Christmas is family time and nowhere more so than in Ireland . It's the time when the clan gathers together and there are a number of fun family activities throughout the country.
In the run up to Christmas, Santa seemingly goes on a nationwide tour of Ireland, stopping at Malahide Castle near Dublin, where there is also an evening of Christmas Carols, mulled wine and mince pies.
From Dublin Santa heads to Athlone in Westmeath, visiting Glendeer Farm in his sleigh driven by deer and transforming the farm into Ireland's own Lapland, offering a magical day out for all the family.
One little known secret about Santa is that he is a vintage rail enthusiast. One of his favourite trainspotting haunts is Dromond along the Cavan and Leitrim Railway. Here you can take a magical train ride with Santa on restored vintage carriages pulled by narrow gauge steam train.
And when he's not riding trains through the countryside you can find Santa at the Bunratty Castle Folk Park, which is transformed into a magical winter wonderland. Santa also pays West Cork a visit, with a trip to Skibbereen, where he greets the children and hears their Christmas wishes at the Winterwonderland.