With Kevin the Carrot infiltrating our TVs once again and Lindt chocolate boxes tempting us during the weekly shop, it is a clear sign that the most wonderful time of year is just around the corner.
Whilst the beginning of November may be a tad early to start donning the Christmas jumper and singing along to Fairy Tale of New York on the daily commute, there is one activity that will quickly become an essential on people’s winter bucket list, ice skating!
Whether you are that person who zooms elegantly around the ice as others enviously question how a fellow Irish person is so agile on the ice when we only see it for a mere month or so each year, or are a menace to anyone within arms width of your fumbling limbs, this annual tradition marks the beginning of the winter festivities.
So, it is time to gather your besties (and perhaps forget your ego) and make the most of the ice rinks popping up around the country in the run up to Christmas.
Ice Skating Blanchardstown
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Ice Skating Blanchardstown is opening for its tenth year on November 15th. The ice rink is located at Millennium Park and skaters can book early bird tickets before the 15th for just €14. A regular adult ticket will be €21 after this date. Ice skating Blanchardstown will be open until January 21st, 2025.
You can book tickets here.
Alpine Skate Trail Dún Laoghaire
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An Alpine skate trail will open for the first time in Dún Laoghaire in 2024. The skating trail is located at Dún Laoghaire harbour and opened on November 1st.
Cafollas Ice Cream and Coffee is currently located at the ice rink if you fancy a sweet treat after your session.
Book tickets here.
Alpine Skate Trail Cork
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Cork will also be hosting an Alpine Skating Trail at the GAA grounds, Pairc Ui Caoimh this winter. The Ice rink promises to be “one of the most unique experiences ever created”.
If you fear ice skating isn’t your forte, there are plenty of other things to enjoy at Pairc Ui Caoimh this winter as Winterlee Cork is turning the stadium into an immersive winter wonderland. Expect lots of fun festivities and yummy treats during your visit.
Open now until January 19th. You can book ice skating tickets here and pre-book parking here.
Waterford on Ice
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Waterford on Ice will be returning on the 15th of November until January 5th ,2025. The Ice rink is located in Waterford city on Bolton Street and skaters can also enjoy the annual Winterval festival which also starts on November 15th.
Tickets for Waterford on Ice can be booked here.
Limerick on Ice
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Limerick on Ice will be back in the city also on November 15th and will be celebrating its 20th anniversary. The ice rink is located at Arthur’s Quay Park in Limerick city and will be there until January 5th.
Tickets for Limerick on Ice can be booked here.
Killarney on Ice
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Killarney on Ice will be making its return to Killarney from November 29th to January 5th. Why not book an ice-skating session on your next visit to the picturesque town.
You can book tickets here.
Galway on Ice
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Galway is also welcoming On Ice to the city from November 14th to January 5th. The ice rink will be located at 25 Dock RD. The Galway Christmas Market has already kicked off in the city so there will certainly be lots of magic in the air.
There are also On Ice locations in Swords, Dundrum and at Cork’s Marina Market.
It is recommended to arrive at all On Ice venues 20 minutes prior to the skating session and sessions last for 45 minutes. Customers can avail themselves of pre-launch tickets at a lower price at some locations before the venue opens.