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 – 10-12 December 2021. Details of events can be found on https://www.christmasfestivalcork.ie/events
The festival – which builds upon a festival held 5 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 is 50+ trees which tell the gospel story decorated by schools, individuals and community groups in the area as well as having trees dedicated to prayer and remembrance of those who have died during the pandemic. For young kids in addition to the trees, each of the venues have a Sheep Hunt.
On Saturday a pop-up market is being held in the West Wing of the Carraig Centre in Ballincollig. The market Stalls include: Books, Craft, tasty treats, a local Wood turner, craft, Art and handmade bears and more.
St. Peter’s Church at Carrigrohane is hosting 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 carols by car light service in St. Senan’s Church, Inniscarra – where families and individuals are welcome to drive in and join with some familiar carols from the comfort of their car – This is a ticketed event – 1 ticket per car – details are available on christmasfestivalcork.ie/events
The majority of trees are outside to allow for social distancing. Where inside masks are required and hand sanitizer is provided.
Revd 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 would encourage all of our neighbours, and those reading this near or far to pop along to our tree trail across our 4 locations and to take a bit of time to reflect upon the story which has changed the world”
Admission is free for all – buckets will be available for donations towards parish mission and ministry appeal and also a collection cup is available beside our ‘homeless tree’ towards 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 & news sheet is available
Timings of all events are as follows:
Friday 10th December
12noon-7pm Reflective Prayer stations – St. Peter’s Church Carrigrohane
12.30-2pm Seniors Lunch (Tickets Required) – The Carraig Centre
2-7 Christmas Trees & Churches open
7.30 Youth Festive Fiesta ’21 (Tickets Required)
Saturday 11th December
10am-7pm Christmas Trees open
10am Pop-up Christmas Market – Carraig Centre West Wing
11-7pm Reflective Prayer stations – St. Peter’s Church, Carrigrohane
3.30-4.30 Live Crib & Carols – St. Peters Field
Sunday 12th December
11am Church Service – St Senan’s Inniscarra
11am Sunday AM – Carraig Centre (Booking Required)
11am Church Service – Blarney Service of the Word
2.30-4.30 Prayer Stations St Peter’s Church, Carrigrohane
2.30-5.30 Christmas Trees Open
3-4pm Family Christmas Crafts (booking required)
6-7pm Church Service – Choral Evensong (Booking required)
7.30-8.30 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