Raising the roof: Ireland's choral craze

Amateur choirs are having a heyday - and across the nation, people seeking the mental health benefits of singing and the chance to make friends ‘in real life’ are singing loud and proud

The Line-Up Choir in Dublin Pic: Marc O’sullivan
Mairead Reidy, accompanist and Rodney Baldwin, musical director with the Garda Ladies’ Choir Pic: Maura Hickey

Whether it’s on stage or in the shower, singing is good for you – helping to lift the spirits and benefiting both mental and physical health.

So in an increasingly health-conscious age, it’s not surprising that more and more people are joining choirs and singing their hearts out week after week. Indeed, Ireland is experiencing a choral boom, and ...