March 2016

Experience the rich culture of Ireland at a series of free events to celebrate St Patrick.  Come to the place of ancient history, where Patrick’s sacred mountain lies and celebrate our Patron Saint.

Achill Island

On the rugged Achill Island every year St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on 17th March. The island’s traditional pipe bands take a central role in this celebration by marching from village to village from a 6am reveille when the big drum is sounded to wake up and summon the members of the Achill Bands. The Traditional St Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off at 8am and runs all day long. After 12pm Mass all pipe bands congregate at The Church of Assumption, Dookinella. Visitors will enjoy a special day out following the Achill pipe bands, pausing for refreshments of course and taking time to spot the spectacular scenery of Achill Island. In Pollagh there will be also the Aifreann Gaeilge (Mass in Irish) in St Patrick’s Church at 9am. In the evening pubs and restaurants will offer live music.

Castlebar

The 2016 Castlebar St Patricks Day Parade will take place on Sunday 20th March at 2.30pm. This year the parade will have the 1916 Easter Rising and Gnó Mhaigh Eo will be involved to enhance the use of the Irish language during the festivities.

In Market Square there will be a large range of pre and post parade activities such as ceol, damhsa, fun, face-painters, bouncy castles, magician and street performers. It will be a sort of Mardi Gras focused on colour, energy and participation; a fun day for all the family.

Also Gnó Mhaigh Eo will be running a window display competition with theme Eire 1916, participating business will have to use Irish Language.

Westport

The 2016 Westport St Patricks Day Parade will take place on Thursday 17th March starting from 1.30pm. This year’s theme will be 1916 to celebrate the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising.

Claremorris

The St Patrick's Day Parade committee welcome visitors to the town of Claremorris for the annual parade. This has become an action-packed, fun day for all the family, young and old. It will take place on Thursday, 17th March, commencing at 3.00pm from the lakeside shopping centre, on the old Ballindine road, leading on to James St. and on to The Square. It will finish off up the Ballyhaunis road. Lots of colourful marching bands will perform proceeding under way; there will be a fine display of music, song and dance with Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann. 

Ballina

Ballina's St Patrick's Day parade will take on Thurday 17th March at 4 pm. It is an event full packed with family fun, music and entertainment. Locals bars will offer live music throughout the day and after the parade.

Swinford

This year Swinford celebrates its 65th St. Patrick’s Day Parade since 1952. The parade will take place on Thursday 17th March at 3pm and the 2016 theme is open.

Other Towns

• Belmullet 2.00pm
• Newport 2.00pm
• Foxford 1.30pm
• Kiltimagh 3pm
• Charlestown 1pm