The Moving Crib in Dublin 2023

The Kids will LOVE it… The Best FREE Christmas Outing!

You know it’s really Christmas when you hear mention of The Moving Crib at 42 Parnell Square West, Dublin 1 and this year is no different. This wonderful gem will be opened again this year to celebrate its 67th birthday.

The Moving Crib in St. Martin Apostolate , 42 Parnell Square West, Dublin 1, is still, for many people, one of the most charming aspects of Christmas in Dublin City.

This year The Moving Crib will be opening its doors for its 67th year!
The Moving Crib has been a key feature of Christmas in Dublin for so long that parents and grandparents, who visited The Moving Crib as children, are now bringing their children and grandchildren to enjoy and re-live this amazing Christmas experience!
The Moving Crib, the mention of which evokes a smile and fond memories of Dublin in the ‘rare auld times’ is the only one of its kind in Ireland (if not the world); it is an historical and entertaining experience. This Dublin landmark is as captivating today as it was when it first opened its doors in 1956 and admission is FREE

Doors open from the 28th November to 7th of January 2024, they are closed Christmas day, Stephens day and New Year’s Day.

Bray Gospel Choir

On Sunday 10th December at the Moving Crib, the talented Bray Gospel Choir will be performing from 12 noon till 4pm… you don’t want to miss it!

At the Moving Crib, visitors are met with a montage of many historical/ fun stories, scenes, competitions, an illusion wall which all give a little touch of magic to help convey the real meaning of Christmas in an unforgettable and fascinating manner. Capturing the joy and spirit of the season with a truly engaging atmosphere, it is sure to offer a Christmas trip your little ones are guaranteed to remember!

"the moving crib competition 2023"

School Tours

Book your class in today so that they can experience the beauty and wonder of “The Greatest Story Ever Told”.

It’s a monument of Dublin’s “rare auld times” but one that carries a message for today, helping to banish the winter blues and warm its visitors with excitement and real Christmas Spirit.

It is the perfect family day out in the run up to Christmas and it’s still FREE!

Groups / Schools are welcome any time! Just make sure to guarantee your spot by booking online now through the Group Booking Form. Group bookings start from 9:30am every day.

"The Moving Crib in Dublin"

The Moving Crib

Bringing the Magic and Wonder of the Greatest Story Ever Told!

The Moving Crib is like an expanded Nativity Play going back to Adam and Eve and finishing after the crib scene with the young Jesus teaching the Doctors in the Temple

There are over 100 figures in the Crib arranged in 14 different tableaux. They cover various episodes of the Old and New Testament. The figures themselves are about a meter high, molded in papier-mache and dressed in miniature clothes. Concealed motors control the movements of the arms, head and legs.

All of these figures, motors, clothing etc. come from a world famous firm in Germany!

For more information, visit Saint Martin

Event Information

Venues:- St. Martin Apostolate, Co. Dublin

Classification :-  Family Christmas Event  / All Ages

Admission:- FREE (Donations are accepted)

Dates: 28th November – 7th January *Closed Christmas Day / Stephen’s Day and New Year’s Day*

Time:- Open daily at 11.00am – 5.30pm

Groups Bookings

Groups / Schools are welcome any time! Just make sure to guarantee your spot by booking online now through the Group Booking Form

A simple step-by-step which you’ll just need to fill in the required information then send it on its way to Saint Martins to review and confirm your booking

For more information, visit Group Booking Form

Family Fun Tip:- Families are especially welcome. There is obviously a certain amount of work involved in setting it up and maintaining it and providing security personnel for the entire period. Is it worth it? Just listening to parents with their young children or teachers going around the crib with a group of children and patiently explaining the meaning of each scene makes it all worth while!

"The Moving Crib in Dublin"