Don't know where you are but the Santa in Smithfield Tower is very good, we took two kids and they loved it - nice little restaurant outside then for hot chocolate.
I'm suprised the Mods didn't close this thread down for a misleading title. I was going to post my Recomendations for Santa would be that he go easy on the beer on Christmas Eve and take a good sun holiday in January!
(By the way a very good Santa is out at Powerscourt. Long queues at the weekend though so if you're going on Sunday get there early)
Speaking as a Lucanite, I don't know why there is this obsession with St Mary's Parish. There are other estates, outside of Mary's, with equally good houses.
Oh, near to St.Mary's Parish, sure I should have known ! Drumcondra isn't it !?
Text added - Doh ! Lucanite, had to think about that one, from outside the pale you understand ? I do agree however it does sound like a religious sect.
Santa in Stillorgan Shopping centre is good. No charge, and there is face painting, and balloons. No present, just a packet of sweets, but the Santa looks the part and the kids loved it. You pay for a photo, but the elves were very discrete about asking me did I want a photo, to avoid
the kids demanding it.
Thanks to Dundrum Shopping Centre, access to Stillorgan SC is not too bad these days.
Donadea Forest Park has been the best place we took the kids, they really thought they were at Santa's house. Competitive price and great atmosphere. Get Directions and times to visit on www.coillte.ie
I brought the kids to Powerscourt yesterday. The wait time was ~ 1.5 hours but it was well worth it. They show some DVD's while waiting in the queue so the wait isn't too bad.
Not bad value either; €7.50 per child. A picture with santa costs €3 extra.
I have heard great reports of Santa and all his helpers in the fabulous setting of the Aillwee Caves in the Burren. See this http://www.aillweecave.ie/christmas.php
Wait for this....
Tuam Shopping Centre in Galway - €4 per child(same for past 3 years) - kid gets a digital photo, decent present, free face paint & a treat. The Santa even looks like the real thing - chubby, mid 60's, white hair & beard, circa 6'.
The guy is now famous over here in the West! Has to be the cheapest & best value Santa in Ireland - no rip off here!