I saw Hidden Ireland with Peter Greenburg on Amazon Prime Video. It’s a remarkable show about neat, interesting places to see in Ireland. I learned Ireland is both The Republic of Ireland (an independent state, official Ireland) and Northern Ireland (part of the United Kingdom,) where Dublin is the capital of The Republic of Ireland, and Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland. I had no idea! Seriously, I thought Ireland was one country.

Please, don’t get me started on FOMO (fear of missing out)! I could get lost on the Internet, wanting to learn everything. I love learning! I’m curious about things, so having easy access to tons of information can get overwhelming!

Okay, I’ve calmed down. Back to why I’m writing this post.

I also learned (from Hidden Ireland) about the Armagh Rhymers which I found captivating!

They are a group of performers and musicians, founded in 1970, and per the blog. Homegrown Plus Primeire by Stephen Winick, “they have delighted audiences at festivals, arts centers, theatres, and schools, throughout Ireland and around the world. Through music, storytelling and drama, they provide an experience that is entertaining, educational and cultural. Their colorful costumes evoke a sense of tradition and history and encapsulate the spirit of the “wren boys,” young people who donned traditional disguises and went from house to house, entertaining their neighbors. In these ancient house-visiting traditions of Ireland, the kitchen floor became the stage.”

They wear masks handmade out of woven flax, willow, and straw. And the masks show such personality! When watching them, you forget there’s a person in there. Whoever made the masks are true artisans, given the details put into them. The performers also wear what appears to be burlap/ jute clothing (hessian sackcloth (The Armagh Rhymers Wikipedia.))

Here’s a video on YouTube of the Armagh Rhymers. They made me smile watching it!  There is something mystical and magical about them. And the musicianship is quite outstanding.

Source:: RTE

They seem to have a small footprint since I have never heard of them. Though the Armagh Rhymers perform at festivals, they also do great things for their communities, going to school and nursing homes, educating, and entertaining.

I just wanted to share the Armagh Rhymers. It would be awesome to see them perform live. Here’s their Facebook page.

To Ireland’s Secrets,

Francesca