‘Tír na Nollaig’ to light up Cork’s Glow festival

A giant ferris wheel, a winter wonderland fairy village for kids, and a festive food market will feature in Cork City’s award-winning Christmas festival, Glow, it was announced last night.

The switch on of the Christmas lights will take place on St Patrick’s St on Nov 17, kicking off the seasonal festivities.

The street will be closed off that evening, with musical entertainment for the family and a special light show.

It's only a few weeks until the big day – the turning on of Cork's Christmas lights on Patrick Street. Save the date: Sunday 17 November!

— Corkmas (@Corkmas_Cork) November 6, 2013

Glow, which is being presented by Cork City Council, will then run from Nov 29 to Dec 23 in and around the Grand Parade area.

Last year’s festival attracted an estimated 150,000 visitors, boosting city centre trade.

People of Cork! We're getting a ferris wheel for Christmas! I can't wait!!!

— Ceallach Ní Bhriain (Kelly O'Brien) (@Kellingtondawg) November 6, 2013

At the heart of this year’s festival will be an ‘enchanted fairy village’, Tír na Nollaig, created by Dowtcha Puppets, in Bishop Lucey Park.

Open for free between 4pm and 8pm for the four weekends in the run up to Christmas, a journey through the park will take about 20 minutes.

It will feature larger than life toy soldiers guarding a fort which hides the enchanted village, where children will be able to post their letter to the North Pole.

Decorations are going up all over town and the Holly Bough is on sale. It's starting to feel a lot like #Christmas in #Cork city!

— Corkmas (@Corkmas_Cork) November 5, 2013

An indoor craft exhibition and fair is being organised by Cork Craft and Design at the Triskel Christchurch, where people will be able to choose from jewellery, art, children’s toys, fashion accessories and rustic trinkets. Seasonal culinary delights will be on offer at the food market on Grand Parade, or at the English Market.

* Visit www.glowcork.ie for more details.