SKERRIES is lit up this Christmas under a spectacular series of specially projected, bespoke illuminations for the first time – with a very Skerries twist!
The Great Windmill of Skerries, the town’s stately Hamilton Monument, St Patrick’s Church Tower, historic Skerries Methodist Church, and Skerries Pier is awash with colour, as projected illuminations depict Christmas themes with a special Skerries twist – such as St Patrick’s Goat.
The motif, which graces the shirts of most of the town’s sports teams, refers to the legend whereby St Patrick himself, while living on one of the Skerries Islands, had his goat stolen and eaten by locals.
Furious, he leapt ashore, leaving his footprint in the bare rock of Red Island, where it can be seen today.
When he demanded to know the fate of his goat, the culprits lied, but found they could only bleat like goats. Only when they told the truth did their voices return.
Much has been forgiven in the intervening centuries – for years, a goat has been ceremoniously presented back to St Patrick outside the church that bares his name as part of the St Patrick’s Day parade.
Now the Skerries Goat, such an apt symbol of truth and reconciliation for the season, joins the town’s Christmas landscape to be celebrated in light.
The astonishing lighting experience, in locations throughout the town, is funded by Fingal County Council, Leader Funds, and Failte Ireland Destination Towns Scheme and organized by Skerries Chamber of Tourism.
Skerries Chamber of Tourism chairman Terry McCoy said: “Our town has always made a particularly special effort to shine brightly at Christmas since topping 859 others to take Tidiest Town in 2016.