Winter Wunderbar-land in Kilmainham

We've been watching the bright lights of Winter Wonderland glisten from our windows and listening to people scream daily as they dangle a few hundred feet from the ground on the super scary Mission Space ride.

The event features an ice rink, Fossetts' Circus, Christmas market and funfair, and opened its doors at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham on December 8th.

KURVE APPEAL: Spin around at increasing speed until your stomach churns on this mini-rollercoaster.
Photo: rice_e@twitter.com

WHAT'S THE WURST THAT CAN HAPPEN? My favourite German word has long been 'currywurst', despite being a vegetarian. It's closely followed by 'lecker', though I can't personally vouch for the tastiness of the wursts here.
Photo: rice_e@twitter.com

NEON CITY: Lots of colourful lights at the Winter Wonderland funfair. The Mission Space ride is on the right.
Photo: rice_e@twitter.com

The market is one of the better I've seen and there are some nice little bars, such as the Porterhouse, to choose from.

SIGNS OF THE TIMES: I love the Wunderbar neon sign. I want one in my house!
Photo: rice_e@twitter.com

LIGHT UP: The windmill bar, toboggan tower and Mission Space.
Photo: rice_e@twitter.com

HORSIN' AROUND: The pretty vintage-style carousel, the least scary ride in the funfair.
Photo: rice_e@twitter.com

The colourful and slightly retro fun fair makes you feel like you're on the Continent and it's very pretty lit-up at night. Eoghan took lots of great photos above and below.

There's lots of food and drink options, from spiced cider to currywurst, plus crepes a-plenty, churros (Spanish doughnuts) and waffles.

BRAVE SOULS: One of the cranes of Mission Space gets ready to swing people hundreds of feet in the air. The scariest ride I've ever seen at a funfair.
Photo: rice_e@twitter.com

TWIST AND SHOUT: The toboggan tower.
Photo: rice_e@twitter.com

SWING BY: The windmill bar features all-important indoor seating.
Photo: rice_e@twitter.com

It's a lovely place to spend an hour or two, even after December 25th (the event runs until January 8th). Here's hoping it will become an annual event in Kilmainham.

ROLL WITH IT: The Alpine Coaster. Photo: rice_e@twitter.com

THE STUFF OF NIGHTMARES: Mission Space.  Photo: rice_e@twitter.com

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Bumper cars. Photo: rice_e@twitter.com

Christmas is almost here and we've made the living room festive. It was even cold enough last week to justify a fire, which Waffles the cat loved.

WINTER WARMER: Waffles and I cosy up beside the fire.
Photo: rice_e@twitter.com

SPIN IT: The view of the Ferris wheel from our house.
Photo: rice_e@twitter.com 

JINGLE BELL ROCK: This dancing Santa stands in our living room window.
Photo: rice_e@twitter.com