Loughcrew Lightscape – Illuminated Gardens

Loughcrew Lightscape – Illuminated Gardens is a sparkling Christmas spectacle, illuminating the trees of our estate and creating a story as you walk along our woodland trail.

The small team at Loughcrew, along with the genius of Walter Holt, have created imaginative and ingenious light installations and sculptures out of plastic waste, gas cylinders and scrap metal. A true show of hope, light, and determination in these trying times.

Put on your winter finest, sip from a steaming cup of mulled wine and step into the amazing winter wonderland at Loughcrew.

The Trail

“Welcome to the amazing adventure of Loughcrew Lightscape: The Nutcracker. Here you’ll experience a magical and enchanted trail of lights where we have revised a Christmas classic: The Nutcracker. The sculptures and tree illumination is a celebration of Loughcrew’s Gardens and its enchanting landscape embraced by Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite throughout.

At the start, enjoy the autumn avenue filled with glowing mushrooms and butterflies. At the top, you’ll find the ruins of Saint Oliver Plunkett’s church beautifully framed by lime trees, where we have prepared a special surprise to give a glimpse of its original glory.

After leaving the church you’ll see a work of art; a gate made of tree branches engraved with Loughcrew’s chest. Keep left and you’ll find the toys given to the children by the magician on Christmas Eve starting by our bespoke, handpainted and original Nutcrackers. Get immersed in a sea of giant jellyfish, an army of ants, a dolls house and the rocking horse. On your right, you’ll find a globe that represents the land of sweets.

As you go down the gardens towards the herbaceous border you’ll be graced by the chill and gentle Winter Forest. Just after feeling the cold wind, we’ll be transported into the Christmas Eve party parlour by our most fine selection of chandeliers.

For last, a winter celebration of where Loughcrew’s house used to be with a water feature, magical trees and lit-up flowers.”

Israel Del Barco – Assistant Lighting Designer

Safety Measures

All the staff in Loughcrew estate have completed the Bord Fáilte safety charter, to ensure all covid 19 safety regulations are adhered to. They will also be health checked prior to their shift.

Appropriate care will be taken in the preparation of refreshments.

Hand sanitisers will be installed in the premises.

Groups will be organised into bubbles, and will be staggered every 30 minutes.

There is a path all around the garden to see all the installations and surprises at a safe distance from other groups.

On your part, we ask that you keep your distance from other people, and that you don’t touch the lights or installations. Make sure that no-one in your party has symptoms upon entering the gardens, and adhere to all the relevant guidelines.

In order to make this a magical experience for everyone, we must all take a little responsibility. Thank you for your cooperation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I buy a ticket?

Online! Click here to be redirected to the booking page.

What if the event can’t go ahead due to new regulations?

We will be obeying all covid 19 procedures as they develop. If we have to postpone or cancel, we can change the tickets through ‘clearbookings’ and/or refund through ‘stripe’.

Is there a dress code?

You can wear whatever you like! But we are encouraging you to take the opportunity to wear your winter finery, and make a real occasion of it.

Can we arrive early?

Please don’t arrive early, try to be as prompt as possible. This is to ensure the successful staggering of parties to adhere to social distancing regulations.