The Live Animal Crib will return to Dublin’s Mansion House this Christmas, Lord Mayor Daithí de Róiste has announced.
The crib was controversially moved to St. Stephen’s Green last year after Green Party councillor Caroline Conroy, who was Lord Mayor at the time, objected to it over animal welfare concerns.
The crib had been held at the forecourt of the Mansion House since 1995.
Lord Mayor Daithí de Róiste said that he respected the decision of his predecessor, noting that it was the right of each Mayor to decide what happens at the Mansion House.
He explained his own reasoning for bringing the crib back to its traditional location.
“Tradition is such an important aspect of Christmas and for many Dubliners, including myself, the Mansion House Live Animal Crib was always a huge part of that. So I am delighted to announce we’re going to have it back again this year,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing them return for 2023 and watching the smiles on the faces of young and old as they get to see the animals up close once again,” the Lord Mayor added.
The animals, including a donkey, two sheep and a goat, are provided by the Irish Farmers Association (IFA).
IFA President Tim Cullinan welcomed the decision to return the crib to its original location, describing it as a “gift from the farmers of Ireland.”
“The Live Animal Crib has been a wonderful tradition in the run-in to Christmas for the people of Dublin, and visitors to the capital,” said Cullinan.
The blessing of the Live Animal Crib, supported by the Lord Mayor, the IFA and the DSPCA, will take place on December 6th.
