Christmas lights lit by pedal power in Dun Laoghaire

DUN Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council say they are putting the environment top of their Christmas list this year by making greener, eco-friendly choices.

Living Christmas trees and fairylike forest walks all aglow, generators fuelled by Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, extra low voltage LED’s and Christmas tree lights lit by pedal powered on the iconic bandstand on the pier inviting people to ‘keep her lit’ for the festive season.

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown twinkles and glows  this year with exciting 3D light installations, fairylike forest walks at Marlay Park and Cabinteely Park and several buildings are bathed with a magical glow.

Lots of activities are outdoors inviting people to wrap up warm, get out in the crisp clean air, soak up the festive spirit and go ‘walking in a winter wonderland’.

This year, pedal power will also take centre stage with a twinkling Christmas tree on the bandstand on the pier from 4pm to 8pm on Sat Dec 10, Sun Dec 11, Sat Dec 17 and Sun Dec 18 which lights up as people cycle a bike to ‘keep her lit’ for the festive season.

(L TO R) Clodagh Metcalfe 8 from Tallaght Isabelle McKeown Nolan 10 from Kilnamanagh pictured ‘Keeping her lit’ on the bandstand in Dún Laoghaire.

“This festive initiative is very much in line with our vision to cultivate a cycling culture which encourages all members of the community to cycle at all life stages and abilities. Now we can bring Christmas sparkle through pedal power!  This, along with all of the other magical Christmas initiatives, will surely ‘keep her lit’ in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown this Christmas” said Cllr Mary Hanafin, An Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

“Christmas doesn’t have to be a burden on the planet. With a little effort and imagination, we can reduce the environmental impact of the festive season. We also encourage people to shop local to reduce the impact of transportation.” said Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Frank Curran.

(L TO R) Clodagh Metcalfe 8 from Tallaght
Isabelle McKeown Nolan 10 from Kilnamanagh
pictured ‘Keeping her lit’ on the bandstand in Dún Laoghaire.

The very popular illuminated Christmas walking trails in Marlay Park and Cabinteely Park walking trails are free to attend and open from 4pm to 8pm Monday to Friday from Monday November 28th.  They are fully accessible for wheelchairs and buggies and are an oasis of calm beneath the twinkling lights away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas. Where possible, all official Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Christmas trees are living trees and their lights are LED extra low voltage for safety only using 4.8watts of electricity.  The illuminated Christmas walking trails in Marlay Park and Cabinteely Park are powered by electrical generators as a mains electrical supply is unavailable. These generators are fuelled by Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) Renewable Diesel.

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown residents and visitors will also be able to buckle up, pop some popcorn and tick another bucket list family adventure with a trip to the outdoor movies at Ferry Terminal on Sat Dec 10, Sun Dec 11, Sat Dec 17 and Sun Dec 18. With a bumper selection of films to choose from including Elf, Miracle on 34th Street, Home Alone, Gremlins, The Grinch, Scrooged, Harry Potter and all time classic ‘It’s a wonderful Life’ this is always a festive family favourite.  Tickets are available from dlrevents.eventbrite.ie at €15 per vehicle.

Santa Post Boxes are in place at dlr LexIcon in Dún Laoghaire, Marlay Park in Rathfarnham, Deerpark in Mount Merrion and Cabinteely Park by special commission of Santa Claus.   The postal address is Santa Claus, North Pole, The Arctic, The World, The Universe.  The letters are whizzed off to the North Pole via Elf Airlines direct to Santa who replies to every single one.