An Irish Christmas Carol (or Two)

Tis the season to be jolly, so God rest ye merry gentlemen and come, let us adore Him. Carols are an integral part of Christmas, along with mince pies and mulled wine. Granted ... after you have been bombarded by muzak-versions of popular carols for eight or more weeks in every Irish shopping mall you might feel as if you've eaten several dozen pies and finished a gallon of wine. Sick of it all.

But nothing beats a good carol-singing to get into the festive mood. Whether as a concert or as a carol service (which are generally on everywhere during the Christmas season). So why not join in heartily?

By the way - many carol concerts and services are for a good cause. The most exotic of these might be the PEATA bash at Christ Church Cathedral, where you might find yourself sharing a pew with a pooch. At least you can blame your abysmal singing on him ...

• December 4th
  PEATA Carol Service at Christ Church Cathedral (complete with visiting animals)
• December 8th
  Carols for Freedom (in aid of Amnesty International, featuring Irish singer-songwriter Eleanor McEvoy) in Christ Church Cathedral
  The Lassus Scholars and Piccolo Lasso at the National Museum, Collins Barracks
• December 11th
  Alzheimer Society Carol Concert at Christ Church Cathedral (mulled wine and mince pies are on offer too)
• December 12th
  Carols at Christ Church with the cathedral choirs
• December 13th
  Cór na nÓg at St. Ann's Church (includes music from the "Home Alone" movies)
• December 14th
  Carols by Candlelight at the Helix (Dublin), the Locrian Ensemble performs in period costume
• December 15th
  "O Come, All Ye Faithful" with the cathedral choirs at St. Patrick's Cathedral
• December 16th
  Carol Service at St. Mary's Church of Ireland, Kilkenny
  Foxford Brass Band Service at the Church of Ireland, Foxford (County Mayo)
  St. Canice's Carol Service at St. Canice's Cathedral, Kilkenny
• December 17th
  The Lassus Scholars and Piccolo Lasso sing at the Ulster Bank Group Centre, George's Quay, Dublin
• December 23rd
  Civic Carol Service at Waterford's Christ Church Cathedral
  Nine Lessons and Carols with the Lassus Scholars and Piccolo Lasso in Adam and Eve's Church, Merchants Quay, Dublin

For more festive ideas, see my full listing of recommended Christmas events in Ireland.

Photo © 2002 Bernd Biege licensed to About.com, Inc.