Go Niche

IT WOULDN’T have made any difference to tell you about this one earlier because it’s been booked out for weeks and always is.

Just tuck it away at the back of your mind for next year because, for anyone with small children, the Santa to beat all Santas – other than he of the North Pole – lives much more handily in the Mourne Mountains, just outside Newcastle in Co Down.

Santa’s Cottage is the official residence of Santa in Ireland, as recognised by the World Congress of Santas, and it’s the perfect spot to have him.

Isolated, mountainous and surrounded by forests, it’s as atmospheric as you’ll get this side of Lapland.

At this time of year the cottage’s festive lights can be seen for miles, nigh on giving even the Northern Lights a run for their money.

The homestead is built around a classic whitewashed cottage with stone floors and open fires.

Visitors can inspect the little small holding surrounding it too, to see where Santa gets his fresh veg, his fruit and the hens that lay his eggs.

There’s a cosy igloo to inspect as well as fish-filled ponds and geese on sentry duty. The big attraction is, of course, Santa himself, particularly as he makes his signature entrance – down the chimney.

Once you’ve had your chat, been checked off the naughty list and got your present, it’s on to the elves workshop to see wooden toys being handcrafted.

There’s a tour of Santa’s bedroom, a chance to meet Rudolph and tea and cake in the cafe. The entire trip takes about an hour and costs €18 (€21.20) for kids and €13 (€15.30) for adults.

Go mbeimid beo ag an am seo arís to enjoy it.

santascottage.co.uk