For something different – visit Santa with the family down on the Farm in Clare

What a lovely idea.

If you're looking to celebrate the festive season this year with a little Irish twist then you can't do any better than a trip down to Santa and company on the farm. Yes you heard correct. Santa has packed up his bags and has relocated from the North Pole to Clare for the holidays and is waiting for you to come visit him. Mr and Mrs Claus return to The Farmyard in Corofin, Clare, from Sunday December 1, for a magical Christmas Experience at the Quinn family farm again this year. Children and adults will enjoy meeting Jack Frost, before warming up with carnival rides and fun in the play zone. There’s a tractor and trailer ride to the Elf Workshop next for some art and crafts with the elves, including balloon modelling and face painting. You and your family can then drop into Mrs Claus’s cosy kitchen, where she has cookies for the kids and delicious mince pies and mulled wine for adults. I have to say this next bit is what got me really excited. And, to top off a very special Christmas Experience, the highlight of a visit to The Farmyard sees Santa Claus arriving down the chimney, with a present for all of the children. Yes that's right, Santa will actually arrive down the chimney! There is private family time for each group with Santa Claus and a personalised message and gift. Children’s bookings cost €29, with adult entrance at €15 for the fully interactive Christmas Experience which lasts over an hour and a half. There is an optional €10 booking for children under the age of one, to include a present. Families are also welcome to stay longer, enjoying The Farmyard playground and tea room facilities. Opening on Sunday December 1st, the Farmyard will host family Santa Claus visits every weekend right up until Sunday December 22nd next, from around noon until 6.00pm each day and tickets can be booked on their website www.thefarmyard.ie.