“You’re shook looking,” said the sad-story woman who told me rain was on the way on a sunny St Patrick’s Day. You know the type. The sky is blue. It’s warm at last. Blouse buttons that haven’t been opened since October draw in the first rays like Newgrange, and out she comes with “We’ll pay for this yet” or “You can get sandbags up at the council” or “There’s a status yellow on the way”.
The St Patrick’s Day parade in Wicklow town attracts thousands of visitors each year and is generally the most well-attended Patrick’s Day event in the county. This year is expected to be no different with a brilliant line-up of floats and entertainment sponsored in the main by Ernie’s Bar and Augustus Cullen Law.
Now in its eighth year, Blessington’s highly popular St Patrick’s Day parade sees local businesses, community groups and schools come together to create a sea of colour in the west Wicklow town.
Bray's St Patrick's Festival begins on Thursday, March 14 and runs for five days, with a whole range of events over the weekend to suit everyone, including live music and dance performances, thrilling rides at Bird's Euroshow Funfair, puppet shows and, for those who prefer a more relaxed pace, there are even informative talks and yoga classes to give you some time out.