Saint Patrick’s Day, a cultural and religious celebration held on the 17th of March, is a significant event in Wicklow, Ireland. It commemorates Saint Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland, and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. The festival involves public parades, festivals, wearing of green attire, and public parties. The event is celebrated not only in Ireland but also in many parts of the world.
Table of Events and Parades
Here are some of the key events and parades taking place during the Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration in Wicklow 2024:
| Event Name | Location | Date and Time |
|---|---|---|
| Wicklow’s Grand Parade | Wicklow Parade | Saturday 16 March, 5 pm – 11pm |
| Wicklow’s Festival Quarter | National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Wicklow | Saturday 16 – Sunday 17 March, 12 pm until 11 pm |
| Wicklow’s Cultural Exhibition | Festival Quarter | Saturday 16 March, 5 pm – 11 pm |
| Wicklow’s Traditional Céilí | Festival Quarter | Sunday 17 March |
| Wicklow’s Music Festival | Festival Quarter | Sunday 17 March |
Details of Events and Parades
- Wicklow’s Grand Parade: The highlight of the celebration in Wicklow, featuring vibrant floats, marching bands, and performers from all over the world. It’s a community-driven event organized by the Wicklow St Patrick’s Day committee.
- Wicklow’s Festival Quarter: A hub of activity with food stalls, live music, and cultural exhibitions. It’s a part of the larger Saint Patrick’s Festival in Waterford.
- Wicklow’s Cultural Exhibition: A special event showcasing local culture and arts. It’s a part of the larger Saint Patrick’s Festival in Waterford.
- Wicklow’s Traditional Céilí: A traditional Irish social gathering with music and dance at the Festival Quarter.
- Wicklow’s Music Festival: A concert at the Festival Quarter featuring contemporary Irish music.
Specific Places to Visit
- Wicklow Beach: This beautiful beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Wicklow. It’s perfect for a leisurely walk or a picnic.
- Wicklow Japanese Gardens: These beautiful gardens reflect the life and extensive wanderings of Patrick Lafcadio Hearn, who grew up in Ireland, and whose life journey embraced several parts of the world.
- Wicklow Amusement Park: This amusement park offers a variety of fun rides and games, making it a great place for families.
- Copper Coast Geopark: This UNESCO Global Geopark is a place of great geological importance and offers stunning views of the natural landscape.
- Wicklow Coastguard Cultural Centre: This center offers a variety of cultural exhibitions and events, including art exhibitions, music performances, and workshops.
Routes to Take
- The Wicklow City Centre route: Ideal for experiencing the parade and main festivities. It covers the main streets where the parade takes place and the surrounding areas where street performers and food stalls are located.
- The Beach route: Perfect for those interested in beach activities and the amusement park. It covers the area of Wicklow Beach and includes several attractions such as the amusement park.
- The Cultural Quarter route: Best for those interested in museums and historical sites. It covers the area around the Coastguard Cultural Centre and includes several cultural attractions.
Restaurants and Pubs
- The Victoria House: Known for its delicious food and cozy atmosphere, it’s a great place to try traditional Irish dishes.
- Brooklyn Restaurant: This restaurant offers a variety of dishes with a modern twist, making it a great place for food lovers.
- The Pine Rooms: A popular place for locals and tourists alike, it offers a variety of drinks and a great atmosphere.
- The Vee Bistro: Known for its delicious food and excellent service, it’s a must-visit for food lovers.
- Moe’s Cafe: A popular cafe offering a variety of coffee and tea options, as well as delicious pastries and snacks.
Entertainment
There are numerous entertainment options during the celebration, from live music and dance performances to comedy shows and cultural exhibitions.
Tips to Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in Wicklow
- Wear green: It’s a tradition to wear green on Saint Patrick’s Day.
- Arrive early for the parade: The parade is a popular event, so it’s best to arrive early to get a good spot.
- Try traditional Irish food and drink: Enjoy traditional Irish dishes and try a pint of Guinness.
- Participate in the festivities: Join in the fun by attending events, singing along to Irish songs, and even learning a few steps of Irish dance.
- Respect local customs and traditions: While enjoying the festivities, it’s important to respect local customs and traditions.
Best Things to Do
- Watch the St Patrick’s Day Parade: The parade is the highlight of the celebration, featuring vibrant floats, marching bands, and performers from all over the world.
- Visit the Festival Quarter: The Festival Quarter at the National Museum of Ireland is a hub of activity with food stalls, live music, and cultural exhibitions.
- Enjoy traditional Irish music and dance at a Céilí: A Céilí is a traditional Irish social gathering with music and dance.
- Explore Wicklow’s beautiful beach and amusement park: Spend a day at the beach or enjoy the rides at the amusement park.
- Try a pint of Guinness at a local pub: No visit to Wicklow would be complete without trying a pint of Guinness.
Food to Eat
- Irish Stew: A hearty stew made with meat, potatoes, and carrots. It’s a traditional Irish dish that’s especially popular on Saint Patrick’s Day.
- Soda Bread: A traditional Irish bread made with baking soda instead of yeast. It’s often served with butter and jam.
- Boxty: A traditional Irish potato pancake. It’s often served with a variety of fillings.
- Colcannon: A dish made with mashed potatoes and kale or cabbage. It’s a traditional Irish dish that’s often served with a pool of melted butter in the center.
- Corned Beef and Cabbage: A classic Irish dish, especially popular on Saint Patrick’s Day. It’s made with corned beef, cabbage, and various other vegetables.
Drinks
- Guinness: A world-famous Irish stout. It’s known for its rich, creamy texture and unique flavor.
- Irish Whiskey: Ireland is known for its smooth and flavorful whiskeys. There are many different brands to try, each with its own unique flavor profile.
- Irish Coffee: A comforting drink made with hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar, and topped with cream. It’s a popular drink on cold days.
- Baileys Irish Cream: A creamy liqueur made from Irish whiskey and cream. It’s often served over ice or used in a variety of cocktails.
- Poitín: A traditional Irish distilled beverage, often homemade. It’s known for its strong flavor and high alcohol content.
Other Details
In addition to the above, there are many other aspects of the Saint Patrick’s Day celebration in Wicklow that make it a unique and memorable experience. From the friendly locals to the town’s beautiful beach and amusement park, every moment in Wicklow during the celebration is sure to be unforgettable.
Conclusion
Saint Patrick’s Day in Wicklow is more than just a one-day event; it’s a celebration of Irish culture, history, and community spirit that lasts for several days. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, participating in the Saint Patrick’s Day celebration in Wicklow is an experience not to be missed.
FAQs
Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated on the 17th of March each year.
March in Wicklow can be quite variable, with average temperatures ranging from 3°C to 10°C. It’s always a good idea to check the forecast before your visit.
The Saint Patrick’s Day parade is a free event and open to everyone. However, some events may require tickets, so it’s best to check in advance.
Wearing green is a tradition on Saint Patrick’s Day. Also, the weather in March can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to dress in layers.