Lord Mayor Welcomes the Return of IFA Live Animal Crib

The Lord Mayor of Dublin is delighted to announce the return of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) Live Animal Crib to the Mansion House. As a Christmas tradition spanning more than a quarter of a century, many will be familiar with and fond of this festive farmyard crib.

The IFA Live Animal Crib first appeared outside the Mansion House in 1995. This year marks the 26th anniversary of the collaboration between Dublin City Council and the IFA. 

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Alison Gilliland, said, “The Mansion House IFA Live

Animal Crib is a traditional Christmas feature in our city. Over the last few decades it has become a Christmas must-see for many Dubliners, particularly children who get to have a closer look at some of our much-loved farm animals.

This year, we have a new nativity scene accompanying the Live Animal Crib. It combines the traditional figures of Mary, Joseph and, come Christmas Eve, the baby Jesus, along with a modern day representation of our city. This representation not only includes some of our key city skyline features but also the wonderful diversity of the people of Dublin. 

I know that Christmas can be a difficult time for some and I hope that everyone looking at this representation will see themselves in this diversity and know that they are not forgotten in our city at this festive time. I'd like to thank the two artists that worked with me on this concept – Nicholas Dolan on the nativity figures, and Matthew Kelly on the Dublin City representation.” 

IFA President, Tim Cullinan, said the IFA is delighted to work with the Lord Mayor of Dublin once again to bring the Live Animal Crib to the capital. “There’s an enduring appeal about the Live Animal Crib that draws families to visit in the run-up to Christmas. After a tumultuous year, it’s important to reassure people that some elements of pre-Christmas in Dublin remain the same. And it’s all in a safe, outdoors environment. Be sure to take some time during your visit to the city centre to drop by.”

The opening hours for the crib will be as follows: Monday 13th December – Thursday 23rd December from 11am to 5pm and on Christmas Eve from 11am to 1pm.