Santa Claus joined Cork County Mayor, Cllr. Alan Coleman in Kinsale this evening, as they turned on the Christmas lights on the 8m tree and the Mast to officially launch ‘Kinsale Christmas’. This was followed by a torchlight parade to the White Lady Hotel for a mini disco. An exciting month of events and activities is planned as Kinsale welcomes families, friends and visitors to join in the festivities throughout December.

“Having won ‘Ireland’s Small Tourism Town Award’ presented by Failte Ireland, last Thursday, there is a great buzz in Kinsale this weekend,” said Cllr. Alan Coleman, Mayor of Cork County. “All credit is due to 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 cafés, 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:
Every weekend in December, Santa Claus will take up residence in Kinsale at The Old Mill Building opposite St Multose Church. This is the first year for Santa’s Winter Wonderland at The Old Mill, offering a magical trail treasure hunt around Kinsale afterwards.
Experience the magical Frozen corner and Fairy Village
Post your letter in Santa’s official Post Box
Join in the Christmas story with Mrs Claus and the wonderous Elves
Each family will meet Santa individually and each child will get a special gift from Santa
Free Treasure Hunt with wonderful Disney prizes
Lots more surprises in store!
See www.kinsalechristmas.com for booking information and further details.
Thursday 4th December - the popular Kinsale Christmas Market returns to the Blue Haven Hotel, Kinsale where you can enjoy mulled wine, hot chocolate 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 14th at 10.30 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 Kinsale Christmas lights and The Friends of Jamie Wall. See Kinsale TriClub Facebook for more details or pop in to the Lemon Leaf Café for a registration form.

Christmas Masses, Services and Carol Services will be well publicised in advance. Also Kinsale Lion’s Club Christmas Swim on Christmas Day (1.15pm) and other events will be notified in due course.

So why not make a day or a weekend of it and experience all that Kinsale has to offer? Kinsale Chamber of Tourism & Business is actively supporting Kinsale Christmas - details and special offers now available on the new look website www.kinsale.ie

Ho Ho Ho … it’s off to Kinsale we go!

Photo: John Allen