President recalls true meaning of Christmas - offering shelter - as tree lights lit at Áras

The President said it was a challenging time for those depending on the kindness of others as they celebrate Christmas in a new country, and a new home.

President Michael D Higgins has reached out to migrants as the Christmas Tree Lights are switched on this evening at Áras an Úachtaráin.

President Higgins extended good wishes to our emigrants abroad, as well as remembering the "new Irish community" trying to recreate family traditions here in their new homeland.