St Francis of Assisi is credited with being one of the first Christians to build a model replica of the crib complete with figures of the baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Real shepherds are said to have come from nearby Greccio to sing and play the pipes at this 13th-century Christmas crib.
It is in this spirit of passing on the real Christmas message with visual aids that St Martin's Apostolate at 42 Parnell Square, Dublin welcome young and old every year to view their Moving Crib.
With over 100 motorised papiermache figures in total, visitors are taken through stories from both the Old and New Testament in the Bible, including scenes from the Christmas story. A somewhat kitsch representation for some, for others, the Moving Crib is a must-see, especially in these consumer-driven times. You can be guaranteed young children will be enthralled.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 2 p.m. - 6 p.m, Saturday and Sunday 11.30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Admission free.
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