Christmas in Ireland

Irish Christmas highlights

Let’s start with the famous buskers who perform for Christmas shoppers on Dublin’s Grafton Street. Musicians like Bono, Hozier and Glen Hansard usually swing by and put on a show to support charities.

Then there’s Wren’s Day on 26 December when groups of wrenboys dressed up in paint and straw go from door to door, singing, dancing and collecting donations. Lend them a few coins to stave off bad luck in the coming year.

Then to mark the end of the Christmas period, there’s “Women’s Christmas” (Nollaig na mBan) on 6 January. On this day, the women of the house traditionally get a rest after looking after everyone during the festive season and the men take on the household duties.

Coming home

The most important thing about Christmas in Ireland isn’t the presents, the traditions or even the food. It’s the chance for friends and family to come together. And this is where the Irish pub comes into its own.

Over the festive season, the pub is pretty much the centre of small villages, towns and even cities, and is usually bursting with reuniting friends and families wrapping hands around hot whiskeys and cosying up beside the fire. It’s off the charts for Christmas spirit.