It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
In the past few days thousands of Irish people have travelled from all corners of the world to come home for Christmas.
The Irish Independent visited Dublin Airport to capture the special moment when families are reunited with their loved ones
Deirdre Lawlor was returning to her native Kerry from New York. She was met by her mum and sister and said: “The atmosphere, it’s not like this anywhere else, not in New York, not in Jamaica, it’s just here. There’s still a good build up in New York, but it’s not like here. Emotions are high… I’m very excited. I was even crying yesterday in a taxi, thinking about coming home.”
In the couple of weeks over Christmas, more than a million passengers will travel through Dublin Airport.
Airport worker Siobhan O’Donnell said: “Over the years we have had a number of Christmas marriage proposals, and every year we have grandparents seeing their grandchildren in the flesh for the first time – whether that be Irish emigrants returning home or people from overseas visiting their family here. Increasingly, those waiting to meet their loved ones at Dublin Airport are entering into the spirit of Christmas by dressing up and making signs to welcome family and friends.”
One returning Irish woman was Michelle White and her daughter Jade. They were greeted by Michelle’s mum Margaret.
She said: “Family is everything, it’s great to be home. I have a whole case-load of presents, I nearly got kicked off the plane because I was so overloaded.”
Dubliner Evelyn Burke revealed that she had stocked up on Irish favourites Taytos and sausages in preparation for the return of her daughter and grandson.
“There’s nowhere like Dublin for Christmas” she said.
When asked what made an Irish Christmas so special, mulled wine, mammy’s cooking and even the cold weather were high on the list for people as they returned home.
Tears of joy as families come home for Christmas