Santa took time out from his busy schedule on Sunday to drop in to one of his favourite places – the open farm Tír na Sí in Watergrasshill. And he enjoyed meeting the children so much that he’s promised to make return visits this Saturday, December 7th and again on Saturday, December 21st and Sunday 22nd.

He likes the open farm’s horse and trap and uses it to arrive and greet children and their parents. Owners Paul and Julia McCarthy are, naturally enough, delighted to have such a distinguished visitor and they’ve transformed their open farm into a winter wonderland to make him, and all their visitors, very welcome indeed.

They’ve set up a live crib as well as a workshop for Santa’s elves. Children even get to see and chat to Mrs. Claus as well as visiting and getting a gift from Santa.

FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE

“We had a great time here on Sunday. Santa was happy to see so many children waiting for him. He thought we’d done a great job making the place festive and Christmassy. He says he can’t wait to come back again on the 7th, the 21st and 22nd to see and talk to more children,” Julia McCarthy told The Avondhu this week.

The special Christmas event is ticket only. Parents go free while the €20 ticket price for children includes their visit to Santa and gift, a letter from him, a special Christmas lunch and other festive attractions. Visitors can also, of course, enjoy the other popular features of this open farm, such as the indoor play area and farm walk, as well as view the animals.

Bookings can be made at www.eventbrite.ie/e/winter-wonderland-2013-tickets-6014460413.