St Patrick’s Day parade preparations in Donegal Town gathering pace

The St Patrick's Day parade brings great colour and vibrancy to Donegal Town each year

placeholder image — The St Patrick's Day parade brings great colour and vibrancy to Donegal Town each year

This year the parade will also be the first event to kick start a year of celebration of the town’s 550th Anniversary, linked to the establishment of the O’Donnell Castle and Franciscan Monastery or Convent by the first Red Hugh O’Donnell

Spring is here and that can mean only one thing, St Patrick’s Day is just around the corner.

With less than five weeks to go to the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Donegal Town, the countdown has begun. As always, the Donegal Town Parade will begin at 3pm on St Patrick’s Day which falls on Sunday, March 17.

Starting at the St John Bosco Centre for walking participants, over Tirconaill Street, left towards the Diamond, around to Main Street, left down Water Street and back around for a second loop.

Traditionally St Patrick’s Day marks the start of a new year of events and activity in the town and is the start of the tourist season. This year the arade will also be the first event to kick start a year of Celebration of the town’s 550th Anniversary, linked to the establishment of The O’Donnell Castle and Franciscan Monastery or Convent (now known as the Abbey) by the first Red Hugh O’Donnell, assisted by his wife Nuala O’Brien and his mother Nuala O’Connor in 1574.

Each year event organisers are blown away by the imagination, creativity and work that goes into all of the floats and costumes. They have no doubt it will be another fantastic event with many schools and groups already working hard on their floats. They would encourage local schools, clubs and businesses and individuals to get involved. This year it couldn’t be easier with the new on-line registration webpage, just click here to register your float or the Facebook page along with all the latest updates. Make sure and include any information on your float you wish to have read out by the reviewing stand on your registration form.

The Donegal Town St Patrick’s Parade will not be without its challenges this year. With work just begun on the Diamond upgrade, this space will not be accessible to spectators on the day. Also, the ongoing road narrowing system in Donegal Town will get its first big test.

On the upside, the widening of the footpaths all along the route will provide ample extra viewing spots all around the town. In light of the restricted space and the ever-increasing participation in the parade, the organisers are permitting one large vehicle for businesses wishing to take part in the parade.

The organising committee of Donegal Town’s St Patrick’s Day Parade are looking forward to welcoming you to a great parade, which is safe and enjoyable for everyone.