Alice Lights up Loughcrew

A must-see animated lights spectacle is taking place this Christmas at Loughcrew House and Gardens, in Oldcastle, County Meath, in Ireland's historic heartlands.

Loughcrew's Enchanted Garden will host Lewis Carroll’s classic story of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.  The tale of Alice and all the magical creatures, her breath-taking experiences, and the amazing places she travels are interpreted through dramatic light and colour projection, drawing visitors into the much-loved children’s book in a uniquely engaging way.

Designers Euan Winton and Eddie Naper, whose family home is the charming classical estate, have used the unique garden and woodland setting to create the magical 1km Enchanted Garden trail, transformed by sparkling light, colourful imagery and sound.

Visitors can travel down the rabbit hole, find a door that fits, and take selfies in the magic potion bottle or with the Red Knights, the Queen of Heart’s card soldiers. 

There is the chaos of tea at the Mad Hatter’s table, the ‘lobster quadrille’, recited by the Mock Turtle, and floods of Alice’s glistening tears, as the animals emerge from the garden to see our heroine in the dock in the Queen’s Court.  

Tricks of the light will completely illuminate Loughcrew’s garden features, including St. Oliver Plunkett’s family church, where Alice literally grows before your eyes!

Open from Thursday to Sunday, every weekend from Monday 11 November until Thursday 23 December, Loughcrew's Enchanted Garden is sponsored by Primeline Group, the local Ashbourne-based FMCG logistics, sales and marketing business.

Along the Enchanted Garden Christmas trail there are treats for all the family, like hot chocolate, freshly brewed coffee, mulled wine, hot food and snacks.  Of course, the Mad Hatter's freshly brewed tea and scrumptious party food is not to be missed!

Tickets are on sale online now, at https://loughcrew.com/lightscape/, and cost €60.00 for a family of five, with adult tickets priced at €18.00 and a child’s ticket for €13.50.  Under 3s go free!

Loughcrew Garden has been home to Alice and Absolem, by sculptor Ann Meldon Hugh, for many years, and the White Rabbit’s hole has always been a fun feature of the children’s garden.

Loughcrew will inspire child-like wonder and imagination this Christmas in a rich and very special visitor experience, immersing visitors in the bizarre world of Alice and her marvellous adventures.

Lighting specialist, Euan Winton, was responsible for the multi-award-winning Night in the Garden at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh and others, and works extensively for Edinburgh World Heritage Trust and Edinburgh City Council.

The Loughcrew project has developed relationships with local artists, musicians and creatives. Students of Edinburgh Napier University have worked with the National College of Art and Design and The Lir Academy, under the direction of Studio Winton, to create the Enchanted Garden experience.  Local artists are involved in many of the installations and recycled and reused materials are widely used to reduce the carbon footprint of the light spectacle.

Loughcrew House dates back to the 17th century and the estate comprises 200 acres of parkland complete with stunning gardens, a medieval motte, prehistoric cairns and the ruins of St. Oliver Plunkett’s church.   There are staycation options in Loughcrew House, as well as in the Courtyard Apartments and Stable Lodge, all of which can be hired for parties, weddings and other special occasions. 

Loughcrew Estate is one hour from Dublin, close to the Boyne Valley and just outside Oldcastle.  The Enchanted Garden Lightscape is open to all ages, is available for group bookings, and is wheelchair accessible.  There is free car and coach parking on-site. 

Admission is €18.00 for adults and €13.50 for children, with a family ticket for five priced at €60.00, all of which should be booked online in advance.  See https://loughcrew.com/lightscape/ for bookings or contact +353 49 854 1356 or info@loughcrew.com for enquiries.