ONCE again, Enniskillen has a massive line up for the St Patrick’s Day Celebrations this weekend.
Last year, over 15,000 people lined the streets of the county town to take part in the parade and fun day. The major St Patrick’s Day Celebrations will kick of at the Broadmeadow, Enniskillen as part of Project St Patrick.
The Parade and Fun Day returns to Enniskillen for it’s seventh year and headlining the parade this year is a spectacular entry featuring moving inflatables.
The fun starts at the Broadmeadow with a host of live entertainment acts starting at 1pm with Full Moon Fever at 1.30pm on the Diamond and Hugo Duncan, 1.30-3pm at the Broadmeadow.
There will be the usual range of free activities including bouncy castles, balloon modellers, face painting, zorbs and wandering mascots for all your selfie needs. New to the festival will be a climbing tower with freebies such as chocolate fountains, green candy floss and Lilley’s famous themed gelato in abundance.
On the water, battling Ardglass Vikings, Jet Men, Wakeboarding Leprechauns return and as is now tradition, St Patrick himself will be making his amphibious arrival via Castle Island.
The parade itself starts at 3.30pm following live music on the Diamond from Fermanagh’s newest act, Full Moon Fever. ‘Snaking’ it’s way around Ireland’s only island town will be floats, music and dancing performances which this year has a theme of Heroes & Villains.
Steam engines enthusiasts will be in for a special treat on St.Patrick’s Day with the ‘Steam &
The bells of St Macartin’s Cathedral, Enniskillen, will be ringing on March 19 to signal solidarity with immigrants.
Taking place at 11.05am as morning service begins, the peal of 10 bells will ring out following an invitation to the Dean and bellringers of St Macartin’s Cathedral from the Dean of Waterford, the Very Rev Maria Jansson, who is originally from Sweden.
Around the county
Kicking the weekend off, an evening of music and dance will take place tomorrow (Thursday 16th) at the Derrygonnelly Community Centre from 8pm featuring all Ireland Accordion player John McCann plus local traditional musicians, followed by dancing to The Lakelanders.
For those feeling energetic, the 6th Annual St Patrick’s Day 10k/5k Fun Run/Walk will held on Friday morning, at 11.30am from the Bawnacre Centre. All proceeds goes towards the Treasure Centre Special Care School, Bamenda, Cameroon. The Centre is run by Sister Kathleen O’Neill from Tipperary who relies completely on donations from various people and organisations.
Shamrocks’ vintage traction engine road run is making a welcome return to County Fermanagh. The ‘Steam & Shamrocks’ vintage traction engine road run will commence at Mahon’s Hotel, Irvinestown at 9am on Friday and after participating in the annual St Patrick’s Day Scout Parade through the town, they will steam their way into Enniskillen to join the St Patrick’s Day Parade.
In Garrison, the annual St Patrick’s ceili will take place in St Mary’s Hall from 9.30 to 12.30pm with music by the Marie Curie Services.
Derrylin CCE are inviting everyone along to St Ninnidhs Hall after the 11.15am Mass on St Patrick’s Day for refreshments and some wonderful Irish Traditional music, song and dance plus refreshments.
To round up the weekend of music and celebrations, The Share Centre, Lisnaskea is holding a Irish Traditional Show on Saturday March 18th, featuring Killashandra Wren Boys and other local artists.
For those hoping to make a day of it, Sligo’s St Patrick’s Day parade takes place at noon from the heart of the city as marching pipe bands, Irish dancers, and floats line the streets for miles.
Bundoran, a popular destination for Fermanagh people, the annual parade starts at 3.30pm, starting from the East End and going through the Main Street to the theme of Diaspora, Exile and Emigration.
Donegal Town will also have loads of craic and festivities on Friday, with the family fun parade beginning at 3pm, going through the heart of the town.
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere