Dublin's Fair, Fair City

The Folk Choir usually travels to Ireland every four years (though this year will be a double-dip; we'll be back for the football game with the Naval Academy in September). And the spin among our Irish friends is that we always bring the good weather with us.

I'm almost reluctant to post this, because there are still many days left to our journey. But I could not imagine a fairer day in Dublin than what we encountered yesterday. Brilliant sunshine, a steady breeze, temperatures about 70° — enough to bring any Dubliner out of their digs and bask on St. Stephen's Green. Which they did.



So yesterday, in the midst of two presentations (both to Catholic schools; one in the morning, in Blanchardstown, and the other in the evening, at St. Louis High School) — yesterday, the choir took to the streets of Dublin. The city was overflowing with light and activity, and the ensemble took full opportunity to jump into their surroundings. From Parnell Square to the Newman Church, from buskers on Grafton Street to letting loose on a huge rendition of "Hallelujah, Pelo tsa Rona" at Wagamamas —they drank up the joy of the city.


Above is the Newman Chapel, and below, Parnell Square at the head of O'Connell Street.



Today we bid farewell to Dublin's fair city, after having spent exceptional days with Kevin Whelan and Anne Kearney and Joe Stranix and all the great staff of the Keough-Naughton Centre. We head south now, to the Wicklow Mountains, to Gorey and Clonard, and soon, to that mystic tapestry of Holy Brigid, beckoning us to walk among her people still.

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Location:St Stephen's Green,Dublin,Ireland