Carrigrohane Union of Parishes (the Church of Ireland parishes in and around Carrigrohane, Blarney, Ballincollig & Inniscarra) are hosting a weekend of Christmas cheer and reflection this weekend – 10th to 12th December 2021.  Details of events can be found on https://www.christmasfestivalcork.ie

The festival – which builds upon a festival held for five years – is a celebration of the Christmas Nativity story and whilst also taking time to reflect upon the times that are currently being experienced in 2021.

At the heart of the festival are 50+ trees which tell the gospel story. These are decorated by schools, individuals and community groups in the area, and some are dedicated to prayer and remembrance of those who have died during the pandemic. The majority of trees are outside to allow for social distancing. Inside masks are required and hand sanitiser is provided. In addition to the trees, each venue has a Sheep Hunt for younger children.

On Saturday a pop-up market is being held in the West Wing of the Carraig Centre in Ballincollig. The market Stalls include: books, crafts, tasty treats, a local wood turner, art and handmade bears and more.

St. Peter’s Church at Carrigrohane has a number of reflective prayer stations. Inside the building, there is a special focus on the journey made by Mary and Joseph and an opportunity for visitors to reflect upon their own faith journey following reflective prayer stations in the peace and space of the church building. 

On Sunday, the parish is hosting a carols by car light service in St. Senan’s Church, Inniscarra, where families and individuals are welcome to drive in and join in with some familiar carols from the comfort of their car. This is a ticketed event – 1 ticket per car – and details are available on christmasfestivalcork.ie/events.

The Rev. Robert Ferris, Rector of Carrigrohane Union says:

No matter what the weather we encourage people to come along to Carrigrohane Union this weekend! Wrap up warm and experience the Christmas story with us this weekend in this unique way. At the end of a crazy year the hope of the Christmas story and the joy of community is important. I encourage all of our neighbours, and those reading this near or far to pop along to our tree trail across our four locations and to take a bit of time to reflect upon the story which has changed the world.

Admission is free for all and buckets will be available for donations towards parish mission and ministry appeal. A collection cup is available beside the ‘homeless tree’ to support the work of St. Vincent de Paul. We will also be collecting gifts of non-perishable foods which will be donated to a local food bank. 

Pop-up choirs will be performing outside at random times during the festival to bring an extra level of festival cheer. If you are coming after dark you might want to bring a torch with you as you tour the trees! 

Each of the church buildings is open during the festival for private prayer. A programme and news sheet is available.

Timings of all events are as follows:

Friday 10^th December

12noon-7pm           Reflective Prayer stations – St. Peter’s Church Carrigrohane

12.30pm-2pm  Seniors Lunch (Tickets Required) – The Carraig Centre

2pm-7pm               Christmas Trees & Churches open

7.30pm             Youth Festive Fiesta ’21 (Tickets Required)

Saturday 11^th December

10am-7pm            Christmas Trees open

10am          Pop-up Christmas Market – Carraig Centre West Wing

11am-7pm       Reflective Prayer stations – St. Peter’s Church, Carrigrohane

3.30pm-4.30pm   Live Crib & Carols – St. Peters Field

Sunday 12^th December

11am           Church Service – St Senan’s Inniscarra

11am           Sunday AM – Carraig Centre (Booking Required)

11am           Church Service – Blarney Service of the Word

2.30pm-4.30pm     Prayer Stations St Peter’s Church, Carrigrohane

2.30pm-5.30pm     Christmas Trees Open

3pm-4pm         Family Christmas Crafts (booking required)

6pm-7pm         Church Service – Choral Evensong (Booking required)

7.30pm-8.30pm     Carols by Carlight – St Senan’s Inniscarra (Booking required)

How do I book?

Where booking is required – you can find the events & links for tickets on www.christmasfestivalcork.ie/events 

Where?

• St Peter’s Field, Church Hill, Carrigrohane, T12 TX89
• Grounds of St Senan’s Church, Canon’s Cross, Inniscarra, P31 NX78
• Grounds of Church of the Resurrection, The Square, Blarney, T23 HH90 
• The West Wing, The Carraig Centre, Old Fort Road, Ballincollig, P31 PV20

For information on the festival contact info@cupcork.ie or phone 0874137560