Lots of festive fun in Dingle this Christmas

FRESH from the Christmas parade last weekend which got the yuletide spirit off to a flyer in Dingle, it’s good to know there’s plenty more where that came from. As well as enjoying Dingle’s unique atmosphere in the lead up to the big day with many food and craft markets taking place. The Skellig Hotel food and craft fair is taking place this Sunday 11th of December. There’s also a few old customs that are still attracting attention - none more so than the traditional Wren’s Day activities which are now renowned all over the world, attracting young and old alike to the free street entertainment on St. Stephan’s Day. Beginning at around 1pm the local wren boys will march through the town and for readers who have never experienced a Wren’s Day in Dingle, you need to be there to understand how thrilling the atmosphere is.

Just when you think the festive fun is about to fizzle out, there’s one last hooley to enjoy as the New Year’s Eve fireworks display from the pier lights up the night sky. This event was first staged for the Millennium Celebrations and, due to popular demand, has been organised annually ever since. Once again this year a stellar fireworks display is planned by the local Business Chamber which is due to kickstart at 10pm on the 31st. Celebrations then continue with the historic, Dingle Fife & Drum Band, who will march through the crowded streets from O’Flaherty’s Pub at 11:30pm. The band will march as far as the Droichead where a clock will help countdown to the New Year and the band will ring in midnight in style.

“The ‘boom’ will most certainly be back on the Dingle Peninsula this Christmas as the town gears up for an entertaining, week-long celebration beginning with Wren’s Day, and ending with the thrilling atmosphere in town on New Year’s Eve and early into New Year’s Day,” said Ciarán Williams.

For more info about Christmas in Dingle, check out their Facebook page for updates.

Garvey’s Superalu Kevin O’Connor, Denise Kane and Mark Gallagher.