Lighting up Merrion Square for Christmas

Lighting up Merrion Square for Christmas
Minister of State Michael Ring turns on the lights at Merrion Square with Tonnta choral group

Minister of State for Tourism & Sport Michael Ring TD today (Tuesday 3rd December) turned on the special Christmas Light display sponsored by the ESB at Merrion Square Park (East side entrance).  This is an initiative of the Merrion Square Innovation Network which was established by Fáilte Ireland amongst others to promote Merrion Square as a unique and vibrant cultural destination and tourist attraction for local and international culture seekers. 

Last year 37 business and stakeholders came together to unlock the potential of the Square with a number of successful events, including the Christmas on the Square event which was held again last weekend. Another additional element to events on the square this year is a Christmas Carols by Candlelight carol service which will be held in the Pepper Canister Church on December 16th (at 6.00pm).

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring praised all those involved in rejuvenating and building awareness of Merrion Square as a significant landmark in the city - 

“I am delighted to turn on the Christmas lights on Merrion Square. This is a special part of Dublin with an important Georgian heritage, which has too often been overlooked by tourists and even by Dubliners. Thanks to an on-going campaign and events like this one today we are hoping to change that. Since the initiative was launched last year, many of the Georgian buildings in the Square have opened their doors to the public for the first time. This promises to be a magical Christmas in Dublin, and Merrion Square will be back in the spotlight for the New Year’s Eve Ultimate Gathering to finish off the year.”

Speaking about the event Mary King, Fáilte Ireland explained,

“We are delighted to be able to support the Merrion Square Innovation Network this year as they bring Christmas to life on the square for the second year running. Initiatives like this could not happen without the involvement of local businesses. Not only is it a wonderful area that will draw culture seekers from far and wide, it is also a perfect example of what can be achieved when a community comes together for a common purpose, and we hope that we can draw from the many innovations and connections which were made at the recent wreath making event.”

As well as promoting the area for visitors, this initiative has helped instil civic pride in the area and has brought together a group of dynamic businesses who will continue to work to develop the Square into the future.”

Further information on Merrion Square is available on www.merrionsquare.ie

Follow us on twitter @failte_ireland  #MerrionSqChristmas  @merrionsqdub


ENDS

For further information please contact:
Alex Connolly – Head of Communications
086 7966320/01 8847884


Note for Editor
Fáilte Ireland, the national tourism development authority, was established in 2003 to guide and promote tourism as a leading indigenous component of the Irish economy.

The tourism and hospitality industry employs an estimated 185,000 people and generates almost €5.7 billion in revenue a year.

Background information on Merrion Square

Merrion Square has an abundance of strengths from its strong Georgian heritage, cultural institutions, leisure facilities, and its political, social and scientific history.  Mapped out 250 years ago in 1762, it has fine Georgian Houses on three sides and the garden of Leinster House and The National Gallery and Natural History Museum on the 4th.

Today many of the houses are predominantly used as office space but there is a wealth of history attached. Oscar Wilde lived as a child at 1 Merrion Square, where Bram Stoker also spent a lot of time attending Lady Wilde's salons, while W. B. Yeats lived at No 82, and Daniel O'Connell at No 58.

The Square is well known for its Sunday Open Art Gallery and is home to diverse organisations such the National Maternity Hospital, the Irish Traditional Music Archive, the Irish Architectural Archive, the Irish Georgian Society, the Society of Antiquities, the College of Anaesthetists and the Irish Red Cross. It has a stunning public park and is looking forward to welcoming increased Dublin visitors over the coming weeks.

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