Masonic mystery

The Freemasons have been in Ireland for 300 years and have 22,000 members. Stephen Rogers goes in search of what happens behind the doors of lodges where their meetings take place

The Freemasons do not describe what goes on at their meetings, because, they say, ‘ to reveal what goes on in detail would spoil the enjoyment of the ceremonies for those who have yet to participate in them’. Picture: Michael MacSweeney

The Stonecutters episode of The Simpsons, Terry Pratchett novels, and a handshake.