Theatres, puppets, magic, storytelling

DUBLIN
Annabel's Star
This story without words and original music by Conor Mitchell is a gentle alternative to the bigger productions. Caitriona Ennis plays the little girl who is guided on a magical journey. Art and music workshops for two- to 12-year-olds will take place throughout the run. The Ark, Eustace St, Temple Bar, Dec 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 and 27-30 €9/€12 01-6707788 ark.ie

Storytelling, Puppet Shows and Magic Shows at Farmleigh Over the next three weekends, Farmleigh will resound with carol singing and barbershop melodies amid seasonal food markets and a Victorian Christmas experience. The children's programme includes storytelling in the Old Kitchen on Dec 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22 and puppet and magic shows in the Cowshed Theatre on Dec 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22. Farmleigh, Phoenix Park adm free 01-8155900 farmleigh.ie

Big, Big Trouble with the Santa Claus Double
A seasonal offering starring Gary Mountaine. Mill Theatre, Dundrum Town Centre, Dundrum Dec 8-23 €10/€12.50 01-2969340 milltheatre.ie


On ice

CORK
Cork on Ice
The popular ice rink is back in the Mahon Point Shopping Centre for an extended run. Until Jan 26 €12-€15 021-4217641 corkonice.com

DUBLIN
Dundrum on Ice
Now in its fourth year, the ice rink in the Dundrum Town Centre is an energetic alternative to shopping. €11-€14 Until Jan 12 01-5242101
dundrumonice.ie

I-Skate at the RDS
This 1,000sq m ice rink is billed as the largest in Ireland, and forms part of the Christmas Wonderland experience. RDS, Ballsbridge Dec 6-Jan 12. €10.80-€13.50
christmaswonderland.ie

GALWAY
Galway City on Ice has moved to a new venue on Dock Road so skaters can join in the atmosphere of the continental Christmas markets (until Dec 22) in nearby Eyre Square. Dock Road Until Jan 5 €11-€14 091-394504 galwaycityonice.ie

LOUTH
Dundalk on Ice
Back again in the Market Square. One of the best-value ice rinks around. Until Jan 6 €6.95-€9.95 for one hour dundalkonice.com

KILKENNY
This Kilkenny ice rink, now in its fourth year, is in a marquee just outside McDonagh Junction shopping centre on the Dublin Road. Until Jan 12. €12-€14 kilkennyonice.com

WATERFORD
Waterford Winterval on Ice
Part of a wider celebration of all things Christmas (including a Helter Skelter Santa Slide and wheelchair accessible Winterval express train rides through the streets of Waterford), this ice rink promises lots of thrills. Until Jan 5 (excluding Dec 25, 31) €10-€14 winterval.ie