Welcome To The Jingle

Keep the home lights burning…

e are, it hardly needs to be said, spoilt for choice in this town.

From the cheap and cheerful to the unique and damned expensive, there is something for pretty much everyone.

And once again, rather than drag yourself into the mind-numbing labyrinth of a great big shopping mall, or play The Anger Games in the big city, this year, take a look around your hometown first when it comes to ticking off your Christmas list.

Sure, here and there, it might be a little bit more expensive than what you might pay in Scroungeland, but, hey, if you’re the kind of person who’ll drive 50 miles to save a cent a litre on petrol, go knock yourself out, friend.

Beyond the many shops, cafés and restaurants (listed here), just take a moment to think of the artists, crafters and creators that live in your town. You can grab something truly unique from perhaps the town’s finest nature photographer, Phil McDarby, capturing our world in the perfect light right here. There’s also the gentle giant that was Brian Keeley, the late snapper supreme’s immense back catalogue available for free here, plus another glorious nature boy, Alan Currie (whose night shot of a flaming Bray Head from the Sugar Loaf is now available, as a print here, or as a wider panoramic framed print).

Staying on the photography front, Sheena Griffin can catch you and your family in the best light here, and our #1 roving snapper John McGowan can cover your big day here, whilst Greystones of old is celebrated by Anna O’Rourke and Jody Connaughton (the man’s Drummin Trees print proving particularly popular). Meanwhile, new kids on the block Niall Meehan and Marc Diamond have both unleashed 2023 calendars this year, both fetishising our tantalising and highly photogenic seafront. The perverts.

On the book front, there’s also Vicky Allan and Anna Deacon’s The Art Of Wild Swimming, boasting 249 pages of open water swimming tips, stories and location guides, with Wicklow (including Greystones) featuring heavily. Available at The Village Bookshop, where you’ll find lots of other mind-expanding, brain-soothing goodies.

Footage: Drone Connect

For the kids, there’s the mighty Halfway Up The Stairs, of course, with their Books Of The Year just revealed here. Or maybe they’d like a starry night at Hogwarts as they learn some new painting techniques here.

When it comes to local books, the mother of them all is, of course, Gary Paine’s latest Pictorial History Of Greystones, the man taking three year’s to complete the 8th volume that he started some years hence with his late father, the towering Derek Paine. You can grab this one exclusively at Greystones Antiques beside the train station for a tidy €35. Which is pretty amazing value for three year’s work in one book.

And there’s always the Greystones Archaelogical & Historical Society’s wonderful journals – more info here. Or you could go back even further with Glaciers, Glens & Granite, a new book which explores the geology of Wicklow. Details right here.

Jumping to the future, online you’ve got local goodies for babies here, and particularly groovy kids here. Getting a shout-out on The Late Late Toy Show, there’s also Crowe Abbey’s wooden toy titans Dlulukaloo, who have a Christmas pop-up shop in the Tesco centre until January 9th, open daily from 10am to 4pm and then 5pm to 6pm (gotta pick up that kid from the creche), plus till 8pm on Thursday and Friday. Amazing toys, and they’ll last. For generations. Children’s boutique Pom Pom Pirate will be joining Vicky on Tuesday 20th (10am-4pm), Wednesday 21st (10am-5pm), Thursday 22nd (12pm-8pm) and Friday 23rd (10am-5pm).

For those kids who believe in magic, there’s Ashling McNamara’s Starry Night In Hogwarts art workshops on January 3rd and 4th, from 10am to 3pm. Something to spark 2023 into being a wizard of a year – details here.

You could also get that hyperactive – or bone lazy – kid out the door with a voucher to the Squirrel’s Scramble Tree Adventure Park in Killruddery – details right about here.

And for the bone lazy – or hyperactive – teenager and beyond, there’s always the town’s plethora of groovy gyms and workout wonders.

Another fine 100% Irish, handmade and local gift for that someone special, Creative Hands’ pedicure and manicure baubles are pretty darn groovy. The manicure bauble contains the Creative Hands Lemongrass & Ginger Hand Collection, comprising of 15ml hand cream, 30ml hand scrub and 10ml nail oil. Meanwhile, the pedicure bauble contains 15ml foot balm, 30ml hand scrub and 10ml nail oil. Details here.

And if you’re tired of seeing the same old miserable faces around here, a shot of botox from the SISU clinic at Meridian Point should help turn anyone’s frown upside down.

Or you can just help them achieve that perfect smile with a voucher from Lucey Dental right here.

Oh, and if exclusive is your thing, the Cork-based 100% organic recycled and upcycled woolly bullies YAWUW (aka You Are What You Wear) are at JuJu for Christmas. Find out more here.

Not sure if this is really present material, but Joe’s on Church Road has two great big Christmas dinner hampers on the go. Which you can check out here.

And you could always get that motor gleamin’, thanks to Blacklion’s spanking new car wash service, gift vouchers available right here.

And for the music nut in your life, Sundial Records have 50% off their CDs, books and beyond – which you can grab right about here.

And then there’s all the wonderful local artists, including Ian Thullier (aka Jopp), Toni Smith, Emma Jane Rushworth, Susan Brambell, David O’Reilly, Siobhan Mooney, the McKenna duo, Caroline Galligan, Helen Magee, Violine Sea Crafts, the grumpy Tom Byrne, and many others. If you like seeing your art up close and personal, you can pop down to the Boat Yard Gallery to view a lot of their local creations up close and personal.

Oh, and remember, free parking for two hours every Saturday too!

Talking of freebies, back when GG had time to spare, making mixes was a fine way to wile away an evening – and we’ve got three 80min mixes of Christmas crackers for you right here, featuring everyone from Shane MacGowan and Wham to Nick Cave and Sister Rosetta Tharpe, with a full sleight load of gospel, blues and chart-toppers inbetween.

And to help get that festive feelgood flowing, here’s our 2015 interview with Sister Gwen at Delgany’s 152-year-old lifesize crib, and Mrs Mooney et al revealing their Bestest Christmas EVER right here.

And let’s not forget one of the big additions to the town in the recent years has been the opening of our much-needed and much-loved local theatre, The Whale, and you can show your support for this beautiful little venue by buying a friend a ticket to an upcoming show, or simply grab a Whale gift voucher. Sorted! For the rocker in your life, there’s the heavy, heavy monsters sounds of The Hot Spot, a venue straight out of the 1970s. Sweet!

Oh, and did we mention that there’s two hours free parking on Saturdays down de town? Just in case you missed that one.

Even just a quick stroll up through the town will give you everything you might need, from glorious Vincent’s bargains, top of the range Christmas trees, top of the range dog makeovers, sleek new winter outfits, unique antiques, hand-crafted jewellery, beauty-a-go-go, beautiful hair-a-yo-ho, fragrances a-go-go, Concepts–a-ho-ho-ho, the finest home accessories and designer handbags in Lilypad’s pop-up shop at Ireton’s, not-so-faraway eyes, more groovy gifts, getting fit, learning how to sew, and all sorts of other Christmas goodies. 

And look out for the Flynnstones’ latest book, The Happy Pear’s Favourite Things Beginning With A, the first in a new series. Boom!

And who doesn’t like homemade chocolate…? Especially when it’s made only a scone’s throw from your home. Check out Kilcoole’s mighty Nibbed Cacao here.

Also keeping it local are candle stink makers Glow Bottle and LaLuna Candles, both delivering Christmas specials, whilst Be Kind Incense are hand-rolled and inspired by Wicklow’s great outdoor aromas.

Always good to have a one-stop Christmas shop, Outdoor living up at Glen Of The Downs stocking everything from Christmas trees and decorations to gifts galore. And, hey, there’s a sale on too, with up to 70% off. Details right about here.

Open Thursdays to Saturdays 10.30am to 4.30pm, the Greystones Cancer Support gang have themselves a little Christmas pop-up shop in Moran’s old place, with Christmas cards, pre-loved clothes and all sorts of festive goodies on offer. Details right about here.

And talking about Christmas Pop-Up shops, they don’t come much sweeter than Lilypad’s takeover once again of Ireton’s, just beside Nature’s Gold. All you need, under one historic roof. Details here.

There are, of course, lots more options just outside town – including the very free, very wonderful K2Alpacas Christmas Mini Market – and you’re welcome to go explore. Once you’ve given your hometown friends and neighbours the once-over, people. If you don’t use it, we lose it.

And let’s not forget the RNLI’s annual Christmas cards – available in Nature’s Gold, or you can just donate right here.

Oh, and how about getting your loved one’s chimney swept and ready for those cold January and February nights? We have two strapping lads who will have you sorted for a soot-free winter. 

Haven’t got your Christmas tree yet? You can help yourself and St Patrick’s National School this weekend, with Premium Nordman fir trees for sale on the school grounds (and in four different sizes) from 3pm to 5pm on Friday 9th and from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th. You can also pre-order right around here. And then there’s Knockroe Farm at Eden Gate, and Santa’s Grotto & Christmas Tree Fair down just before Kilcoole Beach.

If you’re looking for a different kind of Christmas gift, how about 10 oak trees planted in the Wicklow Uplands, complete with a certificate of ever-lasting love? ReWild Wicklow have the details right here.

Get it here!

And what about giving your house the present of a makeover? You can check in with Sandra at Select Interiors on Hillside Road, and benefit from years of experience in making homes that little bit funkier. Which, you know, can make all the difference to your everyday…

And walk off that Christmas dinner by joining this year’s Goal Mile at Éire Óg Greystones on December 27th, from 11am to 1pm. Details here, register here.

We’re listing just some of the specials below. You can check out our Christmas Gifts listing here, our Christmas Beauty listings here, our Christmas Kids listing here, and all our Christmas parties, fairs, events, goodies and beyond right here.

Suffice to say, from Charlesland to Blacklion, and all points in-between – and even a little beyond – you have neighbours who will be more than a little ecstatic to help you out this Christmas. Mainly because you’ll be helping them out this Christmas too.

Just as they have helped us out with those Christmas Lights every year.

We asked a big bunch of Greystones’ finest artists, crafters and shopping emporiums to let us know what their groovy gift recommendations for Christmas are this year.

We’ll be updating this list daily. Or thereabouts…

Sweet Boutique Church Road
For the perfect Christmas present, check out our exciting, extensive gift range, from small stocking fillers, hampers, jars full of treats and Kris Kringle ideas. There’s something for everyone here – and for all budgets too.

Our friendly staff also make gifts to order for that unique, one-of-a-kind Christmas present. We have a range of American sweets, Irish artisan, Belgian chocolates, Harry Potter treats and tricks, and all those much-loved classics from our childhood.

You can find Sweet Boutique right here. Vouchers are also available.

Brooke & Shoals Church Road
Brooke & Shoals Christmas Fragrances are now available online and in shops. Our Christmas collection includes our classic Cinnamon & Cedar and our new festive fragrance Cedarwood Nutmeg & Orange. Cinnamon & Cedar combines the sweet aroma of cinnamon spices with the fresh, woody notes of cedar to create a fragrance combination that will gladden the spirit & evoke yuletide magic. Cedarwood Nutmeg & Orange blends woody notes of cedarwood with spices and balsamic accords and a hint of citrus orange to create a fragrance that will help you reconnect with your inner peace and renew your spirit. Both fragrances are also available in our luxury 3-Wick Candle or our festive Christmas Crackers!

Our Christmas products always sell out fast so be sure to get yours while stocks last! We are also recommending our new Wellness Collection. Brooke & Shoals Wellness is a new collection of body-care products focused on aromatherapy and wellness. Featuring hand cream, body cream, hand wash and body wash, these organic products are available in two unique fragrances, that are 100% natural and created by blending a carefully selected range of essential oils, to invoke our senses; Relax & Restore contains Lavender Ylang Ylang & Petitgrain and Revitalise & Uplift contains Grapefruit Lemon & Mandarin. Each of our wellness products are available in a Wellness Pampering Treat which includes an individual hand or body product and one of our scented travel candles. The perfect Christmas gift!

The Source Bulk Foods Meridian Point
This Christmas you can make your own sustainable and beautiful hampers full of goodies at the Source! With options starting from €25 you’ll get to build your own hamper at the store or on our website! Truffle boxes will also be available for just €9.50 – and you can choose the flavours! If you are just looking to gift something small we also have some beautiful hand-made sustainable felt decorations and a few Christmas special Grab’N’Gos like Mulled Wine Kits or Gingerbread Cookie recipes that are ready to go!

Pic: The Word Bird

The Word Bird 
There’s something for everyone from The Word Bird, whether it’s a humorous compilation of Irish insults or a pint filled with the finest Dublin pubs.

The prints are all designed and produced in Greystones, whilst the frames, mounts, tubes and cards are all sourced within Co Wicklow.

Prices range from €15 – €49 for the ready-to-go range. Click here for details and ideas.

Pretty Woman Church Road
Get that special Lady in your life a pair of Divine Soft Faux Sheepskin Slippers or Mules.
Wrap up in Luxury in our Fleece Scarfs or Cardigans from Henrietta Steffensen.
Pick up that Dress that will take you to any occasion over the festive season
Handmade Jewellery from Paris is sure to delight.
Hats & Scarfs to keep you snuggly & warm during cold weather, great gifts also. Check out our Instagram and Facebook  daily for special offers!

The Village Bookshop Church Road
Located right in the heart of Greystones, The Village Bookshop has been helping people choose the best books for 33 years.

It’s a haven for all book lovers – step in to find the latest bestsellers, coffee table books, cookery books and biographies, all waiting for you to browse through.  But that’s not all – check out our fabulous range of Christmas cards, calendars, wrapping paper, stationery and perfect gift ideas. Don’t forget the children’s area hopping with elves, fairies, all the latest beautiful books, jellycats, jigsaws, pocket money toys and much more.

Our staff are always waiting to welcome and advise you with our very own recommended picks, helping find the perfect present for that special someone.

Some Issy Stardust

Lorient Gift Church Road
We are sooo excited for the season, we have never had so much crammed in here, but we can always find a spot for a gnome or two. Most popular items lately, wall art of every description.

This year with energy hikes warm and toasty gifts is the way to go. Super soft cosy hooded fleeces/dressing gowns €49, microwave highland teds €26.95, handwarmers €16.95, long hot water bottles €19.95 and not forgetting the marshmallow socks for men and women!

Anne Sexton Pilates Tinahely House
Discover the joy of movement in 2023.

Anne Sexton Pilates offers a range of Pilates styles, including Reformer, Mat, Barre, TRX and Vibration Plate therapy. From personal one-to-one training to small group classes at all levels, Pilates is an enjoyable, challenging, life-boosting excerise for all ages and abilities.

Gift cards for any amount available through the Mind Body App with gift cards downloadable or cards collected from the Anne Sexton Pilates Studio.

Anniepooh
AnniePooh has a huge range of sustainable Christmas gifts for you. Starting with the new fabulously festive vegan, plastic-free Advent Calendar from H!P Chocolate. Our Best of Irish Pamper Box – featuring the best of Irish makers – makes you feel special, like sending a hug in a box! Our WUKA’s Wearable Hot Water Bottle comes with a tie to hold it snugly around your waist to ease and soothe any aches and pains. Finally, our locally made soy wax candles from Glow Bottle, Fecking Fabulous scent embodies warmth and comfort on these cold winters nights.

AMOC Church Road
Bring some sparkle to your loved ones this Christmas.

Pop into AMOC- where mulled wine will warm you while you choose from our uniquely-designed jewellery. 

Azur Church Road
At Azur, there are lots & lots of Christmas Gift ideas, from shoes & boots to gorgeous Italian leather bags.

We also have jewellery, scarves and other accessories. Drop by Christmas week, check out our selection.

The Yoga Barre Kilcoole
Christmas has arrived at The Yoga Barre and we have some gorgeous gift ideas from local businesses. We have our signature hand-poured Soy Wax Candles from Laluna Goodness. These make our studio smell so sweet and are a blend of Damson Plum, Rose & Patchouli.

The Yoga Barre Gift Set has our gorgeous candles in them, a Gratitude Journal from The Journal Company & a pack of Be Kind Incense. LaLuna also has other beautiful winter candles, body creams & hand washes too. Not forgetting the gift of movement and fun with a Yoga Barre voucher. All info on what we do here. All available to pick up at our studio in Kilcoole. Thanks so much for shopping and supporting local this Christmas. Caroline x

Halfway Up The Stairs La Touche Place
One of the newest additions to the town, Trish Hennessy’s lifelong dream of turning her obsession with reading into a little bookshop on the corner has finally come true. Specialising in children’s books (and toys), you can explore Halfway Up The Stairs’ books of 2022 right here.

Up To My Eyes Theatre Lane
It’s where all de famous people go to get that staraway look in their eyes, transforming everyone from Rosanna Davidson to that girl who used to do the weather on TV3. It’s also the salon with the mostest when it comes to awards.

Escape Boutique Mill Road
Feckin’ loads of goodies for Christmas 2022, including groovy socks, bamboo coffee cups, socks gift sets and, well, feckin’ loads of beautiful outfits.

Gino’s Gelato Church Road
It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Gino’s Gelato with our annual top secret two festive flavours launching in December – you’ll have to come visit us on main street to get your hands (or hooves) on them – they always sell out fast so make sure to put the date in your diaries and set your alarms! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok to be the first to know! As well as our secret festive specials, we will also have the Gino’s very special and scrumptious Rum n’ Raisin Gelato back for the month of December by popular demand (whoohoo!) As well as a very special Crêpe and Waffle launching for a limited time – drumroll, please – for the exuberant Gino’s Jaffa Cake Special – this is one you need to try believe us!

Remember to grab your Gino’s Gelato gift vouchers early too, available to buy in store from €10 – the perfect stocking filler or gift for your sweet toothed brood, partner, granny, grandad, teacher, pal or yourself this December! We look forward to welcoming you this December at Gino’s Gelato Greystones and thank you for your ongoing support of our local business!

The Belvedere Clinic Charlesland
During the Christmas holidays (from the 27th to the 30th), for those who could do with a little professional physical therapy, The Belvedere Clinic will be providing an emergency service. It will be by appointment only and people can message or Whatsapp the clinic to make an appointment call 0862468014. For more information about our services please visit our website here.

Nice! This is literally half of our Christmas list – we’ll updating daily.

So, come back, y’all! Or just go check out the town – from Vincent’s to Fenton’s, you’ll find something for every loved one, for every pocket. Oh, and here’s some Christmas tunes for ya!