Ireland’s links with Japan celebrated in Dublin
Hundreds of people have gathered in Dublin to celebrate Ireland’s links with Japan.
The traditional Japanese Cherry Blossom festival, called Hanami, was held in the grounds of Farmleigh House in the city’s Phoenix Park.
The colourful event saw performances of Taiko drums and Soranbushi dance.
Haiku poems were also read beneath Cherry trees in the walled gardens.
Members of Ireland’s Japanese community were among those enjoying the day-long cultural spectacle as Farmleigh was bathed in spring sunshine.
Now in its 10th year, the festival was hosted by the Office of Public Works at Farmleigh. Dublin City Council and the Embassy of Japan also supported the event.
Minister of State Kevin “Boxer” Moran tried his hand at some martial arts as he attended the festival.
Celebrating Hanami festival day at Farmleigh and getting to grips with a representative from Shizuoka where Ireland will play Japan in the World Cup. @opwireland@IndepAlliancepic.twitter.com/wgjbiDlyDp
— Kevin 'Boxer' Moran (@kevinboxermoran) April 7, 2019
He said Hanami was going from “strength to strength” in Dublin.
Honoured to speak at the Hanami festival day where families and friends come together to enjoy free music and dance performances, along with demonstrations of Japanese culture at Farmleigh House supported by the @opwOffice, Dublin City Council and the Embassy of Japan. pic.twitter.com/ZDBbLBDbWt
— Kevin 'Boxer' Moran (@kevinboxermoran) April 7, 2019
“It’s a great day out for families and is complimented by its setting in the beautiful surroundings of Farmleigh House and Estate,” said Mr Moran.
