The Dreoilín
The wren (dreoilín) traditionally nested in the thatched roofs of Irish houses and sheds. Although the smallest of our bird in Ireland, the wren is legend to be the "King of the Birds".
The birds decided that their "King" would be the bird who flew highest in the sky. On the day of the trials the wren hid in the eagles feathers and when the eagle could fly no higher the wren flew from beneath its wings and soared above it to become "King of the Birds".
On St. Stephen's Day (December 26th) colourfully dressed
wrenboys and girls visit homes and public houses carring a wren and singing
and dancing and playing music.
Nowadays live birds are seldom used to avoid cruelty