The Best Ice Skating Rinks To Visit This December

Thinking about heading ice-skating as we near Christmas? Check out some of our favourite rinks across Ireland that we will be checking out in the coming weeks!

Ireland's newest and biggest outdoor ice skating rink will be back for another year behind the Intercontinental Hotel from November 23rd until January 13th. Part of Funderland, Ireland's largest travelling fun fair i-Skate promises a fun-filled experience with over 1,000 square metres of real ice. Sessions last 50 minutes and it is advised to arrive at least 20 minutes ahead of your booking.

For kids over three, there is dedicated rink separate from the main rink with dedicated staff present at all times to help little ones get steady on their feet. Winter woollies, scarfs, hats and gloves are advised and the smallest skate available to rent is a double bladed size 27. They also have specialised skates that fit over shoes for smaller feet.

For more information visit: www.funderland.com.

With various venues across Ireland, iceskating.ie are back with a bang with a host of events at each of their sites.

Cork on Ice will operate at Mahon Point Shopping Centre from November right through to January. With a large main rink, separate smaller rink and a variety of events including student nights, skate with Santa and The Penguin Club it has something for all ages.

Ice Skating at Blanchardstown is now in its 4th year located next to the Shopping Centre and the smaller rink for kids is perfect for kids aged 3+ with penguin and whale skating aids to help them move across the ice safely. Throughout the winter season, they will have ASD sessions for children with special needs. During these sessions lights will be dimmed, music will be lowered and visual aid will be on hand to distract kids when fastening skates. Prebooking is highly advised.

Mullingar is getting their first ever ice rink this year located at Mullingar Town Park, an unmissable event this Christmas as part of Winterfest Mullingar. Complete with a large and small rink so experienced and inexperienced skaters will both get a chance to have a magical experience. Mullingar On Ice closes Mondays and Tuesdays and admission costs €9 per person. Penguin stabilisers will be on hand for beginners, making them perfect for toddlers.

For more information visit: www.iceskating.ie

Returning for a second year, Winterval on Ice will is going all out this year at their Waterside Car Park venue in Waterford. Each Sunday at 10:30 and 11:40 children will get an opportunity to skate with Santa at no extra cost although pre-booking is highly advised. Get your skates on between November 23rd until January 6th with rinks suitable for all levels of expertise. Prebooking is highly advised.

For more information visit: www.winterval.ie.

Skate across an indoor 600 square metre real ice-skating rink until January 6th on the grounds of Leisureland at Salthill, Galway. The all-weather rink means you can slip, slide or skate regardless of the weather and they have a dedicated children's section with fun aids to help them get around safely. For more information visit: www.galwayskates.com.