Now in its third year, the liveanimal crib at Dublin's Mansion House is a unique contribution to the festive mood in the capital, courtesy of the Irish Farmers' Organisation.

Every day from December 19th-24th, a few Jacob sheep, goats, donkeys and a cow will be brought from Joe Gallagher's Dun Laoghaire farm into Dawson Street to take up residence outside the Lord Mayor's home for the day until their evening departure at about 6.30 p.m. Placed in comfortable pens next to the live-size papiermache nativity figures, the animals are fed and watered during their days in town. "They travel before and after rush hour. They are looked after during the day by the veterinary and agriculture students from University College Dublin and monitored by Department of Agriculture officials (who can of course nip over from their Kildare Street offices in their lunch hour)," says Derek Cunningham of the IFA. Members of the public are, however, asked not to feed the animals.

"It's a hugely successful project which is now establishing itself as part of Christmas in Dublin," adds Cunningham. Visiting children are given gifts of cut-out cribs together with information on the animals.

The blessing of the crib and the lighting of the Christmas Tree in the forecourt of the Mansion House takes place at 11 a.m. on Thursday. Carols will be sung by "Angels from the City Centre", i.e. children from St Joseph's Nursery in the Liberties and the blessing with be led by Canon Empey of St Ann's Church, Dawson Street and Rev Arthur O'Neill of St Andrew's Church, Westland Row.