West Cork village to hold its first ever Christmas fair 

A West Cork village on the most southwestern tip of Ireland is set to host its first ever Christmas fair.

Almost 40 artisan stalls have been sold already for the four-day event that will take place on the first two weekends of December in Crookhaven.

Santa himself is due to appear to give out presents to local children and visitors and there will be a live Nativity scene as well.

Residents have been busy making jams and pickles to sell on the stands and Bulmers will be keeping everybody warm with glasses of hot cider.

There will also be street food, a karaoke caravan, Christmas carols and live music.

The fair will take place on the weekend of Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 and the following weekend of Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December, with foods and crafts stalls each day in Nottages pub and The Crookhaven Inn.

The fair, which will be officially opened at 5pm on Friday 7 by Fine Gael councillor Caroline Cronin, will run from 3pm to 8pm on Saturdays and 12pm to 5pm on Sundays.

The four-day event will see the launch of the Crookhaven pontoon appeal to replace an ageing 25-year-old pontoon used by local people and holiday makers alike.

The appeal has a target of €75,000 and there is already €20,000 in the kitty thanks to donations from customers and organisations.

Organiser Linda Kennedy, who is married to publican Dermot O’Sullivan, said she had always believed Crookhaven could host a wonderful Christmas Fair.

“Our village is so beautiful, it lends itself to the charm and excitement of Christmas. I can’t wait to see our new lights and decorations,” she said.

“We are only charging €10 for stalls and all the entertainment will be free. We want this to be a family event, accessible to everybody.

“There will, however, be a bucket collection to raise money towards the pontoon fund.” 

For more information and stall booking, contact Linda at crookhavenpontoon@gmail.com.