Colin Farrell spreads some Christmas cheer as he delivers gifts to children's hospital and spends time with staff and patients



Most children excitedly look forward to their annual visit from Santa Claus and are up at dawn on Christmas Day to open their presents.

But for those who have to spend the festivities in hospital, it can be a pretty grim time for them - until a generous celebrity arrives to cheer them up.

This year, the patients at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Dublin were graced with a visit by actor Colin Farrell, who arrived unannounced the make their day.

Merry Christmas, little man: Colin Farrell cradles a baby during an impromptu visit to a children's hospital in Dublin on Christmas Day

The Hollywood star, who was born and bred in the city, dropped in on the hospital on Christmas Day, bringing hundreds of presents for the sick children with him.

His unannounced visit surprised staff and patients alike, and according to reports, even his publicist was unaware he would be there.

He cuddled the kids and chatted away to them as he spent some time in the hospital spreading some Christmas cheer to them.

Comforting: Colin reaches out to try and help soothe a crying baby

Look who it is! A couple looked delighted to meet Colin as he posed for a picture with them

And excited parents took to their Twitter pages to share their delight about the actor's visit with the world.

One said: ' Just chatting with #ColinFarrell who is in with presents for the kids here in #Crumlin. No tv/media, a gentleman and genuine.'

Home for Christmas: Colin was snapped in Dublin on Christmas Eve after watching Bono's busking session

Her idol: Colin Farrell poses with a fan as he the show which was in aid of the Simon Community and Peter McVerry Trust

Another said: ' Just met Colin Farrell he came to meet the kids in crumlin hospital really nice man. fair play to him putting a smile on the childrens faces.'

And they added that Farrell had bought 'the whole hospital presents' and said: ' Farrell is a real genuine guy alright.'