There’s something magical about celebrating Christmas in Ireland. As newcomers to Bannow, we’ve thrown ourselves into embracing local traditions – quite literally, in the case of our Christmas Day sea swim! 🌊
Lighting Up the Darkness ✨
One of the first Irish Christmas traditions we’ve embraced is the importance of light during the darkest days. Our rented farmhouse now glows with the warmth of Christmas lights, creating a welcoming beacon in the rural darkness.
Our Bannow farmhouse glowing with Christmas lights on a crisp December evening ✨
In Irish tradition, a candle in the window serves as a symbolic welcome to Mary and Joseph, and historically, as a sign of safe shelter for priests during penal times. While our display might be a bit more elaborate, it carries that same spirit of welcome and warmth.
Braving the Irish Sea 🌊
Perhaps the most invigorating tradition we’ve adopted is the Christmas Day swim. With the sea temperature at a bracing 11°C, Helen and I joined the hardy souls at Bannow Beach for this quintessentially Irish experience.
Braving the Irish Sea for our first Christmas Day swim at Bannow Beach. Water temperature: 11°C with gentle waves – perfect conditions for a festive dip! 🌊 🎄
The tradition continues into the New Year, where we welcomed 2025 with another dip – this time battling 26mph storm gusts! There’s nothing quite like a winter sea swim (less of a swim, more like a roller coaster ride 😆) to blow away the festive cobwebs.
Starting 2025 with a splash! New Year’s Day swim at Bannow Beach facing 26mph storm gusts. The ultimate way to welcome the year ahead! 🌊 ❄️
Nollaig na mBan: Women’s Christmas 👑
One of my favourite discoveries about Irish Christmas is Nollaig na mBan (Women’s Christmas) on January 6th. This uniquely Irish tradition sees women taking a well-deserved break while men handle the household duties.
Taking down Christmas decorations before this date is considered unlucky, giving our festive farmhouse lights a few extra days to sparkle in the winter darkness.
Join Us in Celebrating Irish Christmas Traditions! 🎄
Are you curious about Irish Christmas traditions? Have you ever braved a winter sea swim or celebrated Women’s Christmas? Share your experiences in the comments below!
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