Nollaig na mBan is Irish for Woman’s Christmas. When Sue and I were growing up, I remember January 6th being called “Little Christmas” and we took down the tree and decorations. (Do you remember, Sue?) That is sort of synonymous with Woman’s Christmas. In any case, Nollaig na mBan in Ireland is officially the last day of Christmas, and it is believed that taking down your Christmas tree or decorations before January 6th would bring bad luck. This tradition is still widely accepted today in Ireland.
A good article about Nollaig na mBan is here.
In religious circles January 6th is often referred to as Epiphany. That seems to be unrelated to the Irish tradition.
In Dingle the local fife and drum band (led by Fergus O’Flaherty) used to march through the town on New Year’s Eve. As Dingle became a destination for New Year’s Eve, the crowds often became unruly as young people from all over Ireland came here to be drunk and to celebrate. All the pubs needed security to keep the drunks out. Then Covid hit and it was all cancelled for two years. Post covid, Dingle has become a NYE destination once again, noted for a great fireworks show and lots of partying. But the local government and the fife and drum bands decided the tradition of the march through town was too dangerous to continue. Now that march of the fife and drum band has been rescheduled to Nollaig na mBan.
So what did we do on Nollaig na mBan? The weather was uncharacteristically bright and sunny when we woke up. Could it be our third straight sunny day? I made my own breakfast. Then we have packing and cleaning to do, but . . .
So we hopped in Le Grand Bleu and took the short drive up the top of Conor Pass above the town. The views are wonderful. Anyway, controversy is brewing. Most of the land directly at the top of Conor Pass is owned by an American. All the land is undeveloped and used for nothing except sheep grazing. But the American has decided to sell his land for $10.5 million. The people want the Irish government to buy it and create a national park. The government seems amenable to the plan but at nowhere near $10 million. Right now the situation is at an impasse. I was thinking of buying it to 1) build a house for us, 2) put up a multi structure pay parking lot for visitors,, 3) add a gas station and convenience store, 4) put in a motel and restaurant, and 5) charge admission. Here are pictures from the small (12 cars) parking lot at the summit.
Looking Toward Castlegregory and Brandon
Looking Toward Dingle Town
We had lunch at John Benny’s Pub, It’s always good. It’s quite near Out of the Blue (where Elaine looks longingly in the window) which is currently closed for the season. At Benny’s Elaine had sausages and leeks. I had steak and Guinness pie, We both drank West Kerry Brewery red ale.
More Nollaig Na mBan pictures and video in next post (which will be from the hotel in Dublin).
Funny you should mention Little Christmas. Yes, I remember, and Jeff and I have just about finished taking down our decorations. The tree is still standing but without all the lights, bulbs, cardinals and tinsel. Window lights and all other Christmas paraphernalia are put away. Except for the lighthouses which I leave up for another week or so. It takes all day. Time for a drink or two.
You should absolutely buy Conor Pass. What a bargain!!!
Yummy!
It’s Sunday here in AZ, very chilly. Kris is making ribs so we can have the oven on while they cook and we watch week 18 NFL. Feels like your Ireland weather!!
Safe travels, you should be in Dublin tonight? Then home on Monday?
I am with Sue. Buy Conor Pass and build a large hotel, with amazing restaurant, for family only!