The Winter Lights are officially back in Dublin and have new additional locations.
Dublin City Council officially switched on last night and people will have the opportunity to go see them until 1 January.

For the first time, The Spire will be one of the 16 locations around the city that have been transformed with colourful projections and lighting displays. In another first there will be a Viking Boat lit up in the Liffey and a new installation in the Liberties’ Bridgefoot St Park. A walking trail map makes it easier for people to work their way to see all of the installations, and double-acts as an interactive adventure for children and families. At each location there is a QR code, which will let you read the next chapter in a new children’s story book about the adventures of Rua the red squirrel.

Environmental sustainability is a big thing this year, as alternatives to fossil fuels are being used to power the installations. Chargeable battery packs are also being used to avoid drawing on the energy grid during peak hours.

“The power used to light The Spire is comparable to that used in a domestic iron (1800w),” Dublin City Council states. “A toaster (900w) uses the same power as we’re using on the Millennium Bridge, while Smithfield Sq will be illuminated using the same amount of power as a dishwasher (3000w).”

Artwork from a primary school children art competition will be projected onto Barnardo Square beside Dublin Castle. Three winning artworks will receive a prize from the Lord Mayor and their artwork will be used on the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Cards this year. Meanwhile, the Merrion Square edition of the Winter Lights will return slightly later – from 1 December.

“Christmas really is a magical time for everyone and what better way to get you into the festive spirit than to visit this year’s Dublin Winter Lights,” The Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy said. “Whether you’re five or 85, I guarantee you’ll enjoy it. So come on into town, visit the lights and feel the magic this Christmas.”

Here are the 16 Locations;
Liberties: Windmill Digital Hub
Liberties: Bridgefoot Street Park (New Location)
Smithfield Square (New installation)
Wolfe Tone Square (New Location)
Millenium Bridge
Liffey Viking Boat (New Installation)
Barnardo Square (Children’s Art Competition)
Dublin Spire (19th Nov)
O’Connell Street Monuments
Custom House
Georges Dock (New Location)
Triumphal Arch
Droichead Samuel Beckett
Seán O’Casey Bridge (New Location)
Mansion House (3rd Dec)
Merrion Square Park (1st Dec)

Author; Rayana Zapryanova
www.Dublinlive.ie