Even the rain looked ethereal as the first real ice-rink in Ireland opened at Smithfield in the heart of Dublin city last night.
Bathed in coloured lights, with gas braziers burning overhead, the rink was like a scene from a Disney movie. But the first skaters to try out Dublin City on Ice agreed there was nothing Mickey Mouse about this festive operation.
The fact that the weather wouldn't co-operate - it was a case of ice, wind and fire jugglers - could not deter the troupe of young Dublin figure skaters who put on a dazzling display of ice dancing for the crowds.
The new facility also got the thumbs up from Smithfield residents. "I can't skate," said local boy Danny (9) clinging for dear life to the edge of the rink "but it is great fun".
Dublin Lord Mayor Alderman Dermot Lacey officially opened the rink, turning the switch for a Christmas tree with 1,000 lights but said he had cold feet about taking the plunge. "People are always telling me I skate on thin ice anyway," he joked.
The equivalent of nine million ice cubes are packed into the 700 sq metre rink which took twelve days to build on an elevated platform in the square. The platform was continually sprayed with water jets and frozen by huge chillers underneath.
Despite the rain, Declan McCulloch of Dublin City Council insisted there was no chance of ice turning to slush. Around 40,000 tickets had already been sold.
Father Christmas is setting up a grotto at the top of the chimney viewing tower in Smithfield and skaters can get a discount to meet him.
Dublin City on Ice is open every day except Christmas day from this Friday until Sunday January 12th, 2003, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets cost €10.00 for adults and €7.00 for children. A family ticket costs €27.00 Advance bookings can be made through Ticketmaster on 1890 423 423.