St. Patrick's Day Festivities

The festivities start over the weekend so here's what's on so you don't miss anything:

Lisdoonvarna is having their first St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday.  Festivities start at 1 pm with traditional music and dancing in the Square.  Followed by the parade at 2 pm which has 40 floats registered.  The parade proceeds through the main street to the newly refurbished Pavillion Hall.  There will also be tug o' war competitions and special activities for children.

Miltown Malbay Parade is on Sunday at 3 pm.  The starting point is the Etown and national school.  The theme this year is RTÉ - Five Decades of Entertainment.

Ennis Parade is on Wednesday and it begins at The Courthouse at 11 am.  The Ennis Gospel Choir will perform in O'Connell Square from 10.30 am.  Also, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Eireann will provide musical entertainment in advance of the parade at Lifford.

Shannon Parade starts at 2 pm on Wednesday on New Primary Road by St. Senan's Rugby Club.  Performances by the band Silke, Hackett School of Irish Dancing and members of the Indian Community in the town centre.  Also, face painting and bouncy castles.

Kilkee Parade is Wednesday at noon.  Starting point at Kilkee/Kilrush junction.  Floats will be led by a colour party of D Company of the 22nd Battalion F.C.A.  Presentations to winning floats will be given after in the local square and open air dancing will take place, weather permitting.

Ballina/Killaloe Parade starts at 2 pm on Wednesday.  The parade follows a slightly different route this year and begins at the Ballina GAA Grounds and finishing at the Green, Killaloe with music and judging of the floats following.  Prizes for winner and runner-up will be given to the best floats in the following categories: Best Overall float; Best club/business & Best Comical/Topical Float.  A prize will also be presented for the Best Dressed window.

Tuamgraney/Scariff Parade starts at Hassett's Bar at 2.30 pm. on Wednesday.  Local clubs and businesses are deciding on their theme.

Tulla Sports and Social Club host this year's parade which starts at 4.30 pm on Wednesday.  The parade will be led by the Tulla Pipe Band from O'Halloran's petrol station.

Glór has some events on during the day including The Flea Circus by Pignut Productions.  They are also playing the Oscar nominated animation The Secret of Kells at 2 pm.  The café will be serving food as well as play host to a selection of local food producers, who will be displaying and selling their wares. Clare Jams, Wine of the Glen and your favourites from Ennis Farmer's Market will be in attendance.

The family can also spend the day out at Bunratty.  Click here for details on the special activities during the day.

Hopefully, the fine weather will hold up.  Let us know what you get up to and where the hot spots are on Paddy's Day.