Posted: November 25, 2016
Ho-ho-ho everyone! The countdown officially has started. There are only 30 days and 13 hours till Christmas! If you think there’s still loads of time to find your Christmas Mojo – think again! *TimeToPanicNow*
Christmas trees and decorations are now everywhere and it is a constant reminder for me that this is the first Christmas far away from home and my family. No matter where you are in the world or what it is you do, you will always try to make it home for Christmas, but when you can’t, I believe you need to find your Christmas Mojo wherever you are. And this year I’m in search of my Christmas Mojo in Dublin!
I am a big kid at heart and I just looove Christmas. I love everything about it – the food, music, movies, decorations… but mostly the snow, cosy family evenings with card games and laughter – the things I will be missing this year.
I recently joined the Red Cow Moran Hotel team and one of my first tasks was to write a Christmas themed blogpost. As I was kind of missing my holiday spirit, I decided to go and experience the turning on of the Christmas lights on Grafton Street. A great idea at the time and packaged in my mind as a romantic experience, supping hot chocolate with my hubby while we watched Grafton Street come to light…… hmmmm not so, my friends
As a lover of all things Christmassy, I positioned myself at 6pm sharp in what I thought would be a great viewing post, wrapped up against the elements with my fluffy scarf and ready to experience the magic. My Christmas bubble was sharply burst, as some 15000 like-minded Christmas fans spilled onto Grafton street in crowded chaos to witness the official “switching on” ceremony.
So my planned Christmas-infused evening stroll with my hot chocolate – now worn very visibly across the front of my coat – quickly turned out to be a Christmas Nightmare. Unable to move, breathe and without a view of anything remotely Christmassy – unless you can count the ‘bauble hat’ of the 6ft giant squished in front of me 🙁 – I ‘endured’ rather than ‘enjoyed’ the Grafton Street Christmas Lights ceremony. In the interest of health and safety I was actually grateful that the headline acts were unable to perform and that the event had to be cut short by the organisers.
Disaster….
Ever the optimist though I remain confident of finding other ways of experiencing the magic of Christmas in Dublin and ultimately find my Christmas Mojo so will be taking myself up to O’Connell Street this Sunday 27th November in the hope that their illumination ceremony lives up to my expectations…
If you haven’t found your Christmas Mojo by November 30th when our Christmas Party Season kicks off here at the Red Cow Moran Hotel come and join us for the first of our eight fantastic Christmas Acts. Opening the Festive Party Programme is the legendary Dickie Rock for two nights followed by 5IVE on the 3rd of December, Prince Revelation from the 7th of Dec, Absolute Bowie from the 14th, My Brother Joe on the 28th of Dec and last but not least Trevor Smith & Friends in Low Places for a fantastic Garth Brooks Tribute on the 29th Dec. Tickets for all shows selling fast so book now at T: 01 4593650 or online at www.redcowmoranhotel.com/tickets
Posted: December 10, 2015
Christmas is such a crazy time of year with everyone rushing to get somewhere or do something so it’s important to take time to actually experience
some of the terrific Christmas festivities happening around this great city of ours.
Dublin is a hive of activity at Christmas and there’s something to suit all ages and tastes. For the kiddies a Santa visit is a must, last minute texts to Santa with wish lists are all very well but really the best medium for kids to deliver their own special requests is to talk to the man himself!
There are so many wonderful Santa experiences across Dublin but one in particular that we thought we’d highlight is the Airfield Estate Christmas Experience. A different dynamic to most Santa’s Visits; instead of individual trips into the Big Man which involve queuing and waiting, waiting and queuing, the group, which is kept quite intimate go in to meet Santa together. Sitting on the floor around Santa, he chats to each of the kids and asks them individually what they would like for Christmas. Then he calls out each child’s name and hands them a gift. It’s a really nice relaxed affair. After meeting Santa the kids can go and write their letters to Santa and elves are at hand to stamp and help post them. They can also visit the reindeers and Santa and Mrs Claus’ bedroom. Thumbs up for the Airfield Estate Christmas Experience.
Another great option for time-out during the Christmas Chaos is to do a spot of ice-skating. Certainly something a little different that is fun to do for a date night or with a group of friends. Dundrum on Ice have a great set up and there’s plenty of choice for places to go for a bite and a bevvie after.
Sadly the Christmas Markets didn’t happen for Dublin this year but there’s always Grafton Street for the obligatory stroll on Christmas Eve to soak up the festive atmosphere. Best done when you’re organised and have the shopping finished so you can observe but not have to partake in the chaos around you. It’s also lovely meeting up with friends and family for ‘one’ before you head home to the wrapping.
For a handy guide to what’s on in Dublin this Christmas visit our website www.redcowmoranhotel.com
Posted: December 9, 2014
|Santa in the City| Christmas Show’s in Dublin| Christmas Concerts in Dublin| Dublin Christmas Markets| Exciting Christmas Events on in Dublin City|
Tis is the season, Christmas 2014. A time to spend with your loved ones, a time to laugh and let your hair down. There are events for everyone whether you want to go out with friends and enjoy the festive party scene or if you would like to create memories with your children, Dublin City has it all. Keep reading to find out Moran and Bewley’s Hotel Group Favourite Christmas in Dublin 2014 events.
You can start off your day in Dublin City Centre enjoying the festive cheer that the city brings or shopping for that perfect gift for your friends and family. To help make the lead up to Christmas less stressful Dublin City Centre has launched “Shop and Drop” for the second year running. This allows you to drop off your shopping at either Henry Street or Grafton Street and pick it up at a later stage in the day. For more information on this fantastic service click this link http://www.dublintown.ie/whats-on-events/shop-drop-grafon-street/ This also allows you to enjoy some of the fantastic events happening around the Dublin City Centre.
Moran and Bewley’s Hotel Group have picked out some of the best Christmas in Dublin Events for 2014.
Visit Santa in the City.
Mr Clause has one of the hardest jobs in the world. Visiting all the children around the world. He has made sure that this year he will get to meet all of the wonderful children in Ireland. You can visit Santa in many locations in Dublin City Centre, here are a few of the best.
- Jervis Centre
- Powerscourt
- Wax Museum
- Iiac Centre
- Arnotts
- St. Stephens Green.
- Santa’s pop up Grotto- the Grafton Quarter.
Christmas Shows on in Dublin City Centre.
- 7th December to 14th December- It Sounds Like Christmas- A show for the whole family all about TimTom who is different to all the other children. He has never seen Christmas. This will change and TimTom will get to experience Christmas in a very special way with the help of all the audience. The show lasts for 50 minutes and runs from 7th December to the 15th December. This will be a sell out so book your tickets now for this free event at Powerscourt Townhouse.
- 22nd November to 21st December – A Most Peculiar Wintry Thing- The ARK. A family show that will create fun and exciting memories for all the children. This show will also highlight the wonders of winter and help all the adults re-live all their wonderful memories from childhood. Tickets are from €9 and Family tickets are from €40.
- 1st December 2014- 1st January 2015- Peter Pan Christmas Pantomime. The Gaiety Theatre presents Peter Pan its 2014 Christmas Panto! He’s behind you. No Christmas is complete without the annual visit to the Christmas Panto. Tickets start from €19.50 book now to avoid disappointment.
Why not treat yourself and your family and book into one of our 5 locations in Dublin City Centre and relax after all your Christmas activities. Our Hotels include 1. Red Cow Moran Hotel, 2. Bewley’s Hotel Ballsbridge, 3. Bewley’s Hotel Leopardstown, 4. Bewley’s Hotel Dublin Airport and Bewley’s Hotel Newlands Cross. Book now to avoid disappointment.
Christmas Concerts in Dublin City
- 10th December- Carols by Candlelight at Christ Church- A Christmas Concert that is well known and sells out nearly as fast as One Direction. This wonderful Christmas Concert will showcase the amazing acoustics of Christ Church Cathedral. The Choir will not disappoint the audience and will amaze you with their stunning vocals of all your favourite Christmas Carol’s. Tickets are from €25.00
- 20th December- ChristChurch annual Christmas Concert- the Mornington Singers and Conductor Orla Flanagan return to Christ Church Cathedreal for their annual Christmas Concert. Tickets are from €12
- 19th December to 21st December- The Christmas Concert featuring the Snowman- A Concert for the whole family filled with magical carols and the very popular “Walking in the air” song. Special guest apperances by puppet animation Matthew Robins and the magical voice of Meav. Early booking is recommended, tickets are from €17.
All of our Hotels are within very close proximity off all the Christmas Concerts in Dublin City Centre. To make a booking check out our New Websites http://www.redcowmoranhotel.com/ or http://www.bewleyshotels.com/
Christmas Markets in Dublin City
- 13th November to 22nd December- Christmas Market St. Stephen’s Green
- 1st December to 1st January- Guinness Storehouse first ever Christmas Store.
- 12th December to 14th December-Christmas Cracker Market Smithfield Square Dublin 7
For Christmas Markets near the Moran Hotels in London and Cork check out our recent blog post.
Exciting Christmas Events on In Dublin City Centre.
- 29th October to 22nd December- Festive Family Fun Fair @ Wolfe Tone Square.
- 21st November to 04th January- Christmas Kingdom at St Anne’s Park.
- 9th December to 23rd December- IFA Live Animal Crib at Mansion House- The Grafton Quarter.
- 13th December- Yuletide Greeting at National Museum of Ireland.
Moran and Bewley’s Hotels would like to wish all our guests a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. If you haven’t booked yet for your trip to Dublin City Centre call us now or check out our websites for the best available prices.
http://www.bewleyshotels.com/newlands_cross http://www.bewleyshotels.com/dublin_airport
http://www.bewleyshotels.com/ballsbridge http://www.bewleyshotels.com/leopardstown
http://www.redcowmoranhotel.com/
Posted: November 18, 2014
Nothing helps create that extra piece of Christmas magic like a visit to one of the many traditional Christmas Markets that pop up during the festive season. The popularity of Christmas Markets is increasing every year with most large towns and cities embracing the tradition and operating markets throughout the months of November and December. The 4 star Moran Hotel group with hotels in Dublin, Cork and London all offer easy access to the Christmas markets taking place in the centre of each city.
Christmas Markets in Dublin
For the first time Dublin’s St Stephen’s Green will be transformed into a Christmas market of twinkling lights, log cabins, and Christmas trees adorn the streets where you can browse a selection of stalls selling handcrafted gift items and woodcrafts. Tasty treats such as Belgian Chocolate Popcorn, traditional German Bratwurst & Gluhwein, Hungarian goulash and Spanish paella are on offer while the unmistakeable aroma of mulled wine fills the air.
In London the famous Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a spectacular Christmas destination with something to entertain everyone. From fabulous fairground rides to the magical Ice Kingdom and Ice Rink to the sumptuous food fare in the Christmas Market it will not disappoint.
Moran Hotels offer accommodation at excellent rates with easy access to the city centres and Christmas markets of Dublin, Cork and London.
When visiting the Christmas markets we have the following tips:
- Wrap up warm – the chill in the air undoubtedly adds to the seasonal atmosphere but it won’t be much fun if you can’t feel your fingers. A warm coat and a cosy hat and scarf are definitely recommended.
- Avoid the crowds – try to visit the markets midweek. Monday – Thursday are quieter times and you will be guaranteed to get the same magic market experience.
- Check out the websites below for activities at each market and make the most of your time by planning in advance – alternatively you can just drop by and immerse yourself in the market experience.
Christmas Markets:
Enhance your Christmas market experience and relax with a stay at one of the selection of Moran Hotels this Christmas.
We offer great value rates on overnight stays at all Moran Hotels including excellent dining & Bar services.
Special Offers at Crown Moran Hotel
Special Offers at Chiswick Moran Hotel
Special Offers at Red Cow Moran Hotel
Special Offers at Silver Springs Moran Hotel
