Last Sunday I headed into the city with the ladies of the household to fulfil our yearly tradition of watching the O’Connell Street Christmas lights go on. Well, it’s more like a tradition in the making, as this only our second year running but we’re determined to make it an annual thing!
Just like last year, all three of us wore our festive jumpers hoping to contribute to Geansaí Nollaig; Dublin’s efforts to break the world record for the largest gathering of people in Christmas jumpers.
Turns out that we won this year. Well done Dublin!
We arrived in the city mid afternoon (the traffic was insane!) and went to The Hard Rock Cafe to start with a cocktail. As everyone knows, all good nights begin with a cocktail.
I like the Hard Rock’s new sign! It lights up the street in a totally pointless way! I have to say I agree though, no drugs or nuclear weapons…boooooo.
We wanted to have dinner somewhere busy with plenty of atmosphere, so decided on Luigi Malones. Although it’s an Italian restaurant, the menu is extensive and has a selection of everything.
Chicken wings, nachos, carbonara and…yaki soba. All delicious but the chicken wings weren’t a patch on those of The Larder or Zaragoza Dublin.
It was nearing 6pm, so we got skipped dessert, got our skates on and headed swiftly for the quays.
O’Connell Street was closed for the event, and there were crowds of people everywhere, young and old. There was a big and bright stage behind the tree near Parnell Square where music and performances took place all evening, with 98FM there to broadcast it all. Just before the clock struck 6, a voice came through the microphone…the countdown had begun!
The Lord Mayor of Dublin was there to do the honours. Once the tree was lit, everyone cheered and the gospel choir serenaded us with Christmas favourites, while the Ice King and Queen posed for pictures.
Taking place each year on the last Sunday in November, this event on O’Connell Street is perfect for families and friends young and old to mark the beginning of the season.
For more information on Dublin Christmas events this December, click here.
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