Christ Church Cathedral New Year's Bells

cls223
cls223
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New Year’s Eve Bells at Christ Church

  • January 6, 2002
  • Rated 4 of 5 by cls223 from Chicago, Illinois
New Year’s Eve Bells at Christ Church

When I heard about the tradition of ringing the Christ Church bells on New Year’s Eve, I decided this would be a special way to celebrate. Every New Year’s Eve at midnight, the giant bells at Christ Church are rung to usher out the old year and welcome in the new. Long before midnight, Dubliners gather around the church, joining old friends and meeting new ones, to wait for the bells. The Garda (Dublin’s police force) block off the street and there is much dancing and singing. Everyone feels free to walk up to complete strangers to shake hands, hug, kiss or just wish them a Happy New Year. Even the Garda join in the festive spirit as many ladies walked up and hugged and kissed the handsome young Garda officers, who didn’t seem to mind a bit! Many of the Garda obligingly posed for pictures with revelers or took pictures of anyone who asked. All of a sudden, the bells began to ring, people were shouting, and it was 2002 (and welcome to the Euro!). The festivities continued for a bit after midnight, then the Garda re-opened the streets, and a few brave souls (like me) went in search of a late open pub for one more drink.

From journal Dublin: Baile A’tha Cliath

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