DONEGAL will go green this St Patrick’s Day with events across the county. So read over complete guide to what’s happening on this special holiday.
We want you to send us your pictures (see our separate story on donegaldaily.com) for a chance to win €100 worth of toys from TOYS DIRECT.
To be in with a chance to win, you must email your pictures to info@donegaldaily.com by 7pm on Sunday – so get those iPhones out! And if you’re abroad, send us snaps from overseas to the same email address.
Here’s what is happening across the county this holiday weekend.
Ardara: The brilliant Ardara parade will take place this, March 20 at 3.15pm from the Chapel Car Park. There will be four bands and loads of great floats – and promises to be a great day out.
Ballyshannon: MC this year is Gerry Gallagher who will take his place on the viewing stand. at Saimer Court Shopping Centre. The parade starts at the Abbey Centre at 2pm, goes down the town, across the bridge and then back through East Port and finishes in Market Yard. Prize-winners will be announed at 4pm upstairs in Dicey Reilly’s bar where there will be music by John Meehan.
Buncrana: This year’s parade starts at 3pm, going down St Mary’s Road and up Main Street. There will be a family fun day at The Plaza. Huge crowds are expected with several good bands due to perform.
Bundoran: The parade starts from the East End at 3.30pm, bands and floats are welcome to enter. Again the town is expected to be one of the liveliest venues in the county this year.
Carndonagh: One of the best events in the calendar. The annual St Patrick’s Day Walk from Carndonagh (leaving the Diamond at 4.00pm) to Malin will this year be in aid of Donegal Alzheimer’s Society, The Sean O’Hare Unit and The James Connolly Memorial Hospital. Sponsorship cards available from McLaughlin Brothers and Mary Gillen, Church Road, Carndonagh.
Donegal Town: The main parade starts at 3pm, with vehicles starting at Donegal Hardware and the marchers assembling at the green opposite the Education Centre. The parade will feature five bands, including a pipe band and a brass band; and Scoil Leanbh Iosa at Killymard will have a samba band in the parade. There will be a lot of Carnival elements, with Abbey Vocational Transition Year students dressed in Carnival attire. There will also be a Waterbus cruise, boarding 12.15 for 12.30 sailing, with Irish dancers on board! Call the Waterbus office on Quay to book or ring 972 3666 or 087 130 4485.
Dungloe: This year’s parade is sponsored by The Cope and starts at 3.30pm on the Main Street. There will also be a dog competition for best dressed dog and cutest dog so dress your best pooch in traditional/modern Irish themed attire and join in the parade. Anyone wishing to enter their dog into the parade should meet at the National School car park before 3.30pm. Note: All dogs must be on a leash. Coffee Morning and Cake Sale in the St Cronas National School after 11am Mass, in aid of St Cronas National School. An Club Beag 11am – 7pm– Mickey and Minnie in attendance and facepainting for the kids. Celebration of Irish Culture in St Columba’s Community Centre, Acres, 12 noon to 2pm, including marching bands, traditional music and dancing, games, free refreshments. Wow! What a day.
Falcarragh: Parade starts at 3.30pm, leaving from the Chapel car park. Always one of the liveliest events and everyone welcome.
Gaoth Dobhair: One of the county parades with the best views! This year’s parade starts at 2.30 from Bunbeg crossroads. Big crowds are expected once again – with many visitors already in the area for the events.
Killybegs: The Parade is at 3pm. There will also be live music on the Diamond from 2pm as well as children’s entertainment. This year we are hoping to have a bigger and more colourful parade and any businesses or groups are welcome to join in with a float or just marching. St. Catherine’s Marching Band will lead the parade along with St. Patrick (not the real one of course!). The parade will also include the Samba band, motorbikes, vintage cars and local community and sports groups.
Letterkenny: All Entries assemble at Pearse Road. Parade starts 3pm from Station Roundabout, up Port Road, down Main Street past the viewing platform located at Market Square continuing down Lower Main Street, finishing at Oldtown. This year’s parade will be led by a colour party and marching body of the 58th Reserve Infantry Battalion followed by Miss Donegal, Pamela O’Hagan and her colleagues from Capri Models, adding lots of glamour to the parade. There will be Irish Dancing before the parade on the viewing platform at Market Square from 2.30pm.
Manorcunningham: Parade starts at 5pm from the Fire Station, with prizes for best floats, best costumes, children’s fancy dress and best shop window.
Moville: Experts at putting on a parade, this year’s promises to be as popular as ever.
Rosbeg: From Old Rosbeg School at 3pm, everyone is encouraged to dress up and join in the fun. Also refreshments in Joe Molloy’s afterwards and all children will receive a special goodie bag.
Are you having an event over the weekend? Send us pictures, news or information to info@donegaldaily.com.
IT’S YOUR DONEGALDAILY.COM