It’s Santa Experience planning time. Who wants to meet the big man in Ireland. Let your kids pet reindeers and experience train rides while you can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, or join them on this winter adventure across the country to meet the man in the red suit. Ruddy red cheeks, polished black boots, white beard – your little fellows will be thrilled to meet Santa. Although there are dozens of Santa Experiences throughout Ireland our editors have chosen these 10. Please do let us know your favourite if not on the list.
Luggwoods Enchanted Forest
Just like its name suggests, this winter getaway for parents and kids is truly magical in Saggart, Dublin. Forget about reality in these majestic natural surroundings. Get the youngsters into the elvish Christmas spirit and hop on board Santa’s tractor taking you right to the Enchanted Forest as the kiddos soak in every detail of twinkling lights. You all will meet Santa at The Lugwoods Big Red Barn. Mr. Claus will even prepare a unique surprise for the little ones.
- Kids – €23
- Adults – €15
- Under 12-monts free
- https://www.luggwoods.ie/
Santa’s Magical Trail
Starting from September 10, the family can enjoy this unforgettable Santa adventure in Santa’s Magical Trail in Athy, Co. Kildare. On this fun-filled journey, you will meet some of the Christmas fairytale characters your kids saw in Christmas cartoons and movies, such as Holly the Elf, Lazybones, and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus. Just as its name suggests, this indeed magical experience gets even more magical once you enter Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Room where kids will get a special chocolate treat, while a Snowman Craftsy Set is a great story itself. You can even book a sleepover and extend a magic show stay for the kids!
- Tickests not on sale at time of publishing
- https://www.santasmagicaltrail.ie/
Aillwee Caves
The upcoming December is for visiting Santa’s elves and Santa himself in Ailwee Caves in Co. Clare. This Christmas adventure starts off slightly different than the others on the list. First thing, kiddos will have a chat with the elves and tell them their Christmas wishes. Then, the whole family will take a walk through magical Aillwee Cave passageways. Singing Christmas carols along the way, even parents get easily enchanted, and you can just imagine kids’ faces.
Yet, the best is yet to come. The hallways are leading you to meeting Mr. and Mrs. Claus in his workshop! Mrs. Claus will greet you with mince pice and a cup of hot punch, while kids will spend their time with Santa and get their Christmas presents for being so good all year round.
- Under 12 months- €8
- Children – €35
- Adults- €17
- https://www.aillweecave.ie/santas-workshop
Causey Farm
Spice up a festive atmosphere and surprise the kiddos by visiting Causey Farm in Navan, Co. Meath. Here, the family will experience the traditional charm of Christmas, while enjoying a couple of extra features outside of the home. The kids can see baby lambs at the old farmyard, visit Santa’s home, slip into the magical toy workshop, wait for Santa to arrive down the chimney, take a few pictures of kids with him, and round up the touring with visiting Christmas Cottage where the family can enjoy the best Irish pudding.
- Under 12 months- free
- Aged 1 – €10
- Children 2 to 12 years – €25
- Adults – €15
- https://www.causey.ie/
Tayto Park
We guarantee the family will be awestruck by the scenery of Tayto Park in Meath. There is no other place than Candy Cane land in Tayto Park where you can see such tall lollipops, giant gingerbread, chocolate snowmen, and polar bears. Wishing you a warm welcome, the elves will take the family right to Santa Claus himself! The man will interact with kids and give them a very special present at the end of the tour.
- Kids 0 to 1 years – €7
- Kids 2 to 4 years – €15
- Kids 5 to 7 years – €30
- Adults – €15
- http://www.taytopark.ie/
Santa’s Cottage
Take the kids to an unforgettable underground experience and visit Santa’s Cottage in the Mournes, Co Down. Santa’s Underground Cottage is a one of a kind adventure in Ireland where the family can enjoy home-like Christmas atmosphere and meet Mr. Claus. The best thing about the Cottage is that families get individual free time to spend with Santa and take photos with him. Kids can tell Santa what they wish for Christmas and the man will dig out exactly what they wanted.
- Children – ₤14,
- Adults – ₤20
- Under 12 months €8
- http://santascottage.co.uk/
The Rahtwood Santa Train
Another magical train in Ireland will take you through the woods where the family can spot Rudolph and other reindeers in Tullow, Carlow. After the ride, each family can have time alone with Santa and the kids will be buzzing because of Santa’s gift. We advise you to take a walk afterward as well, as kids can warm themselves up with free hot chocolate, and you can take a glass of tasty mulled wine.
- Prices not available at time of publishing
- https://santatrain.ie/santa
Elf Town
Elf Town Galway is a magical interactive Christmas adventure for children and families. Experience an enchanting winter wonderland from the moment you enter the doors of Elf Town. This is when your epic journey to see Santa begins!
Located in the Galway racecourse Ballybrit, Elf Town launches Saturday 24th November and is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, until 23rd December – including the full week prior to Christmas.
- Babies under 13 months – €9.95
- Kids – €29.95
- Adults – €14.95
- https://www.elftowngalway.com/
Airfield
If your little ones love story-telling and gifts, Christmas at Airfield will stay in their memory forever in Dundrum, Dublin. Time stops the second you step onto the magical ground of this 38-acre farm. Everything is decorated with twinkling lights and the smell of hot chocolate is spread all over the place. Right before the family meets Santa, elves will wish you a warm welcome in front of the Santa’s cottage. Kids will get a chance to see Santa’s bedroom and write him a letter sent to the North Pole.
- Babies – €5
- Kids up to 12 years – €22.5
- Adults – €12.5
- https://www.airfield.ie/santa/
Santa House Express
Santa’s House Express 2019 is back at the 5* Palmerstown House Estate this Christmas in Kidare. Mrs Claus, the Elves and Archie invite you to visit them here for an unforgettable magical experience! There is a family funfair, christmas festive lights and don’t forget your boarding pass for the Christmas Santa Train the and let your festive journey begin. Depart on Santa’s Polar Express Train through the beautiful grounds of Palmerstown House Estate till you reach the manor.
- Babies under 12 months- €15.50
- Kids- €21
- Adults €15.50
- https://www.santashouseexpress.ie/
