.
DECLAN O’ROURKE IN ST IBERIUS CHURCH.
To celebrate the re-release of his classic 2004 debut album Since Kyabram, O’Rourke will take members of the original band back to Wexford this December 22 for a nostalgic and uplifting show. Tickets at €27 from lantern.ie.
CHRISTMAS JUMPER NIGHT IN KILRUSH.
Kilrush camogie club invites you to their Christmas jumper night fundraiser in Codds public house in Kilrush. A great night of music and fun to be had with a prize for the best Christmas jumper on the night plus door prizes. Donations on the door all support greatly appreciated.
PAT SHORTT
Comedy fans will certainly feel as though Christmas has come that little bit early as the legendary Pat Shortt takes to the stage at the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, on December 22 with his new show ‘Hey’. The show kicks off at 8 p.m. and tickets are available from hotel reception or ticketmaster.ie.
ROCK N ROLL CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY.
The South East Rock’n’ Roll Club will be rockin’ around the Christmas tree on Saturday, December 22, as they host their annual Christmas party at the Bailey, Enniscorthy. The evening will feature wonderful live music from Gavin Povey and the Fabulous Oke-She-Moke-She-Pops with a DJ keeping things going till late. Doors open at 9 p.m. and tickets are priced at €10. All are welcome to come along and rock the night away.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23 SANTA’S ENCHANTED CASTLE
There’s plenty of magic at Enniscorthy Castle this festive season as it has been transformed into Santa’s Enchanted Castle. Featuring a number of themed rooms such as the Ice Room, Beauty and the Beast Banquet, Elf University, 100 Acre Wood and the Underwater Coral Reef, you’ll also stop at Mrs Claus’s Sweet Shop before seeing santa himself. To book, visit santasenchanctedcastle.ie.
CAROLS
Gorey Calvary Church will host an evening of carols and scripture readings in the Oratory, Gorey Community School at 7 p.m. Refreshments served afterwards. For more details, contact Vincent at 085 7840474.
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
The Cuan Aingeal Support Group is holding a festival of Lights at the garden of remembrance in Ferrybank at 5 p.m. People are invited to bring a candle or white balloon.
SANTA AT KILCANNON
Kilcannon Garden Centre has been transformed into a winter wonderland this Christmas and it offers all kinds of Christmas magic to explore for kids, culminating in getting to sit down with Santa Claus himself. It runs from midday till 5 p.m. and the cost of entry is €15 per child with two accompanying adults free of charge. To book your place, visit kilcannon.ie or call 053 9235514.
HORSEMEN OF EIRE CHRISTMAS PARTY.
Enjoy free American Mid West pies, a demonstration of mounted combat, horsemanship and historical fencing, and an open house at the group’s base in Glynn (Y21NX67 – purple gate). Runs from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25 CHRISTMAS DAY CHRISTMAS DAY COMMUNITY DINNER
Local group Wexford People Helping People will host Christmas Day dinner in St Joseph’s Community Centre for up to 200 people. The event is free and visitors will receive Christmas dinner and enjoy entertainment during the day. Contact Gary at 085 8256235 to secure a place.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26 ST STEPHEN’S DAY FESTIVE FAMILY RUN
Pink Rock run St Joseph’s AC in New Ross will hold its annual 5k Fam- ily Festive Fun Run Walk at the Pink Rock at midday on St Stephen’s Day. Fancy dress is optional. You are invited to bring the kids’ pets (dogs must be on a lead). The fun Christmas event is a great way to test out the new bikes Santa might bring. Donations can be made on the day, with spot prizes and light refreshments afterwards.
CHARITY SWIM AT CARNE
Our Lady’s Island National School is hosting its annual St Stephen’s Day charity swim on Carne beach at midday, with registration from 11.30 a.m. Refreshments will be served afterwards. Walk-ins welcome on the day or sponsorship cards are available from Geraldine at 053 9131113.
WEXFORD GOAL MILE 2018.
The Goal Mile returns again this year to the Wexford Quay front at 11 a.m. Walk, jog or run the mile for a great cause.
DAISY DAY AT HOOK LIGHTHOUSE
The ‘Daisy Day’ tradition whereby children in the 1940s sought out the first flower of the year and received pennies for them is being revived at Hook Lighthouse. This St Stephen’s Day will see the hunt take place and children receiving a chocolate penny for their efforts. This is a free event, for details see hookheritage.ie.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27 SLEEPING BEAUTY PANTOMIME
An all-star cast, including Fair City’s Caoimhe Dillon and George McMahon, will bring the much-loved classic to life. The spell has been cast in a land far away. Will the heroic prince break the spell and awake his true love? Will good overcome evil? Or will the evil Maleficent ruin Christmas for all? Runs at 2 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. at the National Opera House. Tickets from 053 9122144.
CHRISTMAS PANTO IN RATHNURE
Rathnure Pantomime Society presents their 24th Christmas Panto, Broomstick: Tinkerbell’s Christmas Adventure in Rathnure hall at 7.45 p.m. Early evening performances on the Sunday shows. Call 087 0687801 or 087 6954112.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28 JACK L IN ST IBERIUS CHURCH
Jack L plays St Iberius Church at 8 p.m. In this show, ‘Songs of the Season – Northern Lights’ Jack will sing songs which take him back to winters of long ago and songs which conjure up the atmosphere of winters and Christmases of his childhood. Tickets at €27 from lantern.ie.
CHRISTMAS PANTO IN RATHNURE
Rathnure Pantomime Society presents its 24th Christmas Panto, Broomstick: Tinkerbell’s Christmas Adventure, in Rathnure hall at 7.45 p.m. Early evening performances on the Sunday shows. Call 087 0687801 or 087 6954112.
SLEEPING BEAUTY PANTOMIME
An all-star cast, including Fair City’s Caoimhe Dillon and George McMahon, will bring the much-loved classic to life. The spell has been cast in a land far away. Will the heroic prince break the spell and awake his true love? Will good overcome evil? Or will the evil Maleficent ruin Christmas for all? Runs at 2 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. at the National Opera House. Tickets from 053 9122144.
CLONGEEN CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Clongeen Community Development Group presents in Concert Louise Morrissey and Theresa and the Stars in St Aidan’s Church in Clongeen, starting at 8 p.m. Admission is €20 for tickets and you can get them by contacting 086 3278485.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29 SLEEPING BEAUTY PANTOMIME
An all-star cast, including Fair City’s Caoimhe Dillon and George McMahon, will bring the much-loved classic to life. The spell has been cast in a land far away. Will the heroic prince break the spell and awake his true love? Will good overcome evil? Or will the evil Maleficent ruin Christmas for all? Runs at 2 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. at the National Opera House. Tickets from 053 9122144.
MICK FLANNERY AT THE CROWN LIVE.
Mick Flannery returns to Wexford for a very festive show, starting at 8 p.m. Flannery is widely regarded as one of the finest singer-songwriters to come out of Ireland in recent years. Tickets from lantern.ie.
CHRISTMAS PANTO IN RATHNURE
Rathnure Pantomime Society presents their 24th Christmas Panto, Broomstick: Tinkerbell’s Christmas Adventure in Rathnure hall at 7.45 p.m. Early evening performances on the Sunday shows. Call 087 0687801 or 087 6954112.
BUFFERS ALLEY POKER CLASSIC
The 10th annual Buffers Alley Poker Classic will take place at
8 p.m. Tickets at €20 are on sale from club members or you can pay on the door on the night. The Classic offers some of the best prizemoney and has become a firm favourite with card sharks in county. There will be a door prize courtesy of Hammels Centra Kilmuckridge. There will be refreshments served and the Bar will be running promotions on the night.
BREE FUN RUN/WALK
Calling all runners and walkers to get your runners out and ready for the Bree Youth Club’s annual winter Fun Run/Walk at 1 p.m. This year we have a 10k and 5k route available for participants. €10 for adults, under-16 €5 and kids go free. A great day out for family with lots of prizes on the day.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30 SLEEPING BEAUTY PANTOMIME
An all-star cast, including Fair City’s Caoimhe Dillon and George McMahon, will bring the much-loved classic to life. The spell has been cast in a land far away. Will the heroic prince break the spell and awake his true love? Will good overcome evil? Or will the evil Maleficent ruin Christmas for all? Runs at 2 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. at the National Opera House. Tickets from 053 9122144.
THE YEAR GRUNGE BROKE
Crown Live will host a night of Christmas Grunge and Alternative 90s music. The full band show will feature the music of Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Smashing Pumpkins, Stone Temple Pilots, Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters and many more. Tickets from ticketweb.ie.
FOSTER AND ALLEN ‘PUTTING ON THE STYLE’.
Celebrating over 40 years together in the music business, Foster and Allen will perform all of their hits at a concert in Clayton White’s Hotel. Tickets from ticketweb.ie. 8 p.m.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY IN KILMUCKRIDGE.
A New Year’s Eve party will be held in the Upton Court Hotel. Tickets are €10. Live music by Theresa and the stars followed by DJ and late bar. Doors at 9 p.m. and live music at 10 p.m.
SLIPPERY WHEN WET – BON JOVI TRIBUTE
The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute band plays at the Crown Live, with doors opening at 10 p.m. Tickets from ticketweb.ie.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 1 NEW YEAR’S DAY DUNCANNON SWIM
Duncannon FC will hold its annual New Years Day swim on Duncannon beach at 1 p.m. All are welcome to join the swim on the day or just cheer on the brave swimmers. This year half the money raised will go to Pieta House, For more information contact Pádraig Doran at 085 8000933.