Last weekend we went to do some different as a family. We abandoned our evening routine and headed up to Palmerstown House Estate just outside Naas. The last we’ve been here, was two years ago when we went to visit Santa. However this time it was to to see the Wonderlights.
Unfortunately you can’t predict the weather in Ireland. We were hoping to have good weather for our two kilometre walk that evening. It was raining though. Despite the rain, we decided to bite the bullet and go anyway. We geared up with our warm coats and umbrellas. The kids got new umbrellas a while ago but never got to try them out so this was their time to shine.
Wonderlights is running from 25th October to 10th November. If you are thinking of booking for this weekend, this will be your last chance. There are plenty of slots still available leading up the last evening on Sunday. Prices are €18 for an adult, €15 for a child (under two years free) or a family ticket can be purchased for €66. (two adults and up to three children)
Our slot was booked for 6pm on a Saturday evening. We left the house at 5.30pm which meant we ditched the dinner and decided to have something to eat on site. For us the drive is only ten minutes anyway.
When we arrived, we were guided to the car park. We then walked to the entrance where we greeted by the girls who checked our tickets. Each member of the family is given a stamp on their hand. For this walk I decided to take the buggy for Chloe. She isn’t the biggest fan of walking, particularly when it is wet and cold. Also to mention that with your ticket you will get free and unlimited rides in the kids carnival. We didn’t take advantage of this because I had organised a games night with hubby’s sister that evening. Plus it started to rain more heavily.
While Chloe was nice and snug in her buggy, we started walking along. First stop was a light show across the lake. The event is very buggy friendly by the way. Of course there was the occasional puddle but you can’t do anything mother mature. They had a path laid out which was easy to push the buggy on. Further down was another light show that displayed animals. Matthew spotted the birds and sharks. (I think they might have been fish)
The first figure we arrived to was a swan and her nest.
There was quite a good few people on this walk at the same time as us and sometimes we had stop. But in my opinion it was not too crowded. You got your turn taking the photo and most of the time people were not in the way at all.
Matthew was the lucky one who had to pose in front of every light as Chloe was too snug. They created a half way point where you could decide whether you want to stop or keep going. For the money we paid, I decided we should do the whole experience. We were not getting wet with the umbrella and we were warm. So there was literally no excuse. Some of the animals were absolutely massive, You can compare the size when you see Matthew standing in front of them.
Matthew’s favourite light was probably the fox and the moon. I have to say myself that the moon was class. It looked so real. It looked that real that Matthew asked me “Is that the real moon?”. In the photo taken in front of the moon, you can see him saying moooon.
The end of the walk brought us through the ground of the Palmerstown House which was lit up in the rainbow colours and we finished it off with a lit up unicorn. Chloe liked this one the most.
We walked back up to the main entrance. There was a stand where you could order hot dogs and a burger. Daddy went for the burger and the kids and I ordered a hot dog. According to Matthew, it was the best hot dog he has ever had. While daddy was queuing for the food, we had a look around what kind of amusements they had for the kids. There was a carousel, a few other rides and a hut to have a coffee in and hide away from the rain. We definitely enjoyed it as a family and it was great to get some fresh air.
