From Friday 11 December 2009 until Sunday 3 January 2010, as part of the 400th Anniversary celebrations for the City of Lisburn, a Christmas Skating Rink was set up within the Castle Gardens, Lisburn.

Kids of all ages enjoyed the skating experience, whilst the younger ones had the opportunity to visit the Santa's Grotto up until Christmas Eve.  The event proved to be a huge success, smashing all targets with a massive 3,133 locals and visitors trying the new sport in Lisburn City Centre.

The Mayor of Lisburn, Councillor Allan Ewart, said it was exciting that a skating rink had been brought to Castle Gardens for the very first time.  "This skating rink provided the ideal opportunity for families to try something fun, in the heart of the City, in the wonderful backdrop of the recently restored Castle Gardens."

“We wanted to inject some real Christmas atmosphere into the City’s Festive Calendar and we hoped that this attraction not only brought visitors to the City, but also provide some traditional Christmas cheer for our residents.”

Discussions will now take place for a Christmas event in Lisburn City Centre through the 2010 festive period.

For further information on the Skating Rink please contact the Lisburn Tourist Information Centre on 028 9266 0038.