All set for a big family day out in Donegal Town this St Patrick’s Day

While the weather looks set to remain on the cool side, spirits are high as communities across Donegal prepare for St Patrick’s Day.

Last year’s return to being out and about post Covid restrictions was still a little tentative. But this year feels like much more of a celebration.

It has been a very tough year financially for many people, and a good day out with lots of free entertainment for all the family is exactly what is needed.

Donegal Town’s parade organisers are going all out to make sure that everyone has a great day out, and that everyone feels involved and represented.

Jonathan Kennedy said: “We are delighted to get support from the local businesses. Even through these difficult times they have been very generous in supporting the parade.

“This will be a great day out and we are looking forward to welcoming everyone to Donegal Town on Friday.”

While there is no specific theme, community is very much to the fore. There is even a community float with people from the local and Ukrainian communities among those involved.

And the day out doesn’t end with the parade.

“There will be a fun fair on the Diamond, as well as the choir Encór, Irish dancing and other entertainment activities,” said Jonathan. 

“It will be a lovely day out for all the family.” 

The parade will start at the Bosco Centre at 3pm, turning right onto Tyrconnell  Street, over the  bridge, left onto the Diamond, over past the Abbey, left up past the Bank of Ireland, up Main street, turning left at the Ulster Bank onto Water Street, over the Peter Kennedy Bridge up to the junction at the Bus Station and turning left up Tyrconnell Street. This will be repeated once, before finishing back at the Bosco Centre.

Participants are reminded to assemble at 2pm. All vehicular traffic for the parade must enter from the new Blas roundabout and over to DonegalHardware car park.

All walking groups, schools, bands etc meet at the Bosco Centre from 1.30pm, with strictly  no vehicles permitted to enter the carpark at the Bosco Centre.  

All roads to the Diamond will be closed from 2pm. 

Bus Services 

All passengers for Bus Éireann - collection point is the picnic area behind Lidl on the Ballyshannon road at planned bus times from 1.30pm to 5pm, after which services will revert back to the Diamond as per normal.