At this time of year, Santa has the magical ability to be in many places at once. Many country houses and outdoor adventure parks build a cosy cabin for him to meet children in December.
ANTRIM
W5 In Belfast, children will walk through mythical castle square with real-life fairy-tale characters greeting them on their journey to see Santa . W5, Odyssey,
2 Queen's Quay, Belfast Until Jan 5 £5.90/£7.90 (£5 extra for gift from Santa) 048-90467790 w5online.co.uk
CLARE
Bunratty Folk Park Children can visit Santa, Mrs Claus, a troupe of elves and other Christmas characters in a specially designed street until Dec 23, €13/€25. Pre-booking essential on 061-360788. After 5pm, you can enjoy the festive atmosphere (while Santa takes a rest) for €5 adults and €7 for one adult and one child (no booking needed). shannonheritage.com
DUBLIN
Dublin Zoo A special grotto for Santa every weekend until Christmas. Children can chat to Santa's elves and pass through a winter wonderland on the way to meeting him. Dec 6, 7, 13, 14, 21-24 €9 (in addition to admission of €11.50/16) 01-4748900 dublinzoo.ie
Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals While seeing Santa, children can enjoy storytelling, hot chocolate and cookies and visit the animals at the refuge in the Dublin Mountains. DSPCA, Mount Venus Rd, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16 Dec 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 €5-€15 01-4994700 dspca.ie
WESTMEATH
Belvedere House and Gardens
See Santa in his traditional Victorian green robes in a Narnia-style backdrop. Mullingar, Co Westmeath Dec 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 €12 children, under 3s and adults free with child bookings 044- 9349060 belvedere-house.ie
Glendeer Pet Farm The midlands answer to Lapland welcomes Santa and his real reindeers, Dancer and Prancer. There's also an animated snow scene and cow and donkey in the stable awaiting Christmas Day. While there, enjoy the llama, ostrich, deer, goats, emu, sheep and monkeys. Curryroe, Drum, Athlone, Co Westmeath Until Dec 23 €8-€16 0906-437147
glendeerpetfarm.ie
WICKLOW
Glenroe farm Santa and Mrs Claus have a homely thatched cottage here for the few weeks before Christmas. Children can also see the nativity stable with animals, visit the farm and watch puppet shows. Kilcoole, Co Wicklow Dec 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22 €15 per child (one adult free with every child). 01-2872288
glenroefarm.com
Killruddery Farm Christmas Markets Mr and Mrs Claus will be seeing children at the markets. His elves will help children make snow globes, and there will be plenty of festive food to stock up on at the markets. Southern Cross, Bray Dec 7, 8, 14, 15 and 21. €5/€15 killruddery.com