One of Ireland's oldest traditions was celebrated on the Dingle peninsula in Co Kerry as the Wren, or 'Wran’ as it is pronounced locally, rolled through in a blaze of music and colour.
The tradition, of pre-Christian origin, was once celebrated throughout Ireland and is said to herald prosperity for the year ahead.
While it may have waned or died out in other parts of the country, in Daingean Uí Chúis its numbers are growing.
Dreoilín na nÓg, a relatively new addition to proceedings, was first out on the streets this morning.
It was made up of local school children who studied the music and traditions of the Wren under Dr Aoife Granville and other Wren stalwarts.
The Quay Wren followed wearing signature green and white, leaving Murphy's Pub and making its way towards The Wood.
Revived after nearly 40-years, the event's numbers are growing annually, boasting a slew of new, younger members, some of whom were wearing hand-woven straw outfits.
One of the founding members, Mossie Donegan, said: "It’s us now who are learning from them - they are leading the way forward".
Ten-year-old Emily Baltschün, of Bad Hersfeld, near Frankfurt in Germany, was among those who made the long journey to be with family and to participate in The Quay Wren.
She also had the honour of being one of those tasked with collecting for charitable causes - in The Quay’s case, the RNLI.
The Goat Street Wren, as rambunctious as ever, decked out in the red colours of the town.
It congregated shortly afterwards outside the famed Paddy Bawn Brosnan’s pub on Strand Street, as drummers brought the noise, echoing the generations gone before them.
Read more:
What is Wren's Day and why does it matter?
'I'll see you the Wran's Day in Dingle'
The Wren also took place "below-the-hill" in Clochán-Bréannainn, Castlegregory and in Camp village where many local families took to the road themselves with their own little Wrens, going door-to-door and playing music throughout the day.
A great day for spectators and those visiting the area - and perhaps an even better day for those participating, Wren’s Day shows no signs of abating as young musicians and craftspeople are taking up the mantle in their droves, ensuring the survival and continuation of this time-honoured and treasured tradition.
