River Taxi Service in Operation for
14th December 2006
Christmas shoppers are invited to cruise on down to the Christmas Market at Docklands in a river taxi operated by Liffey Voyage! This weekend (16th & 17th December 2006), the Liffey Voyage will operate as a river taxi transporting shoppers and browsers alike from Bachelor’s Walk to ’12 Days of Christmas’ at Docklands. The service is guaranteed to be a great way to avoid the heavy traffic around the city as well as a chance to take in some of the city’s finest views.
‘Taxis’ will sail from midday each day, every thirty minutes and cost just €2 each way, with children travelling free. The service will also operate on Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd December, from 2pm.
The market, which runs until 23rd December 2006, offers shoppers a unique yuletide village atmosphere with over 40 market traders in beautifully decorated stands selling a range of festive goodies, seasonal food and stocking fillers.
With a lot more than shopping on offer, ‘12 Days of Christmas’ at Docklands will feature a beautifully restored showpiece ‘Galloping Horses’ Carousel, and other fairground attractions especially for little ones. To enhance the festive atmosphere, there will be carol singing and other entertainment and, this Saturday 15th December from 1pm to 3pm, the much loved Blanchardstown Brass Band will be on hand to perform a feel good selection of Christmas favourites, old and new.
’12 Days of Christmas’ will also feature, for the very first time in Ireland, a unique breathtaking dance spectacle, ‘The Candle’ by UK based performance company Dream Engine, which will take place over three days, on 15th, 16th and 17th December. A giant transparent candle is illuminated against the night sky and at the top an air filled ‘flame’ flickers. As the music begins there is movement inside the candle. An aerialist, cocooned in silk, emerges and then spirals and gyrates. The effect is hypnotic and bewitching. As the internal drapes fall away to leave an entirely transparent tower, the structure appears supported by air with a performer suspended, apparently on nothing. The music reaches its climax while the aerialist rolls down the length of the silks and the lights dim.
New this year at Docklands is ‘Winter Wonderland’ in the atrium at chq. Featuring some of the most desirable gifts around, Winter Wonderland will feature a range of designs and interiors from noted designer Ciaran Sweeney; a must-have selection of festive floral arrangements from society florist James Bailie as well as truly covetable mid-century and art deco furniture sourced and imported from Argentina by interiors expert and journalist Alanna Gallagher.
‘12 Days of Christmas’ at Docklands offers an exciting range of gift ideas for friends and family, from craft jewellery, wooden toys, beauty products and leather ware to a unique selection of home accessories including mirrors, lamps and art. Even pets are not forgotten with a range of cute doggy bags on sale for our four legged friends!
The Market is a truly international affair – look out for handmade Irish skincare products, Basque foods, Italian jewellery and pottery, Tunisian serving bowls, Swedish waffles and German confectionery, to name but a few.
Thirsty shoppers can stay warm with deliciously indulgent hot chocolate, beers or traditional German mulled wine. Those who feel peckish as they browse will enjoy the tempting arrays of continental pastries, minced pies and a mouth-watering selection of food stalls cooking up a variety of treats. Enticing gourmet treats and delicacies like cheeses, cakes and other goodies will be on sale, the perfect present for any foodie!
This exciting Christmas Festival will take place at Georges Dock in the IFSC, in Docklands until 23rd December. Opening hours are from 12 noon to 8pm each day. ‘12 Days of Christmas’ in Docklands promises to be a magical festive experience for families and shoppers alike in the run-up to Christmas. Go visit, and see for yourself how much the Docklands area has to offer.
Getting to ‘12 Days of Christmas’ at Docklands The Docklands Christmas Market is well located for shoppers from around the city. The LUAS Red Line from Tallaght travels directly to Connolly Station, just a five minute walk from the market. DART users can also disembark at Connolly Station.
Those who fancy a trip on the water can avail of the Liffey Voyage Water Taxi which will operate from Bachelor’s Walk on 16th and 17th December, every half hour from midday. The service will also run on Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd December, from 2pm.
For further information or photography, please contact:
Loretta Lambkin, Docklands Authority, 01 818 3300, llambkin@dublindocklands.ie