Lá fhéile Pádraig sona dhaoibh!
As St Patrick’s Day takes hold there’s are festivals underway in Carlow and Kilkenny with a mix of traditional parades and other associated events across both counties.
Here’s how they roll out:
9:30am Killeshin
First off is Killeshin where participants will be led by the Killeshin Pipe Band from the new school at 9:30am to the church, arriving in time for 10am Mass.
10:30am Graiguecullen
Then it’s onto nearby Graiguecullen where a new start time of 10:30am is in place this year from the Town Park heading for 11:30am Mass at St Clare’s. With the local swimming pool celebrating its 30 years open they’ll be well represented on the day alongside the Oisin Players and more.
12noon Thomastown
At midday Thomastown has its Great Wheelbarrow Dash parade
12:15pm Graignamanagh & Tinnahinch
There’s a new start time this year for Graignamanagh and Tinnahinch will all setting off at 12:15pm.
Floats will begin on the Borris Road with walkers at the Fairgreen Carpark, travelling through Graignamanagh to Tinnahinch.
Led by the New Ross Pipe Band, the Graignamanagh Brass Band’s due to perform outside the Duiske Inn.
12:30pm Inistioge
Doing things a little different in Inistioge for 2024’s festvities:
1pm Bagenalstown
Bagenalstown’s parade starts at McGrath Hall before moving down the Royal Oak Road, Regent Street and back up High Street and Main Street with a review stand at Market Square.
There’ll be music on stage by Joe Nolan and a shamrock blessing too.
1:30pm Borris
Borris this year has both a time and a parade direction tweak.
They’re starting at 1:30pm from the Factory Cross end, travelling down the town instead of up!
1:30pm Urlingford
After a few years hiatus, Urlingford is seeing a return of its St Patrick’s Day Parade.
Participants meet from 1pm at The Emerald’s GAA Club pitch to travel up the town and the band will play for residents of the nursing home.
1:30pm Kilkenny City
With a theme of Kilkenny Cats: Tales and Legends, who better than hurling hero Richie Power to feature as this year’s Grand Marshall.
The city parade will move along John Street, Rose Inn Street and by the review stand on The Parade before heading through High Street and onto the Market Yard.
The event is part of the wider St Patrick’s Festival which got underway on Friday and runs to Bank Holiday Monday with a host of live music and activities.
Watch out for the five American marching bands!
2pm Knockananna
St Patrick’s Day Vintage Tractor & Vintage Run
2pm Tullow
Theme in Tullow this year is Be Green, Be Seen.
Attendees can expect pipers, Reuben the children’s entertainer and magicians from RTÉ Junior with face painters, trad music before the parade as well as the Festival in a Van afterwards in the carpark opposite the library.
Note that the Towns Cup match is due in the town from 3pm so there may be extra traffic milling around.
2:30pm Ballyhale
If you hate leaving your pooch at home on St Patrick’s Day and would love the opportunity to show your pet off then Ballyhale’s Mountain View is worth considering.
The fun includes the Best Doggie contest at 2:30pm.
3pm Carlow Town
As part of the Carlow Town St Patrick’s Festival, there’ll be lots of pre and post fun in place.
Potato Market will be closed to traffic from 7am with that area set to host food stalls and a host of activities including bouncy castles and other entertainment from 2pm with Live and Local acts at The Exchange.
The parade then gets underway at 3pm with a theme of Entente Florale highlighting the selection of Carlow town to represent Ireland in this year’s European festival.
A section of its route (Barrack Street) has been designated to those with sensory issues with sounds low or off and no flashing lights.
As always, every aspect of Carlow life will be included in the festival – here’s an idea of what you can expect;
3:30pm Goresbridge
St Patrick’s Day for Goresbridge sees music entertain from 2:30pm before the parade starts out at 3:30pm from the Glanbia Yard.
It’ll travel up through the town and there are plaques for all participants and prizes for category winners.
Treats too for the children – added to that watch out for mascots and more community fun.
3:30 Ballon
Starting at the Land League Gates from 3:30pm, the turning point for pedestrians is at the Spar Ballon N80 Service Station and for vehicles at Ballykealey Lane.
Float categories include Most Comical, Most Topical, Best Community Group, Best Walking Group/Individual, Best Business Float, Best Turned-out Vintage Car, Best Overall with the addition this year of Best Decorated Premises on the Parade Route.
Stay tuned to KCLR for updates and let our crew know how you’re spending the day by text/whatsapp to our studio: 083 306 96 96.
