Let there be lights! Skerries Christmas Experience revealed

Skerries is set to light up this Christmas under a spectacular series of specially projected, bespoke illuminations for the first time – with a very Skerries twist!

The Great Windmill of Skerries, the town’s stately Hamilton Monument, St Patrick’s Church Tower, historic Skerries Methodist Church, and Skerries Pier will be awash with colour, as projected illuminations depict Christmas themes with a special Skerries twist – such as St Patrick’s Goat.

Wait, a Christmas goat?

Why, yes!

The goat is an ancient and meaningful symbol to Skerries.

The motif, which graces the shirts of most of the town’s sports teams, refers to the legend

whereby St Patrick himself, while living on one of the Skerries Islands, had his goat stolen

and eaten by locals.

Furious, he leapt ashore, leaving his footprint in the bare rock of Red Island, where it can be seen today.

When he demanded to know the fate of his goat, the culprits lied, but found they could only bleat like goats.

Only when they told the truth did their voices return.

Much has been forgiven in the intervening centuries – for years, a goat has been ceremoniously presented back to St Patrick outside the church that bares his name as part of the St Patrick’s Day parade.

Now the Skerries Goat, such an apt symbol of truth and reconciliation for the season, joins the town’s Christmas landscape to be celebrated in light, when Mayor Seána Ó Rodaigh flicks the switch.

The astonishing lighting experience, planned for landmark locations throughout the town, isfunded by Fingal County Council, Leader Funds, and Failte Ireland Destination Towns Scheme and organized by Skerries Chamber of Tourism.

Speaking in advance of the launch of the Skerries Christmas Illuminations, Skerries Chamber of Tourism chairman Terry McCoy said: “Our town has always made a particularly special effort to shine brightly at Christmas since topping 859 others to take Tidiest Town in 2016.

“Our businesses sparkle with Christmas light and cheer and the atmosphere outside the town’s cosy shops and pubs, restaurants and street cafés, is second to none.

“These illuminations take things to a whole new level, adding real magic to an already established annual season brimming with festive fun.”

It’s planned to launch the projections in early December and keep them on until January 6.

Further details/photos from Skerries Chamber of Tourism – stpatricksplate@gmail.com or see VisitSkerries on Facebook and Instagram. #VisitSkerries