11.12.2024
Nun’s Cross Church Becomes Dazzling Winter Wonderland
Even a red weather alert couldn’t stop parishioners of Nun’s Cross, although Storm Darragh did disrupt their first Christmas Tree Festival for one day. The historic Nun’s Cross Church in Killiskey was transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland at the weekend with a beautiful light show and wonderfully decorated Christmas trees lining the walls.
The community event brought together parishioners, local businesses, schools and families in celebration of Christmas and to harness their creative flare as many created their own uniquely decorated trees.
The festival was a fundraiser for the parish’s €350,000 five–year church restoration programme. The parish plans to conserve the church’s historic features from its original Georgian winders and Minton tiled floors to its Victorian crypt and late Victorian lighting. Built in 1817 the aim is to ensure that Nun’s Cross continues to thrive as a beacon of history and culture.
The parish also continued its tradition of community outreach by supporting Wicklow Hospice as their charity partner for the Christmas Tree Festival with a division of the proceeds going to the hospice and the essential care they provide which touches the lives of families across County Wicklow.
The festival opened on Friday evening with the much anticipated arrival of Santa in a horse drawn carriage. Rain couldn’t dampen the festive spirits and delighted children waited eagerly to visit the man in red. In the shelter of the church visitors were treated to a magical Christmas scene as they explored the display of intricately decorated trees some of which made imaginative use of alternative materials to create the trees.
Storm Darragh wreaked havoc on the area in the early hours of Saturday morning and while the volunteers were able to restore the exterior show, the festival had to be postponed on Saturday as there was no electricity. However, when the power came back people flocked to the event on Sunday with extended opening hours to facilitate them.
