'It is brilliant. We have everyone home once a year': Joy as families reunite at Dublin Airport

Ruby O'Loughlin from Zurich is greeted by her mother Sophie O Connor from Mount Merrion at Dublin Airport on Tuesday. Pictures: Gareth Chaney

There were tears of joy shed in Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport as the last of the Christmas arrivals came home for the festive season on Tuesday.

Welcome home signs were dotted around the arrivals hall as Christmas music and dancing elves provided a backdrop for reconnecting families. 

Katie Nolan was waiting for her brother Michael, who flew in from California for the first time in a year. She was joined by her mother, Mary Bond, and her children — Oscar, Skye and Aurora Nolan — who rushed to welcome their uncle when he made his way from the baggage area.

Their sister, Chrissie, surprised their mother by arriving home two days early from Japan, as the family painted welcome home signs.

“We didn’t have to use them in the end,” said Mary. "We did the welcome home at home.

Michael Bond from California is greeted by his sister Katie Nolan, nephew Oscar Nolan, 2, nieces Skye Nolan, 4, and Aurora Nolan, 6, and mother Mary Bond.

“I have four children, two are away in California and Japan, and I have them all at home with me for Christmas, so it will be a great one.

“It is brilliant. We have everyone home once a year."

Michael was delighted to see his family, joking: "I thought at least one person would show up, I didn’t expect all of them!"

Kathryn Adam from Christchurch, far right, is greeted by her nieces Sophie Cremmin and Tori McDonald, and sister Olivia McDonald.

He said he was looking forward to “mammy’s cooking”, while dad John promised to help with the washing up.

John Bond from Swords with his son Michael Bond from California and daughter Chrissie Bond from Tokyo.

Ruby O’Loughlin and her mother Sophie O'Connor hugged each other tightly as they reunited in Dublin. Ruby is living and working in Zurich, and she said it was “very special” to see her mother.

Sophie said she was “over the moon” and that she “doesn’t need any presents” now that her daughter is here.

She said she is cooking Christmas dinner for her family and some close friends and will enjoy their time together before Ruby flies back to Zurich.

Catherine Adam is spending her Christmas in Mayo for the first time in 10 years, having lived in Christchurch in New Zealand for the past two decades.

“We got a big surprise here today," she said. "My big sister Olivia and brother Cormac are all here to see us. 

“We have come a bit at other times of the year, but this is our first Christmas in 10 years. It is great, it is a wonderful time to travel, it is really fun to be here and my kids are here."