Christmas Facts. Did you know?

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   Dublin Castle

   The Gothic Chapel Royal in the grounds of Dublin Castle held its first service on Christmas Day, 1814. The last Anglican service held in the Chapel was on Christmas Day, 1922. In 1943, it began a new chapter as a Roman Catholic Chapel.
   It is now deconsecrated.

2. 2/12

   The Rock of Cashel

   Inside Cormac's Chapel at the Rock of Cashel are fragments of magnificent frescoes. Painted in the late-12th century they show scenes from the Nativity story. Best preserved is a scene showing several figures wearing red robes and crowns. This depicts the magi (the three wise men) meeting with King Herod. Another scene possibly shows the Adoration of the Shepherds. While the majority of the frescoes do not survive, it is clear that the Nativity was the main theme, showing the importance of Christmas in medieval Cashel.

3. 3/12

   Kilmainham Gaol

   Christmas cards were sent from some prisoners that were held in prisons across Ireland during the Civil War. One from Jack Doyle in 1922 was sent to his mother while he was in Mountjoy Prison:
   "This is a card I send to you
   Made up of pencils, red and blue,
   To wish you all good health and cheer
   A Happy Christmas and Bright New Year"

4. 4/12

   Pearse Museum – St. Enda’s

   Every December the Pearse family crib goes on display at the Pearse Museum - in 2021 it underwent a programme of conservation.
   The figures were left to the State by Senator Margaret Pearse prior to her death in 1968.

   To view a video of Curator Brian Crowley unboxing this historic crib for display, visit YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXQz_cyuSXw

5. 5/12

   Royal Hospital Kilmainham

   Rations for pensioners were doubled for Christmas to six pints instead of three. A very Happy Christmas indeed!

6. 6/12

   Custom House Visitor Centre

   James Gandon, the famed architect of the Custom House, dies on Christmas Eve, 1823.

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   Donegal Castle

   The Battle of Kinsale was lost on Christmas Eve 1601. Red Hugh O’Donnell, of Donegal Castle, and his compatriots were defeated and later fled to Europe. This marks the end of the Gaelic Aristocracy.

8. 8/12

   Castletown House

   The Castletoniana book of puzzles, riddles, stories and poems was written over the winter period of 1779-1780 by guests who stayed at Castletown that winter.

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   Phoenix Park

   An IRA raid on the Magazine Fort in the Phoenix Park took place on December 23rd, 1939, which later became known as the 'Christmas Raid'. At about 10:30pm, trucks drove from the fort filled with seized ammunition.

10. 10/12

    Áras an Uachtaráin

    Three former Irish Presidents took office in December: Mary Robinson (Dec. 3rd 1990), Patrick Hillery (Dec. 3rd 1976), Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh (Dec. 19th 1974).

11. 11/12

    Oldbridge Estate: Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre

    15 Dec 1894
    The Drogheda Conservative reported the results of the Drogheda Christmas Fat Stock Show. Col Coddington Oldbridge secured first prize for the best collection of roots, all grown on the Drogheda Chemical manure. Mr. M. O;Reilly of Drogheda, was awarded first prize for mangles. There was a good show of turnips. Mrs Arnold, of Gormanstown, was first; Mr Moran, Julianstown, second; and Colonel Coddington third, with good specimens of the swede.

12. 12/12

    Kilkenny Castle

    On Christmas Day, 1629, the First Duke of Ormonde, James Butler, married Elizabeth Preston. This put an end to a long-standing feud between the two families and reunited the Estate.