Fun in Kerrykeel last year
IT’S St Patrick’s Day – and with good dry weather forecast with sunshine for the afternoon – it promises to be a great day across County Donegal for families.
From Bundoran to Buncrana and from Moville to Mullaghduff, there are parades aplenty across the county today.
Here’s your guide to the main parades today:
BUNDORAN:
Family Fun guaranteed at annual Bundoran St Patrick’s Day Parade!
There’ll be something for young and old at this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade in Beautiful Bundoran as the theme of ”Community and Commemoration” brings together a mix of local and visiting participants from 3.30pm.
Organisers are promising a bumper turnout of local community groups, visiting delegates, carnival acts, marching bands and more as the parade makes its way through the seaside town in front of an expected crowd of thousands who will make the annual pilgrimage to celebrate the national feast day today.
Marching and pipe bands from neighbouring counties will be led by an Irish Defence Forces colour party from the 28th Infantry Batalion at nearby Finner Camp, which will be followed by the volunteer crew of the Bundoran RNLI Lifeboat and many of the community groups and businesses in the town.
A delegation from two of Bundoran’s Douzelage twin towns of Sherborne, UK and Meerssen, Netherlands will also take part as will a group of Americans visiting from Clackamas, Oregon.
Parade Director John O’Connell said ‘there has been a huge interest from local and visiting groups in taking part in this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade and we are delighted to welcome them all to Bundoran.
With the theme of “Community and Commemoration” the parade is recognizing the efforts put in by the local groups in the community and also of course giving a nod to the national commemoration, which happens throughout the year of 2016. We would encourage everyone young and old to line the streets on Thursday for the parade which kicks off at 3.30pm, dress in their green and wave their tricolours for what promises to be a memorable day for all the family.’
The parade will commence at 3.30pm from the East End, making its way up Main Street and on to the West End, where it will turn and retrace the route, turning off at Church Road and finishing at the Magh Ene College sports hall. Judging for the parade will take place at the viewing stand at the Holyrood Hotel where the judges will be looking for originality and creativity in the floats.
RTE News will also be filming on the day for the St Patrick’s Day “Six One” Special which will air on Thursday evening at 6pm on RTE1.
LETTERKENNY
The Parade starts as usual at 3pm making its way from Pearse Road via Port Road, through Main Street past the viewing platform at Market Square to finish in Old Town.
With 2016 being such a special year for Ireland, Letterkenny Chamber has announced it’s theme for the 2016 St Patrick’s Day Parade. In celebration of the Centenary of the 1916 Rising, which took the first steps to the birth of our nation, the theme is “Ireland 100 Years On – The Rhythm of Our Nation”.
Letterkenny’s St.Patrick’s day parade is one of the biggest in the County and this year it is hoping to get entries from a wide range of businesses, community organisations, sports clubs and bands.
ARDARA (SUNDAY)
20th March 2016, Ardara @ 3.30pm
Shamrocks and snakes at the ready, St Patrick is back. The Annual St. Patrick’s day parade will take place in Ardara at 3.30pm on Sunday March 20th. Marching Bands from all around the North West will return to Ardara, for our annual Band Competition, with many floats from all around the local community with one big Question “what will it take to win?!!” could it be Donald Trump, maybe a Connor McGregor, Water rates or Election promises, only one way to find out and that is to come and see. This has always been a fantastic day filled with Music, Dance, Laughs & Craic.
This is the 31st consecutive year of the Ardara Parade, if you would like to enter a float, business or band please contact Margaret on 087 2023033
Website www.ardara.ie
BALLYSHANNON
The St. Patrick’s Parade in Ballyshannon will draw a crowd of between 2,000 and 3,000 today.
The parade will start on Tir Conail St, before travelling along Main St, Beleek Rd and back via the Port to the Market Yard. The route of the parade will close from 2pm until 3pm.
Those not attending the parade should use the N15 Ballyshannon Bypass.
BUNCRANA
The Committee of The St Patrick’s Day Parade, Buncrana hope to turn the town into a sea of green white and gold.
The parade will start at 3:00pm. Everyone is encouraged to come out and enjoy the parade, which is a great family event.
Further details available on: www.visitinishowen.com
BURTONPORT
The 12th annual “St Patricks day Celebration of Irish culture” which will be held once again at St Columba’s Community Centre, Burtonport between 12 noon and 2pm
Once again there will be traditional music, Irish dancing, singing, local marching bands, our gigantic pot of Irish stew and lots more traditional fair on offer.
Entry on the day will be free but for those of you who can spare a few euro we would appreciate a donation as all monies collected on the day will be divided among 3 local charities – The local lifeboat fund, Burtonport annual festival & St Columbas community centre.
The committee are encouraging everyone who is willing, to donate gifts which can be used as prizes and to do so ASAP so that the committee can allocate prizes to the various games & raffles. Gifts can be left at the community centre or collection can be arranged by ringing – 0863836546. Thank you.
DONEGAL TOWN
The St. Patrick’s Parade in Donegal Town will take place at 3pm.
The parade will follow a route from Drumrooske Business Park, Killybegs Rd, The Diamond, Main St and on towards Donegal Hospital and back along the same route.
The town centre will be closed from Main St to the hospital from 2:30pm to 4:30pm. The Killybegs Rd will be closed from the roundabout. Motorists can avoid the town by using the bypass. Gardai will be directing traffic.
KILLYBEGS
This St Patrick’s Day there will be the annual parade with a prize for best float starting at 2pm followed by live music and Irish dancing on the Diamond in Killybegs.
MOUNTCHARLES
The village of Mountcharles will host its own St. Patrick’s Day parade for the first time in 25 years!
The parade is due to get underway at 12 noon. St Peter’s NS Reunion Band will lead the parade through the village. Also taking part are the Ardaghey Pipe Band and the Killaghtee Accordion Band. Family Trasure Hunt at 2pm, Kids Disco in the Community Centre 5 – 7pm. Music in pubs at 10pm….something for everyone.
MOVILLE
Moville will host their 26th St Patrick’s Day Parade lead once again by St Patrick himself (aka Eamon McLaughlin).
There will be bands, live music and fringe events. Come along and enjoy the craic, people and atmosphere. Soak up the vibrant atmosphere. This is a great day out for all the family at one of the county’s best events. For more details visit also: www.visitinishowen.com
BALLYBOFEY AND STRANORLAR
THE Twin Towns St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Ballybofey & Stranorlar is at 3pm.
This year there will be prizes for the best dressed St Patrick, Best family fancy dress and prizes for the best fancy dressed kids! We welcome any buskers or musicians to set up along the streets. All businesses and community groups are welcome to take part in the parade. Start time 3pm at Milbrea Surgery. Contact Kathy for more details on 086 3142886.
There are also parades in Dungloe (3pm) Gaoth Dobhair, Annagry, Kerrykeel, Carrigart, Pettigo, Creeslough and Falcarragh.
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