The Live crib in Dublin city center is back where it belongs!! After a one year trial in St Stephen’s Green the sweet animals are back outside the Mansion House.

The kids will love a gawk at the the sweet donkey, two cute sheep, and a clever looking goat gathered around a scene which captures the nativity story that unfolded in Bethlehem over two millennia ago.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste and the President of the Irish Farmers Association Tim Cullinan on Wedensday 5th December officially launched the Live Animal Crib and it was blessed by Rev. Paul Arbuthnot, St. Anne’s Church, Dawson Street and Fr. Enda Cunningham, St. Andrew’s Church, Westland Row. 

The Lord Mayor said, “Tradition is such an important aspect of Christmas and for many Dubliners, including myself, the Mansion House live animal crib was always a huge part of that. So I am delighted it’s back again this year. I know that the farmers always take great care of the animals and that this year will be no different.”

Last year there was an unholy row when the crib was moved to the Summer House in St Stephen’s Green Park. This is the twenty-eight year the live crib has been running and it has been outside the Mansion House for twenty six of them.

The crib will be open until the afternoon of December 22 and the animals will be on view for daylight hours until the park closes and they are packed off home to their Wicklow farm. So make sure you get in well before 4pm. The crib has only been open a couple of days but already it feels like it is going to be a popular year.

It is a partnership with the Irish Farmers Association and the Council. People felt the tradition should not be meddled with which is why there was big drama last year when it was moved to the park for animal welfare reasons, which we presume are all sorted now.

The whole vibe is so Christmassy. Get yourself into Dublin city center and see for yourself!