EACH YEAR AHEAD of December 25, fairy lights and festive decorations transform dull streets around the country into Christmas spectacles.

We often begrudge their early arrival in November, but come January when the lights have been stripped down, the streets look naked and bare and we can’t help but miss them.

From a moving display at the General Post Office to glittering umbrellas in Galway, we’ve rounded up some of the most magical Christmas lights around the country. 

1. The eye-catching display at the GPO

2. Henry St gets glam for Christmas

3. Wicklow St steals the show from Brown Thomas’ lights

4. Eyre Square, Galway, takes it up a notch

5. Christmas festival Glow at Bishop Lucey Park, Cork, brings magic to the city

6. Lights in Westport, Mayo, are simple but stunning

7. The Latin Quarter, Galway, is picture perfect

8. The decorations at Commercial Court, Galway, would brighten even the dullest of days

 9. And, of course, the ever-impressive display in Temple Bar

More: 11 of the loveliest Christmas shopfronts around the country