There were heartwarming scenes at Dublin Airport this morning as families reunited with their loved ones for Christmas.
Today is the busiest travel day of the year in Ireland as people rush to arrive home for the Christmas break. Dublin Airport was full of people heading home, including those returning to Ireland from the US and the UK.
One woman, Deborah, arrived from North Carolina early this morning and was met by her brother and sister-in-law at the airport. She explained that the family have all reunited for the Christmas to be with their mother, who is sadly unwell.
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Deborah told Dublin Live: ““This will be the first time we’ve all been together in about five years. I believe my brother Ciaran and his beautiful wife Trish are going to cook dinner for everybody- 6 children and 13 grandchildren. I’m going to help with the prep at this stage.”
Many parents were also on hand to pick up their kids returning from their lives abroad. Brendan and Georgina were meeting their son Andrew and his girlfriend Chloe at the airport, who had flown in from Leeds-Bradford.
The family spoke about their plans for the Christmas season, especially as it is Chloe’s first time in Ireland. The men have been tasked with cooking the dinner this year, while the gang also has plans to take Chloe to some Irish pubs to mark her stay.
Andrew jokingly said: “We get all the prep done on Christmas Eve. A plate of turkey and ham on eve, that’s our tradition. I wouldn’t mind going out to the pub- if I don’t bring Chloe to one, I’ll never hear the end of it.”
Another family was reunited after a long time apart. Paul Carroll spoke to Dublin Live with his son Stephen, wife Anthoula and her brother, who were all looking forward to a relaxing Christmas in Ireland.
Stephen, who lives in America and is captain of football club Detroit City FC, said he was looking forward to spending some well-deserved family time in Cork over the festive period.
The airport has been packed in recent days as families arrive home. The daa previously stated that the busy schedule would not result in delays witnessed during the summer period.
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