Wren Day celebrations are led by strawboys and fife and drum bands in Dingle County Kerry.
The west Kerry Gaeltacht of Corca Dhuibhne (the Dingle Peninsula) famous for its scenery, music, and rich linguistic and sporting heritage. It is also home to one of Ireland’s most important cultural events, Lá an Dreolín or Wren Day which is celebrated on Saint Stephen’s Day 26 December.
Traditionally a wren was hunted and put on top of a decorated pole or holly bush. Groups of costumed men and boys, called Wren Boys, with faces blackened or wearing straw costumes or masks, paraded the wren through towns and villages. They called to houses to regale residents with musical laments for the unfortunate bird, as well as to collect money for its funeral.
In Dingle the Wrenboys and Wrengirls parade through the town in a colourful and musical celebration, driving the darkness of winter away.
Straw costumes for the Green and Gold Wren (pronounced 'Wran’) are being made in O’Flaherty’s Bar on Bridge Street. Owner Fergus Ó Flaithbheartaigh tells RTÉ News that locals are participating in a tradition that stretches back through many generations,
Their fathers or ancestors were also involved with this Wren or vice versa with the other Wrens.
The town divides into four Wrens on Saint Stephen's Day, representing John Street, The Quay, Goat Street and The Green and Gold, each one lead by a white hobby horse and a Captain. They’re also accompanied by bands, explains Captain of the Green and Gold Wren Noel Ó Murchú,
Music will be flying, we would have fifes and drums…tin whistle and drums.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 26 December 2006. The reporter is Paschal Sheehy.
