Children with additional needs in the west have been visiting a special Santa's grotto, designed to cater for different sensory requirements.
The initiative gives families a chance to experience some Christmas magic, in a comfortable and relaxed setting.
Organised by staff and students at University of Galway’s School of Psychology, the event offers dedicated slots, so each visit can be tailored to suit individual circumstances.
Dr Ciara Keegan-Gunning says the goal is to give families a chance to see Santa in an environment that works for them.
"We do a lot of work behind the scenes in preparation, to see what sort of needs the children have, what they like, what they might be interested in."
That effort leads to some precious moments for those involved.
"We create magic in this room and what we see in those children’s faces is the magic of being understood, being accepted, being comfortable in the environment that they’re in and having some fun with the people most important to them - their families," says Dr Keegan-Gunning.
The inclusive nature of the event has made it hugely popular and of real importance to both parents and their children, since the first staging of the sensory grotto in 2017.
This year, Kai Duffy was one of those to visit, along with her siblings Finn and Halley. Her mother, Lois, says the significance of the trip to see Santa is massive:
"We always have to look for things to accommodate Kai, given her complex needs, so wheelchair accessible, toning down the lights and the music, so the thought that goes into this means a lot".
Mrs Duffy said it was also important for Kai’s siblings to be able to participate in a pre-Christmas ritual with her. "It makes it so much more special [for them] to see Kai is included in something special, that most families get to take part in."
Those sentiments were echoed by Andy McDonald, who accompanied his wife and their children to the sensory grotto. Four-year-old Sadie is non-verbal so "to have somewhere specifically for kids with autism, or kids who have sensory issues, is pretty important" he said.
"Because it is run by the School of Psychology, the people know what they are dealing with and the fundamental needs that are there."
Additional sponsorship from local businesses has meant that the Sensory Santa events have been extended to cover grottos in both Galway and Mayo this year, with around 80 families being accommodated.
Organisers hope they can build on the success even further in 2024.
