A Dolphins Barn Christmas
Published on 29th November 2021
Christmas was always a special time, full of tradition and memories that last a lifetime.
Christmas Eve was especially so – Dubliner’s Day out in the city centre. This was the day we went into Henry Street as a family for last minute shopping, usually running into other members of the extended family, in town on the same errand. The end result of the long conversations were promises of a catch up over the break.
The buses stopped early, so getting home was a priority. If the last bus was missed, it was a walk home with the various parcels and bags, through The Liberties and around the back of Guinnesses. Once back in the house, time for a last-minute tidy up and most importantly, setting the good table in the parlour with all the best cutlery and china being brought out. Mam would, at this time, be wrestling with the turkey, which threatened annually not to fit in either the dish or the oven! The hours flew by, with everyone busy with their last-minute jobs, but soon it was new clothes and new shoes on and down to the ‘Barn for midnight Mass. The pealing of Laurence Byrne’s church bell threatening to drown out the catch up with family members, friends and neighbours. It was never lonely on the ‘Barn.
Dolphin’s Barn chapel would always be packed, everyone looking their best, with a happy atmosphere all around and the choir singing adding to the sense of occasion. When the Mass was over everyone made their way to the crib, the little ones being lifted up so they could see all the figures now in place. Before leaving the Church, it was essential to get a small piece of new yellow straw to bring home to add to those gathered in previous years, all placed in the family crib, marking the end of one year and the fresh beginning of another.
The ‘Barn village itself always took on a new air each Christmas as we walked the short distance home after Mass. Each terraced house would have a candle burning in the window, to welcome the friend and stranger equally on this most special of nights. Ours would be lit by the youngest in the house, usually one of my cousins, who would also get the special privilege of putting the baby Jesus in the crib, which had pride of place in the window. The crib itself would be lit by the final Christmas tree light, which was always a challenge but also a necessity, as plug points at home – before the big rewire - were a luxury!
When the jobs were done, and the turf fires lit in the parlour and the sitting room, it was time for a late supper with the various family members we had gathered up at the ‘Barn chapel. First thing on the table was the Christmas pudding, fresh from the calico cloth it had hung in from the top landing for the previous few weeks. And being Dubliners, the key ingredient was of course, black Guinness stout which gave it a deep black colour and preserved the fruit perfectly. The Christmas cake – my Mam’s special recipe, was next to be served, fruity, with loads of homemade almond paste and white icing. The cake was always generously laced with Power’s whiskey, another local product, from their distillery in the heart of The Liberties.
When Christmas Eve supper was over, our visitors departed home, to make their own preparations for the big day ahead. Fond goodbyes, with warnings to watch out for Santy, especially to those heading towards Francis Street, where the Church of St. Nicholas of Myra stood, in honour to St. Nicholas himself. A promise of presents and a happy day ahead was enough to get everyone to bed quickly, and with no fuss.
Yes, Christmas in Dolphin’s Barn was always a special time.
Written by Cathy Scuffil, Historian In Residence, Dublin South City.
Image by Alison O'Donghue, Rialto.