Dublin Lumière

Christmas is upon us and the city is illuminated. Dark mornings and evenings means the walk to and from work is a spectacle- with thousands of lights sparkling in the darkness from on every street corner. They are strung across the streets, festooning buildings, draped into pretty swags, twinkling from  Christmas trees and wishing us a Nollaig Shona. The city is shining after dark and the festive atmosphere is electrifying. As I gazed in wonder on my way home I put together a visual list of my Top 5 most best spots to see Dublin’s Christmas lights…

1. Grafton Street

There is truth in the song ‘Grafton Street’s a wonderland there’s magic in the air there are diamonds in the lady’s eyes and gold dust in her hair’ – at this time of year Grafton Street becomes a fantasy ballroom with beautiful twinkling chandeliers hanging overhead as far as the eye can see. A sight that softens even the most hardened of hearts and is the first stop after O’Connell Street on shopping visits to the big smoke to see The Lights.

2. The Merrion Hotel

The Merrion Hotel is the grand dame of Merrion Square and at Christmas her facade takes on a decorative edge with white twinkling lights like icing on a very beautiful cake.

3. The Shelbourne Hotel

Faithful ladies hold up the lights at each corner of The Shelbourne all year round but it’s the Christmas lights twinkling from the windows that beckon and this rather lovely display around their iconic door.

4. Leinster House

The Christmas tree being lit up in Leinster House signals the Dublin  Christmas season has begun. I love the view through the gates to the obelisk and the bright star a-top.

5. Merrion Square Park

A walk by  Merrion Square Park offers a fabulously illuminating light display, not quite Christmassy but its blue and green lights showcase the winter trees in wondrous ways after dark.