Sinn Féin’s Kenneth Collins told The Echo: “The community are looking for power to be put into Gerry O’Sullivan Park so they can plug in the lights for the Christmas tree planted there.”

Traders that The Echo spoke to over the weekend in Cork city centre said it had been a great Christmas, and all used variations of the phrase: “There was a lovely buzz around”.

Santa Claus paid a surprise visit just as story time was coming to an end on Friday, December 20.

Take a look at some of our favourite festive photos from around Cork.

In total, An Post delivered 330,000 parcels and three million Christmas cards across almost 4,000 postal routes on December 22.

Joyous scenes as people return home from far and wide to be with loved ones for the festive season. 

DI CURTIN, who writes The Weekend Foodie column in The Echo every Saturday, shares tips for Christmas spirits

KATE RYAN has some delicious recipes for all those leftovers. 

Ronan Leonard is back again with another quiz. This one is aimed at children up to eight years old - you could win a €30 voucher.

With plenty of socialising over the festive period, it can be a difficult time for those dealing with alcohol addiction, and those who are recovering from it. Amy Campbell speaks with three recovering alcoholics on their experiences

EMMA CONNOLLY asked four Cork women about their Christmas traditions and how they plan to spend their time over the festive break.

Brian Cronin’s whole family were excited when he was asked to sing a solo at a school Christmas play in 1953, but, he tells JO KERRIGAN, it all ended in tears

It’s a special time of year with people travelling home from abroad for the festive season. Cork Airport communications manager Barry Holland tells Rachel Lysaght that Friday looks set to be their busiest day

Claudia Rose Long and her husband, Sean Maguire, have had an eventful few months with Romeo's arrival, a move back to Leeside and a frightening ordeal that saw their baby boy hospitalised. They tell EMMA CONNOLLY they are looking forward to a quiet Christmas at home. 

Looking for some inspiration on what to serve on the side at Christmas dinner? KATE RYAN has you covered with some suggestions...

The research has also found that almost half (46%) of Irish consumers surveyed would prefer to send money to family and friends to avoid buying Christmas gifts.

School concerts, meeting Santa, getting the tree from the Coal Quay, presents... JO KERRIGAN hears your memories of Christmas past from Corkonians

Inniscarra Christmas Tree Farm sits just seven kilometres from Cork city, with 12,000 trees nestled in the picturesque Lee Valley.

A really useful way to encourage those Santa requests to be streamlined a little is the five gift rule, writes Dr Michelle O'Driscoll. 

Lauren Taylor speaks to top chefs and asks for their turkey roasting tips

Posting on social media, Garvey’s SuperValu said they understood how the festive season can be a financially difficult time of the year for people in their locality and that they want to be there for those in need over the festive season.

In this week's column, Olive Ryan shares her gift ideas for the gardener in your life. 

Hosting this Christmas? KATE RYAN chats to Darina Allen, Deirdre Doyle, Finola Crowley, and Corinne Austin to get tips on how to prepare

Shop, prep, cook, and eat for Christmas in a climate-conscious way with these tips from KATE RYAN

Bonnie Basteed, 4, has epidermolysis bullosa (EB), which leaves her with blisters all over her hands and face, and requires her to wear special bandages to protect her body.

Folklorist Shane Lehane talks with the new Holly Bough 2024 Editor Mary Corcoran about all things Christmas... but mostly food.

Kate Ryan is back again this year with a fabulous gift guide for the foodie in your life - from sweets, to cakes, cheese, drinks and more, sourced here in Cork or in Ireland - keeping it local

Rio Fennell, age 7, rang the bell in Manchester to signify the completion of his cancer treatment, and 30 of his family and friends travelled from Cork to witness it.

KATE RYAN finds out how the Barrett family spend their Christmas at the award-winning Dunmore House Hotel in West Cork

Christmas decorations have been carefully installed throughout the building over the past number of weeks by the airport’s asset care team, with extensive preparations made to create a festive ambience for those travelling to and from the facility.

CHRIS DUNNE meets some of the women running The Wildflower Collective in Midleton, who are seeking support in the run up to Christmas

Representing the Cork ETB School of Music, Leila Foley, Conan Clery, and Sophia Corkery, from Terelton NS, along with Áine Lucey, from St Mary’s Macroom, make up The Chocolate Swappers String Quartet.

The immersive light experience has been running in Dublin for some years, and this year, for the first time is also open in Cork. 

Cork is trending as one of the top cities for Christmas markets this year. EMER HARRINGTON finds out why and looks at some of the events happening in the city in the run up to December 25.

All funds raised from the attraction will go towards the provision of care given to Enable Ireland service users in Cork.

Holly Bough cover artist, Peter Buckley joins editor Mary Corcoran to talk about the inspiration behind this year's cover and his memories of Christmas growing up in Cork.

CARMEL WRIGHT shares some advice and ideas on how to have a more sustainable Christmas this year, when it comes to giving gifts. 

Adam first appeared on The Late Late Toy Show, stealing the nation’s hearts with his virtual hug that he drew for his teacher and his medical team as they kept their distance during the pandemic while supporting him in his education and managing his brittle bone condition, osteogenesis imperfecta type III.  

Now in its fourth year, the fair will feature more than 20 stalls selling everything from jams to jewellery, candles to cardigans, ceramics to chutneys, tea to textiles, wreaths to wraps and much more.

The countdown to Christmas is officially underway Leeside. 

Following the success of last year’s appeal, club members and volunteers are inviting the public to once again take part in the heartwarming tradition.

A number of scenarios were discussed, and these were assessed based on safety, feasibility, value for money, and impact.

Councillor John  Maher said that the event would be on a smaller scale to the St Patrick’s Day parade, but would bring some 'festive cheer' to the city centre.

She takes over the role from John Dolan, following his decision to step down as editor of the annual publication after 22 years. Mr Dolan will remain on in his role as features editor of The Echo.

1. Cillian Lewis, Olivia Sochacki and Kevin Coffey from Nenagh, Co Tipperary. {element}2. The Lewis and Coffey families from Nenagh, Co Tipperary, and the Smith family from Killarney, Co Kerry. {element}3.

Santa paid a visit to the Ladybird Ward at the CUH to say hello to the children and their families.

Barnardos children’s charity supports more than 650 children and families each year across Cork

Noah was the most popular boys name in December of last year while Holly topped the list of girls names

SHARE has evolved over the decades and is now responsible for a wide range of services for older people in the Cork community

Director of Nursing at the Bons Secours Hospital says its a privilege to be able to help people on what can be a difficult day for many