As the evenings start to stretch and there is a hint of spring in the air, Kinsale St. Patrick’s Day committee is busy planning one of the first festivals on the Kinsale Calendar of Events; the St. Patrick’s Maritime and Street Parades.

Saturday, March 16 2019, sees the unique Maritime Parade in the harbor where you can enjoy the wonderful sight of beautifully lit boats sailing in under the night sky. There will be music, family fun and of course the evening will culminate in a spectacular firework display. Spectators are invited to dress up for the occasion with prizes for the Most Brightly Decorated Adult and Child!

It has just been announced by the committee Chairman, Mr. Fred Treacy, that the Grand Marshals for this year’s Street Parade on St. Patrick’s Day are Mrs. Pam Norris and Mrs. Maureen Judge, who have done phenomenal work for Chernobyl Children International over the past 3 decades, fundraising for and hosting children from the disaster area. Indeed, Pam raised €80,000 in the past three years alone by cycling the Wild Atlantic Way to mark her 70th birthday! The committee is delighted that the ladies have accepted the invitation on behalf of all those who have been involved in Chernobyl Children International since its inception.

On St. Patrick’s Day itself the Blessing of the Shamrock will take place at 12noon Mass in the Parish Church. Festivities will then commence around town from 1pm with free face painting, balloon modeling and music. Buskers are also welcomed to come along on the day. The prize giving for the Children’s Art Competition will take place in the Tourist Office before the Street Parade which will start at 3pm from the New Road car park (please note the change in start time this year!). The theme for this year’s Parade is ‘Think Green’ to tie in with Kinsale Green Week, a new initiative by Kinsale College which runs from March 16 to 2d. The Parade will weave its way along The Glen, Pearse Street, Barry’s Place and the Pier Road to the reviewing stand near the Pier Head. In addition to various prizes for Parade entrants, there will be prizes for Best Dressed Adult, Teen and Child spectators!

Since the revival of the Parade in 2012, it has been wonderful to see the support from local businesses who ‘Go Green’ for the occasion in the weeks before the event. Combined with the wonderful effort the businesses make to decorate their premises and the flags & bunting erected by the Parade committee, Kinsale always looks spectacular for our National Day. Once again there will be prizes for the Best Dressed Window in advance of the festival weekend.

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Check out how much fun we’ve had in previous years and come along and enjoy the fun in Kinsale on St. Patrick’s weekend!

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