The curious tale of the Ferris Wheel that made its way from the movie ‘Grease’ to the people of Dún Laoghaire
Dún Laoghaire is all set to be ‘electrifying’ this Christmas as a most iconic Ferris Wheel takes centre stage at the annual Christmas Festival presented by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. A 55 ft Ferris Wheel built in 1958 in Jacksonville in the USA and reported to have featured in the original ‘Grease’ movie has made an epic journey from Cincinatti to New York to Liverpool to Dún Laoghaire. The iconic Ferris Wheel, built by the famed Ely Bridge Company, will provide spectacular views of the Dún Laoghaire Harbour this Christmas with a touch of nostalgia, a hint of romance, and a whole lot of ‘Greased Lightning!’
The Ferris Wheel will be placed at Moran Park beside dlr LexIcon from November 24th to January 2nd to afford the very best views of the harbour. It will be surrounded by a Vintage Carnival, Santa’s Post Box and a charming Christmas market with a traditional and nostalgic theme bringing the magic of Christmas and a winter wonderland for the festive season.
The Dún Laoghaire Christmas market is a feast for the seasonal senses as carefully selected vendors sell authentic hand-made gifts and delicious treats every weekend from November 24th to December 23rd on the Metals and opposite dlr LexIcon from 11am to 7pm. Aromas of gourmet sausages, Hungarian Beef Goulash Soup and Lángos, German Gluhwein and steaming hot chocolate will fill the air as you wander through the Christmas Market with hand-crafted gifts and decorations, jewellery, metal art, sculpture and a whole host of very special quality gifts and treats that are not mass-produced but hand crafted with love.
Dún Laoghaire Town Centre has over 280 retail outlets and businesses so why not swap city centre crowds and stuffed out-of-town shopping centres to browse, shop, relax and soak up the festive spirit of this magical seaside town. During the Christmas Festival with every hour of parking purchased on street in the Dún Laoghaire town centre, one hour is free. Extra trading hours and exclusive in-store promotions add some extra Festive Cheer. The Dún Laoghaire Christmas Festival is proudly hosted by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council in conjunction with the Dún Laoghaire Business Improvement District.
See www.events.dlrcoco.ie