Leinster House Hosts the Ghost of Christmas Past in Festive Spectacle

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Event Overview

• what: A live‑action interpretation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol titled “The Ghost of Christmas Past” set within the historic chambers of Leinster House.
• When: 9 December 2025 - 31 December 2025, nightly performances at 7:30 pm (additional matinee on 24 December).
• Where: The Great Hall and the Chamber of the Seanad (Upper House) in Leinster House, Dublin 4.
• Why: Part of the Oireachtas’s annual Christmas Spectacle series, designed to showcase Irish heritage, support local artists, and attract seasonal tourism to Dublin’s parliamentary precinct.

Key Search Terms Integrated

Leinster House Christmas event, Ghost of christmas Past Dublin, festive spectacle Ireland, holiday tradition Dublin, Christmas concert Leinster House, family‑friendly Christmas show, Dublin holiday attractions 2025, Oireachtas holiday program, Dickensian performance Ireland, cultural events December 2025.

Programme Highlights

The Ghost of Christmas Past Production

1. Opening tableau – projection mapping on the historic marble columns recreates Victorian Dublin streetscapes.
2. Narrative flow – Actors portray Scrooge, the Ghost of Christmas Past, and other iconic characters using immersive theater techniques.
3. Interactive moments – Audience members receive “memory scrolls” that illuminate key scenes via LED wristbands.

Musical Interludes

• Irish National Concert Orchestra – Performs a specially arranged score blending conventional Irish folk instruments (bodhrán, uilleann pipes) with classic Dickensian melodies.
• choir of St. Patrick’s Cathedral – Offers a choral rendition of “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” and a new Irish‑language carol, An Nollag Sa Ghaoth.

Visual & Sensory Effects

• live candle‑lit corridors to evoke the 19th‑century ambiance.
• Scent diffusion of mulled wine and winter pine during the Ghost’s arrival, enhancing the multi‑sensory experience.

Ticketing & Visitor Information

Pricing (All prices in €)

Category	Adult	Child (6‑12)	Senior (65+)	Family Pass (2 Adults + 2 Children)
Standard	25	12	20	70
Premium (front‑row seats + souvenir programme)	40	20	35	120
Group (10+ tickets)	22	10	18	65

– Online sales: Oireachtas ticket portal (www.oireachtas.ie/christmas‑spectacle).

• Box office: Leinster House Visitor Centre, open 09:00 - 17:00 on weekdays.

Accessibility & Amenities

• Wheelchair‑accessible entrances on the south side of the building.
• Reserved seating with audio description for visually impaired guests.
• On‑site café serving festive treats (gingerbread, Irish stout hot chocolate).

Practical Tips for Attendees

1. Arrive early – Security checks and ticket scanning add 15‑20 minutes.
2. Dress code: Smart‑casual; consider a coat as the hall can be cool due to historic stone walls.
3. Photography: Allowed in the foyer; flash prohibited during the performance.
4. Transport:

• Luas Red Line (Heuston Station) – 5‑minute walk.
• Dublin Bus routes 46A, 145 – stop at “Leinster House”.
• Limited on‑street parking; use the nearby “Dawson Street” car park (pay‑and‑display).

Ancient Meaning

Leinster House as a Cultural Venue

• Built 1745 as the ducal residence of the Earls of Leinster; became the Irish Parliament in 1922.
• Hosts annual cultural festivals (e.g., oireachtas Arts Festival, St. Patrick’s Day concerts).
• The Great Hall has previously accommodated state banquets, diplomatic receptions, and notable performances such as the 2021 Dublin Philharmonic Christmas Gala.

Linking Dickens to Irish Heritage

• Dickens toured Ireland in 1847; his observations on poverty and festive spirit resonate with modern Irish social history.
• The production incorporates Irish folklore (the “Púca” as a subtle Easter egg) to bridge the classic English narrative with local tradition.

Benefits for Visitors

• Educational value: School groups receive a complimentary curriculum guide linking A christmas Carol to Irish history and literature.
• Economic boost: Early estimates predict €1.2 million in added tourism revenue for Dublin’s holiday season.
• Community engagement: Over 30 Irish performers and production crew receive stipends funded by the Arts Council of Ireland.

Real‑World Example: Visitor Feedback (Week 1)

Visitor	Rating (out of 5)	Highlight
Maeve O’Connor (tourist)	4.8	“The candle‑lit hall felt like stepping into a living Dickens novel.”
Liam Murphy (local teacher)	5.0	“Students loved the interactive memory scrolls – a brilliant blend of history and tech.”
Siobhan Byrne (senior)	4.5	“Accessible seating and audio description made the experience inclusive.”

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