WHAT’S ON AROUND THE COUNTY THIS CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16 (CONTINUED) INDOOR GEORGIAN MARKET
Luisne Centre for Well Being in Kilcoole is hosting an indoor market featuring gifts from local artists and craftspeople, ceramics, wood carvings, art, photography, jewellery and cards, from 11.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
LIGHT UP YOUR GINGERBREAD HOUSE.
Cool Planet Experience at Powerscourt House is hosting workshops at midday and 3 p.m. where children (aged six to 11 years) can create, decorate and light up their own gingerbread house. This is a two-hour workshop and costs €20 per child. Places can be booked on coolplanetexperience.org/book.
SENIOR CITIZENS PARTY
Wicklow Gardaí are hosting their annual senior citizens Christmas party in the De La Salle Pastoral Centre (beside St Patrick’s Church) in Wicklow town from 3 p.m.
CHRISTMAS MARKET
The Abbey Grounds in Wicklow town will be transformed into a Christmas Market from midday to 6 p.m. There will be a selection of artisan foods, decorations, gifts and workshops. There will be chances to meet Santa Claus in his magical Grotto and there will also be plenty of entertainment, including local school choirs. They will also be hosting an Alpaca experience where adults and children will get a chance to mingle with all things woolly and wonderful. There will also be a fun fair.
MRS CLAUS AND SANTA
Mrs Claus will return to Tinahely Farm Shop and is bringing Santa and elf Trixie along too for some festive fun. At 1 p.m., 2.30 p.m. and 4 p.m., Mrs Claus will bring the children along to meet Santa before they get free entry to the activity barn. The cost is €15 per child (adults go free) but places must be booked in advance by contacting the farm shop.
SANTA’S GROTTO
Take a break from the Christmas shopping to visit Santa’s grotto in the Bridgewater Shopping centre from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., there will be a children’s disco on the mall with glow in the dark facepaints, Christmas music and a light-up dancefloor.
BATON TWIRLERS SHOW
Greystones Baton Twirlers will host their annual show at 2 p.m. in the Shoreline Leisure Centre, Greystones. The show will be jampacked with lots of routines learned throughout the year as well as some Christmas fun and routines from the latest Grinch movie. Tickets cost €5 and are available on the door.
ROBBY THE CHRISTMAS ROBIN
Dale Treadwell of Naturally Wild has a unique approach to taking care of birds in the garden this festive season and will also give a glimpse into some of the other wildlife to be found, including hedgehogs and creepy crawlies. Dale will also be reading from one of his children’s books, Robby the Christmas Robin, during this fun, interactive event at Powerscourt, which begins at 2 p.m. This event is suitable for children aged five to 11 years and tickets, costing €5, are available from Powerscourt.
CAROL SERVICE
The spirit of Christmas will be ringing in people’s ears as St Peter’s Church in Little Bray holds its annual carol service from 3 p.m.
CHRISTMAS PARTY
The Arklow Positive Ageing Christmas party takes place at the Arklow Bay Hotel at 3 p.m. Tickets are €15 and available from the committee members.
CANDLELIGHT CAROL SERVICE
The annual Christmas Candlelight Carol Service will take place in Donard Church at 3 p.m. Everyone is welcome to take some time out from the hustle and bustle to enjoy this lovely and meaningful service.
WONDERLAND FAIR
Valleymount GAA is hosting a ‘Christmas Wonderland Fair’ at its grounds from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will be a wide range of events on the day including carol singing, an elves workshop and a range of stalls selling everything and anything. The big man in red will also be making an appearance.
REUBEN THE ENTERTAINER
Reuben the Entertainer will be at Whale Theatre in Greystones at 4 p.m. Reuben, of RTÉ Jnr, is a hurricane of comedy energy and, with mime, magic and puppets, this variety show is suitable for all ages. Tickets cost €10 and are available from the Whale.
CHRISTMAS CAROLS
Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Bray will be filled with beautiful voices as it hosts it annual celebration of carols at 7 p.m.
JOY TO THE WORLD
Soprano Niamh Murray and the Enniskerry Concert Choir present ‘Joy to the World’, a special Christmas musical celebration at St Mary’s Church in Enniskerry at 7 p.m. Guests will be treated to a wonderful mix of traditional and modern Christmas favourites under the baton of Musical Director Gloria Smith and accompanist Charles Pearson. This year’s concerts will support local charities including the Wicklow Homeless Five Loaves, Kilmacanogue National School and, through the parish, St Vincent de Paul. Tickets, costing €20, are available between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. from the parish offices in Enniskerry and Kilmacanogue or from the Parting Glass in Enniskerry.
CAROL SERVICE
Arklow Methodist Church will host a carol service at 7.30 p.m. The Arklow Shipping Silver Band will perform and refreshments will be served after the service.
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
Come along, join in with some favourite carols and enjoy some Christmas readings in Calary Church at 7.30 p.m. A collection during the carols will be in aid of the Simon Community and Tiglin. Mulled wine and mince pies will be served afterwards.
CHRISTMAS CHORUS
Newtownmountkennedy Male Voice Choir and DoMiSo Delgany Community Choir present Christmas Chorus at 7.30 p.m. in Christ Church, Delgany. The evening, which is in aid of Greystones Cancer Support, will feature Frank Kelly as Musical Director and special guest Rebecca Kelly. Admission is €5, while donations to Greystones Cancer Support are welcome.
CHRISTMAS MAGIC
Wicklow Male Voice Choir presents ‘Christmas Magic’ at 8 p.m. in St Patrick’s Church, Wicklow town. The choir, which is celebrating 20 years, will perform under Musical Director Tony Norton and will be joined by international singing star Simon Morgan, acclaimed pianist/ organist Ronán Murray and the latest winner of the choir’s bursary competition. Guests are welcome to bring a cushion with them on the night. Tickets, costing €15, are available from any choir member.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 17 CHRISTMAS STABLES
Children will love the chance to meet some of Santa’s animals, including Santa’s deer, pygmy goats, minature donkeys, rabbits and guinea pigs, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Powerscourt Garden Pavilion. A visit to the stables is free of charge.
CHRISTMAS ISLAND
Visitors to Christmas Island in Rathdrum will enjoy an exciting journey on the North Pole Express train, a trip to Christmas Island and a trip aboard the giant sleigh boat as they visit Santa. Extremely limited availability from 2.15 p.m. Tickets cost €8 for infants, €20 for children (aged one to 12) and €14.50 per adult and are available from christmasisland.ie.
CAROL SINGING
The Cecil Beare ecumenical carol singing group returns to Greystones. Anyone can come and join the group, which meets each night at 7.20 p.m. to start at 7.30 p.m. On Monday, December 17, it’s Blacklion Pet Hospital, to cover Applewood Heights and Oaklands.
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
Christmas tearjerker ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ will be screened at Mermaid Arts Centre at 8 p.m. This moving and beautifully told film is a true masterpiece of cinema. A tale of rivalry and despair at 30, the story finds George Bailey (James Stuart) in turmoil, having been framed by his arch rival, torn between his own desires and aspirations, but struggling to always do the right thing. This inner conflict proves too much for Bailey, who sees suicide as the only option. In classic Hollywood style, Heaven sends a guardian angel to remind him how worthwhile his life has been and to treasure the good times when the going gets tough. Tickets are €8 or €6.50 concession and are available from the Mermaid.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18 CHRISTMAS STABLES
Children will love the chance to meet some of Santa’s animals, including Santa’s deer, pygmy goats, minature donkeys, rabbits and guinea pigs, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Powerscourt Garden Pavilion. A visit to the stables is free of charge.
CHRISTMAS ISLAND
Visitors to Christmas Island in Rathdrum will enjoy an exciting journey on the North Pole Express train, a trip to Christmas Island and a trip aboard the giant sleigh boat as they visit Santa. Limited availability from 2 p.m. Tickets cost €8 for infants, €20 for children (aged one to 12) and €14.50 per adult and are available from christmasisland.ie.
SHARING OUR STORIES
The second Blessington library interview in the new Sharing Our Stories series with author, aphilanthropist and pilgrim Bébhinn Ramsay/ Ní Dhonaill takes place at 7 p.m. She will be sharing her pilgrimage stories from Spain, South America and Wicklow as well as talking about her celebrated book ‘Love’s Last Gift.’. The Cecil Beare ecumenical carol singing group returns to Greystones. Anyone can come and join the group, which meets each night at 7.20 p.m. to start at 7.30 p.m. This evening, the group will meet at Fenton’s Fires on Church Road, to sing in Bellevue Road, Bellevue Park and Hillside.
CANDLELIT PROCESSION
The whole community is invited to a special candlelit procession in Glendalough to celebrate Christmas. At 7.30 p.m., guests will join a candlelit procession through the monastic gates and onto the ruins of the candlelit cathedral, where they will enjoy an evening of traditional carol singing. Tea and coffee will be provided afterwards, courtesy of the Glendalough Hotel. This is a free event and anyone taking part is advised to dress accordingly and bring a lantern or torch. Participants should gather in the car park of the Glendalough Hotel at 7.15 p.m.
CHRISTMAS SING ALONG
The Tea Room on Main Street in Baltinglass will host a Christmas Sing-Along from 8 p.m. Come along and join in with some festive favourites.
FESTIVE WHIST DRIVE
St Peter’s Parish Centre in Kiltegan will host its annual Christmas whist drive at 8 p.m., There are lots of great prizes up for grabs, including a hamper, turkeys and Christmas cake.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19 CHRISTMAS STABLES
Children will love the chance to meet some of Santa’s animals, including Santa’s deer, pygmy goats, minature donkeys, rabbits and guinea pigs, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Powerscourt Garden Pavilion. A visit to the stables is free of charge.
CHRISTMAS ISLAND
Visitors to Christmas Island in Rathdrum will enjoy an exciting journey on the North Pole Express train, a trip to Christmas Island and a trip aboard the giant sleigh boat as they visit Santa. Limited availability from 2 p.m. Tickets cost €8 for infants, €20 for children (aged one to 12) and €14.50 per adult and are available from christmasisland.ie.
SENIORS’ CHRISTMAS PARTY
The Tea Room in Baltinglass will be hosting a Christmas party for the older members of the community at its premises on Main Street from 3 p.m.
CAROL SINGING
The Cecil Beare ecumenical carol singing group returns to Greystones. Anyone can come and join the group, which meets each night at 7.20 p.m. to start at 7.30 p.m. This evening, it’s Brady’s Homecare, to cover Mountainview Park, La Touche Park, Mount Haven and New Road.
GOLD AND SILVER DAYS
Phil Coulter will bring his show ‘Gold and Silver Days’ to Mermaid Arts Centre at 8 p.m. A prolific, songwriter, producer and recording artist, Phil has had chart entries in every decade since the sixties. His new show will feature Phil’s personal favourites as he trawls through his 50 years of creativity. Tickets cost €28/€25 and are available from the Mermaid.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20 CHRISTMAS STABLES
Children will love the chance to meet some of Santa’s animals, including Santa’s deer, pygmy goats, minature donkeys, rabbits and guinea pigs, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Powerscourt Garden Pavilion. A visit to the stables is free of charge.
CHRISTMAS ISLAND
Visitors to Christmas Island in Rathdrum will enjoy an exciting journey on the North Pole Express train, a trip to Christmas Island and a trip aboard the giant sleigh boat as they visit Santa. Limited availability from 1.45 p.m. Tickets cost €8 for infants, €20 for children (aged one to 12) and €14.50 per adult and are available from christmasisland.ie.
CHRISTMAS FAMILY STORYTIME
Blessington Library will throw open its doors at 5.45 p.m. and invite parents to bring their little ones along for some festive storytelling. Children are welcome to come along in their pyjamas and bring their favourite teddy along while it is also hoped that parents will read some of the festive books on display to the children. A VIP guest will be coming all the way from the North Pole to meet the little ones and there will also be Christmas Carols and colouring pages to keep them occupied. For more information, contact Blessington Library.
CAROL SINGING
The Cecil Beare ecumenical carol singing group returns to Greystones. Anyone can come and join the group, which meets each night at 7.20 p.m. to start at 7.30 p.m. This evening, singers will meet at Fenton’s Fires, to cover Hillside Road, Heatherview and part of Bellevue Park.
GOLD AND SILVER DAYS
Phil Coulter will bring his show ‘Gold and Silver Days’ to Mermaid Arts Centre at 8 p.m. A prolific, songwriter, producer and recording artist, Phil has had chart entries in every decade since the sixties. His new show will feature Phil’s personal favourites as he trawls through his 50 years of creativity. Tickets cost €28/€25 and are available from the Mermaid.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21 CHRISTMAS STABLES
Children will love the chance to meet some of Santa’s animals, including Santa’s deer, pygmy goats, minature donkeys, rabbits and guinea pigs, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Powerscourt Garden Pavilion. A visit to the stables is free of charge.
CHRISTMAS ISLAND
Visitors to Christmas Island in Rathdrum will enjoy an exciting journey on the North Pole Express train, a trip to Christmas Island and a trip aboard the giant sleigh boat as they visit Santa. Limited availability from 10.30 a.m. Tickets cost €8 for infants, €20 for children (aged one to 12) and €14.50 per adult and are available from christmasisland.ie.
WINTER SOLSTICE TRACK MILE
Mark the shortest day of the year by joining Sli Cualann Athletics Club for four and a bit laps of Greystones Athletics Track. There will be a series of races suitable for all standards, so come along and sprint, run, walk or jog your way round with participants of a similar standard. Registration will take place from 7 p.m. on the day, with the first race starting at 7.15 p.m. Entry is €5 for over-16s or €3 for under-16s.
COMMUNITY CAROLS
Organisers of the Ballinabarney, Ballintombay and Ballyteige Pure mile are inviting residents of the four roads which meet at Snell’s crossroads to come out at 7 p.m. for half-an-hour to sing carols and Christmas songs with their neighbours. All singers are asked to dress accordingly and to bring along high-vis jackets, lanterns, torches and, if they have them, jingle bells.
CAROL SINGING
The Cecil Beare ecumenical carol singing group returns to Greystones. Anyone can come and join the group, which meets each night at 7.20 p.m. to start at 7.30 p.m. Tonight, singers meet at the entrance to Rathdown Park, opposite Topaz, for Rathdown Park and Redford Park.
WINTER SOLSTICE CONCERT
On the darkest night of the year, the candles will be lighting in the windows at Luisne Centre for Well Being in Kilcoole to welcome guests to an evening of music, storytelling and dancing. The event will include classical music from the Greystones Orchestra Quartet, the hugely talented songstress Patricia Connery, local storyteller par excellence Lorraine O’Brien, Skirt Dancers and the Scott Maher Band. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the concert starting at 7.30 p.m. Places must be booked in advance on eventbrite.ie. Although tickets are free, donations are invited.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
West Wicklow Voices will host a special concert in St Mary’s Church, Baltinglass, at 7.30 p.m. on this mid-winter’s eve. Admission is €10 for adults and €5 for children.
RTÉ CONCERT ORCHESTRA
The RTÉ Concert Orchestra will pay a visit to Wicklow town for an enchanting evening of music at St Patrick’s Church. The orchestra wll be joined by four special guests – Anthony Norton, Una Pedreschi, Lorna Breen and Lindsey Aherne – for this magical, festive treat. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the concert beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets cost €20 and are available from eventbrite.ie or the St Patrick’s parish office.
FUNDRAISING PARTY
The Social Scene Christmas party will take place in Stratford GAA Clubhouse from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. There will be music from DJ Stephen B+ and all funds raised will go to Barretstown. Admission is €5.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 CHRISTMAS MARKET
Killruddery’s Christmas market offers an oasis of local produce, festive gift ideas and some scrumptious seasonal treats from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
CHRISTMAS ISLAND
Visitors to Christmas Island in Rathdrum will enjoy an exciting journey on the North Pole Express train, a trip to Christmas Island and a trip aboard the giant sleigh boat as they visit Santa. Limited availability from 9.15 a.m. Tickets cost €8 for infants, €20 for children (aged one to 12) and €14.50 per adult and are available from christmasisland.ie.
CHRISTMAS STABLES
Children will love the chance to meet some of Santa’s animals, including Santa’s deer, pygmy goats, minature donkeys, rabbits and guinea pigs, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Powerscourt Garden Pavilion. A visit to the stables is free of charge.
SANTA’S JOURNEY
Visitors to Djouce Golf Club near Roundwood can board the train at Gingerbread Junction to set off on an enchanted journey to meet Santa. Cookie the Elf will meet them at the North Pole Station and bring them to meet Mrs Claus in her winter cabin. From there, it’s off to Santa’s winter Workshop for a special mini-show with the elves before meeting the man himself. Time slots are available between 10 a.m. and 6.40 p.m. and tickets, costing €14 for adults and €18 for children, are available from santasjourney.ie.
GRAPE TIDY TOWNS MARKET
The Greystones Tidy Towns Greystones Art and Photography exhibition (GRAPE) Christmas Market takes place at the Boat Yard Market at the harbour from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The market is a major fundraiser for Greystones Tidy Towns, and all the proceeds are funnelled back into the town on projects, equipment and ongoing programmes to enhance and make the town a better environment.
CHRISTMAS MARKET
The Abbey Grounds in Wicklow town will be transformed into a Christmas Market from midday to 6 p.m. There will be a selection of artisan foods, decorations, gifts and workshops. There will be chances to meet Santa Claus in his magical grotto and there will also be plenty of entertainment, including local school choirs. They will also be hosting an Alpaca experience where adults and children will get a chance to mingle with all things woolly and wonderful. There will also be a fun fair.
LIGHT UP YOUR GINGERBREAD HOUSE.
Cool Planet Experience at Powerscourt House is hosting workshops at midday and 3 p.m. where children (aged six to 11 years) can create, decorate and light up their own gingerbread house. This is a two-hour workshop and costs €20 per child. Places can be booked on coolplanetexperience.org/book.
SANTA’S CRAFTY LAB
Children can engage in the awesome world of chemistry at this two-hour festive science workshop at Killruddery Farm Market from 1 p.m. Participants will explore glittery slime, be amazed by intriguing polymers, design their own electric Christmas card, learn about light energy and plenty more besides. The workshop costs €15 and places can be booked through the Killruddery. com website.
MRS CLAUS AND SANTA
Mrs Claus will return to Tinahely Farm Shop and is bringing Santa and elf Trixie along too for some festive fun. At 1 p.m., 2.30 p.m. and 4 p.m., Mrs Claus will bring the children along to meet Santa before they get free entry to the activity barn. The cost is €15 per child (adults go free) but places must be booked in advance by contacting the farm shop.
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY
The Tea Room in Baltinglass will be hosting a Christmas party for the younger members of the community at its premises on Main Street from 3 p.m.
CHRISTMAS CABARET
Roundwood Variety Group presents this Christmas Cabaret party night and fundraiser in Tochar House, Roundwood, from 8 p.m. There will be great prizes to be won, music by the Roamin’ Cadillacs and plenty more besides.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23 CHRISTMAS MARKET
Killruddery’s Christmas market offers an oasis of local produce, festive gift ideas and some scrumptious seasonal treats from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
CHRISTMAS STABLES
Children will love the chance to meet some of Santa’s animals, including Santa’s deer, pygmy goats, minature donkeys, rabbits and guinea pigs, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Powerscourt Garden Pavilion. A visit to the stables is free of charge.
CHRISTMAS ISLAND
Visitors to Christmas Island in Rathdrum will enjoy an exciting journey on the North Pole Express train, a trip to Christmas Island and a trip aboard the giant sleigh boat as they visit Santa. Limited availability from 9 a.m. Tickets cost €8 for infants, €20 for children (aged one to 12) and €14.50 per adult and are available from christmasisland.ie.
SANTA’S JOURNEY
Visitors to Djouce Golf Club near Roundwood can board the train at Gingerbread Junction to set off on an enchanted journey to meet Santa. Cookie the Elf will meet them at the North Pole Station and bring them to meet Mrs Claus in her winter cabin. From there, it’s off to Santa’s winter Workshop for a special mini-show with the elves before meeting the man himself. Time slots are available between 10 a.m. and 6.40 p.m. and tickets, costing €14 for adults and €18 for children, are available from santasjourney.ie.
GRAPE TIDY TOWNS MARKET
The Greystones Tidy Towns Greystones Art and Photography exhibition (GRAPE) Christmas Market takes place at the Boat Yard Market at the harbour from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The market is a major fundraiser for Greystones Tidy Towns, and all the proceeds are funnelled back into the town on projects, equipment and ongoing programmes to enhance and make the town a better environment.
LIGHT UP YOUR GINGERBREAD HOUSE.
Cool Planet Experience at Powerscourt House is hosting workshops at midday and 3 p.m. where children (aged six to 11 years) can create, decorate and light up their own gingerbread house. This is a two-hour workshop and costs €20 per child. Places can be booked on coolplanetexperience.org/book.
MRS CLAUS AND SANTA
Mrs Claus will return to Tinahely Farm Shop and is bringing Santa and elf Trixie along too for some festive fun. At 1 p.m., 2.30 p.m. and 4 p.m., Mrs Claus will bring the children along to meet Santa before they get free entry to the activity barn. The cost is €15 per child (adults go free) but places must be booked in advance by contacting the farm shop.
CAROL SERVICE
The Holy Redeemer Church is Bray will be ringing with beautiful music as it hosts a traditional service of readings and carols by the Gaudium Choir of the parish of the Most Holy Redeemer, conducted by Pat Carey, at 4 p.m.
THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
There will be a screening of ‘The Perfect Christmas Village’ at 5 p.m. in the beer hall at Mickey Finn’s Pub in Redcross. The movie was filmed on location in Avoca and Redcross and tells the story of a girl’s fantasy to create the perfect Christmas. Children are invited to bring their own Christmas mugs for complimentary hot chocolate while festive jumpers are very, very welcome.
CHRISTMAS CABARET
A Christmas cabaret presented by Serpent Rooms will take place at the Hot Spot Music Club in Greystones at 8 p.m. The festive variety show will have Greystones’ own Kitty LeRoux as MC, showcasing local talent as well as national performers. There will be singing, dancing, comedy, burlesque and circus. Tickets are €15 at the door or €12 pre-booked at thehotspot.ie.
CHRISTMAS DAY WICKLOW CHRISTMAS TOGETHER COMMUNITY DINNER.
The annual Wicklow Christmas Together Community Dinner takes place from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Parochial Hall in Wicklow town. Dinner will be served at 2 p.m. Wicklow Christmas Together has been organised fo anyone in the town of Wicklow and surrounding areas to come and enjoy a Christmas day dinner and festive cheer in the company of others. Tickets are €5 each or €10 for a family and include a full Christmas dinner, along with music, dancing, a sing-song and a bit of craic.
LOAVES AND FISHES CHRISTMAS MEAL.
The Loaves and Fishes annual Christmas Day dinner and party starts at 1.30 p.m. and is open to anyone. There will be fun, the music, the presents and of course company. It’s totally free, to help take the worry and stress out of Christmas day. Anyone planning on coming along should contact the Bridge Christian Community on the Wexford Road.
ST STEPHEN’S DAY STREETS OF WICKLOW 5K
The annual Streets of Wicklow 5k sponsored by Burke Oil and organised by Inbhear Dee AC returns at 11 a.m. For the very young, there will be a one-mile race at 10.30 a.m. and entry for this €3 and will be taken on the day. Entries on the day will cost €20 for adults, €10 for juveniles and €65 for a family. Registering in advance will cost €15 per adult, €45 for a family (two parents and two to three children) and €8 for a juvenile under the age of 19. Visit Facebook. com/inbheardee.ac/to register.
FESTIVE SWIM
Arklow couple Eamonn and Mary Burke are signing up volunteers for their St Stephen’s Day Swim in aid of St Vincent’s Foundation. The event takes place at midday on at South Beach. Sponsorship cards are now available from Mary by calling 087 9259504. Swimmers – in fancy dress if desired – will gather at the Bridge Hotel afterwards for refreshments.
ST STEPHEN’S DAY SWIM
This annual swim takes place at the New Pier in Wicklow town at 12.30 p.m. The tradition of a Christmas swim for local charities started back in 1985 on Christmas day. This was changed to St Stephen’s Day in 1986 and has been supported by Wicklow Swimming Club ever since.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27 A FEW GOOD MEN
The Arklow Bay Hotel plays host to four-piece classic pop band A Few Good Men. This high-energy group offers a repertoire of popular hits from the 1960s right up to the ‘90s and bring a feel-good factor to every show. Doors open at 9 p.m. and tickets cost €15.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28 ARKLOW PANTO
The fairest of them all is the latest to get the Arklow Panto Creations treatment as the group presents ‘Snow White and the Babes in the Wood’ at Arklow Sport and Leisure Centre at 7 p.m. Tickets cost €15 for adults and €10 for children (family and group discounts available) and are available by calling 087 1132137. ABBA-ESQUE Re-live some of Abba’s greatest hits with one of their top tribute acts, Abba-esque, at the Parkview Hotel in Newtownmountkennedy. Doors open at 9.30 p.m. Tickets cost €22.50 each or €45 for dinner and the show and are available from the hotel reception.