Festive Dingle

December Festive's in Dingle

With two lively customs, Wren’s Day and New Year’s Celebrations, December is a great time to explore Dingle.

Dingle Peninsula County Kerry
Dingle Peninsula @Adobe Stock

Chasing the Darkness of Winter Away – Wren’s Day

“Hunting the Wren” takes its roots long before the Christian tradition. In Irish myths, birds played a significant role as those in between the realm of life and the realm of death. Wrens were supposed to have beaten their wings on the shields of Irish warriors against the Norsemen to reveal their treachery, they are also blamed for the betrayal of St Stephen. 

On the 26th of December, the Wrenboys Parade takes place in Dingle. People wear straw suits and wrens costumes led by a wooden-head hobby horse. To chase the darkness of winter away, whistles, drums and fifes are played by fancy-dressed musicians, collecting money for the “Wrens Ball” held after New Year, all the funds raised go to local charities.  

Members of the Green and Gold wren prepare for the Wren day march in Dingle, Co Kerry | Source: Independent.ie
Members of the Green and Gold wren prepare for the Wren day march in Dingle, Co Kerry @Independent.ie

New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Dingle

At 10.00 pm in Dingle Harbour, visitors and locals will come together to welcome the new year.
The spectacular fireworks show will brighten the sky over Dingle Bay and open the New Year celebrations. 

At the bottom of Main Street the countdown begins and the clock is projected on a building by the bridge.  

Dingle_town_county_kerry_tractor_via_Getty (1)
Dingle Town @Getty Images

New Year’s Eve is one celebration in Ireland you must experience at least once, search our selection of holiday homes within easy walking distance to Dingle town and harbour.

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