Southside homes light up for Christmas

THREE of Ireland’s ‘Most Christmassy Homes’ are to be found on the Southside this year.

Two homes in Lucan and one in Palmerstown made it into the top 20 of Energia’s Ireland’s Most Christmassy Home 2017 competition. 

The national competition to find the best decorated home in Ireland at Christmas was launched earlier in December and entries were received from across Ireland.

Householders sent in a photo of their home in all its festive glory and Energia then chose the top 20 based on decoration design, use of space, festive spirit and wow factor. 

Among the top 20 Christmassy homes are Shane Byrne’s and Paddy Toner’s, in Lucan, and Sean White’s in Palmerstown, Dublin 20.

This year’s fantastic prizes are donations of €3,000, €2,000 and €1,000 respectively to the charity of choice of the first, second and third placed houses following the public vote.

Based on the entries so far, the top Christmas lighting trends for 2017 are: Santa v Snowmen – these classic Christmas characters are battling it out for the title of most popular outdoor decoration in Ireland.

While Santa has driven into a lead, it will be “snow” problem for Frosty and co to catch up.

Bling is back – the good times are most definitely back for outdoor Christmas lights displays. 

This year there are bigger and brighter displays at homes around Ireland.

However, Energia said that if householders use LED lights and their 100 per cent green electricity, Christmas lights can be energy efficient and have a reduced carbon footprint.

“Edging lights for roof, windows and doors is a particular trend we’re seeing this year,” they said. “Lights on the roofs, windows and doors of houses are being decorated. 

“We’re seeing a wide variety of styles including solar-powered rope lights, solar-powered string lights and curtain-effect lights.

“Nativity scenes are re-born – more and more Irish homes are featuring nativity scenes in their outdoor Christmas light displays. 

“We’re seeing a wide mix of lights and inflatable cribs and characters so far in 2017.”

Amy O’Shaughnessy, Marketing Acquisitions and Sponsorship Manager, Energia, added: “We’ve been really impressed with the standard of the entries into this year’s competition and it was tough choosing our top 20. 

“Don’t forget, all of the prize money from this year’s competition will be donated to the local charities of choice of their choice.

“We are delighted to be helping householders make the smart choice of using our green home energy.”