A WELL-KNOWN Dublin pub has vowed to keep their Christmas lights on until the end of lockdown.
Pubs across Ireland have been closed for the better part of a year now due to the coronavirus pandemic, with publicans and staff some of the worst-hit with virus restrictions.
The hospitality sector opened up in some way in the lead-up to Christmas, but with the explosion in cases since, and Level 5 to continue until at least 5 March, it looks like it will be a while before we can sit and enjoy a pint again.
This third lockdown has proved to be the toughest yet, with the cold, dark weather, bad news coming from every angle and the post-Christmas blues hitting harder than ever-- so one Dublin pub has made a unique effort to brighten things up.
The Hole in the Wall, known as Europe's Longest Pub as it stretches against the wall of the enormous Phoenix Park, went all out for their Christmas lights and decorations last year, and there are no plans to take them down.
Bright, festive and blinding lights still decorate the outside of the pub, as does an enormous Christmas tree strung with Santas, stars and baubles.
The Ho-Ho-Hole in the Wall (sorry, we had to) told Lovin Dublin about their decision to keep the lights up, with a manager telling the outlet that "so many people have told us that they really enjoy that the decorations are still up".
"The general consensus is we'll take them down once the lockdown is lifted," the manager revealed.
"Until then, we think it is just a little bit of brightness for people to enjoy as they walk by."
It looks like a few more months of Christmas for Phoenix Park, then-- especially as President Michael D Higgins has decided to keep the lights for the diaspora shining at the Áras an Uachtaráin, too.
As the Hole in the Wall also operates as a grocer, deli and café, they are still open for business-- so if you're within the 5km radius, pop down and take a look-- it might just brighten your mood.
See More: Christmas, Dublin, Hole In The Wall, Lights, Lockdown, Pub
