Wren Day

La an Dreoilin, Wren Day, falls on 26 December, and in its older form groups of men and boys hunted and killed a wren, tied it to a decorated pole or holly bush, and carried it from house to house in disguise, playing music and collecting money. The justifications given in folklore vary and contradict each other - the bird betrayed Stephen, or betrayed Irish soldiers to Vikings - and the practice is probably far older than either story. No bird is killed now; a fake or a symbol is used, and the tradition has narrowed to music, disguise and procession. Dingle keeps it most fully: several rival wren groups, each with its own colours, straw costumes and masks, parade through the town from morning with drums, pipes and accordions, ending in the pubs. It is a local event that visitors attend rather than one staged for them, and Dingle in late December is cold and crowded.

What you actually see

• The straw costumes and masks - the disguise that is central to the practice.
• The rival wren groups - each with its own colours and music, parading the town.
• The procession - through Dingle from morning into the pubs.
• The symbolic wren - no bird is killed now, unlike the older form.

When to go

26 December, starting in the morning. Dingle is where it is strongest. Expect cold, rain and crowded pubs; accommodation over Christmas is limited and booked well ahead.

Honest expectations

A local tradition, not a visitor event - nothing is staged or explained for outsiders. Dingle is packed and the pubs are full from midday. Cold, wet December weather is normal. Accommodation over Christmas is scarce.

Nearby

The Dingle peninsula and Slea Head are west; Tralee is east.