Saint Patrick’s Day, a cultural and religious celebration held on the 17th of March, is a public holiday in Ireland that commemorates Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
The day is celebrated with public parades, festivals, wearing of green attire, and public parties. The town of Shannon, located in County Clare, hosts a lively Saint Patrick’s Day celebration.
Table of Events and Parades
| Event Name | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Patrick’s Day Parade | Starts at Shannon Town Centre | March 17, 2024 | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM |
| Traditional Irish Music Session | Shannon Pub | March 17, 2024 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM |
| Irish Dance Performance | Shannon Community Centre | March 17, 2024 | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM |
| St. Patrick’s Day Festival | Shannon Park | March 16-18, 2024 | All Day |
Details of Events and Parades
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the highlight of the celebration. Starting at the Shannon Town Centre, the parade features local schools, businesses, and community groups showcasing their creativity with floats and performances. The parade usually starts at 11:30 AM and finishes around 1:00 PM.
Traditional Irish Music Session
After the parade, you can head over to Shannon Pub for a traditional Irish music session. From 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, local musicians will fill the air with the enchanting sounds of the fiddle, tin whistle, and bodhrán.
Irish Dance Performance
At Shannon Community Centre, there will be an Irish dance performance from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Dancers in traditional costumes will perform jigs, reels, and hornpipes, captivating the audience with their rhythm and grace.
St. Patrick’s Day Festival
The St. Patrick’s Day Festival at Shannon Park is a three-day event filled with music, dance, and cultural activities. It’s an all-day event, so you can drop by anytime to join the festivities.
Specific Places to Visit
- Shannon Town Centre: Start your day at the Shannon Town Centre, where the parade begins. The centre itself is worth a visit, with exhibits showcasing the history and culture of Shannon.
- Shannon Pub: Known for its live music sessions, Shannon Pub is a great place to experience traditional Irish music.
- Shannon Community Centre: Visit Shannon Community Centre for the Irish dance performance and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the centre.
- Shannon Park: Don’t miss the St. Patrick’s Day Festival at Shannon Park, a historical landmark that’s the centre of the celebration.
Routes to Take
- Start at Shannon Town Centre: Watch the parade and explore the centre.
- Head to Shannon Pub: Take a short walk to Shannon Pub for the music session.
- Visit Shannon Community Centre: From Shannon Pub, it’s a quick trip to Shannon Community Centre for the dance performance.
- End at Shannon Park: Finish your day at the St. Patrick’s Day Festival at Shannon Park.
Restaurants and Pubs
- The Shannon Inn: Offers a variety of Irish dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
- The Shannon Pub: Known for their delicious pies, a perfect quick meal during the busy day.
- The Shannon Tavern: A traditional Irish pub where you can enjoy a pint of Guinness.
- The Shannon Brewery: A popular bar with a wide selection of craft beers.
Entertainment
Apart from the events and parades, Shannon offers a variety of entertainment options. You can explore the town’s vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and street art.
The lively pubs offer music sessions, and you might even catch an impromptu performance on the streets. The town is also home to several theatres where you can watch a play or a traditional Irish dance show.
Tips to Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day
- Wear Green: Join the locals and tourists in wearing green, the colour associated with Saint Patrick.
- Arrive Early for the Parade: The parade is a popular event, so arrive early to get a good viewing spot.
- Explore the Town: Take the time to explore Shannon and its rich history and culture.
- Try Traditional Irish Food and Drink: Don’t miss the chance to try traditional Irish dishes and drinks.
- Join the Festivities: Participate in the events and immerse yourself in the celebration.
Best Things to Do
- Join the Parade: Participate in the St. Patrick’s Day parade, a highlight of the celebration.
- Attend a Music Session: Enjoy traditional Irish music at Shannon Pub.
- Watch an Irish Dance Performance: Experience the rhythm and grace of Irish dance at Shannon Community Centre.
- Visit the St. Patrick’s Day Festival: Explore the festival at Shannon Park, filled with music, dance, and cultural activities.
- Explore Shannon: Discover the town’s rich history, vibrant arts scene, and lively pubs.
Food to Eat
- Irish Stew: A hearty dish made with meat, potatoes, and carrots.
- Soda Bread: A traditional Irish bread served with butter.
- Boxty: A type of potato pancake.
- Colcannon: A dish made with mashed potatoes and kale or cabbage.
Drinks
- Guinness: A popular Irish dry stout.
- Irish Coffee: A cocktail made with hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar, and topped with cream.
- Bailey’s Irish Cream: An Irish whiskey and cream-based liqueur.
- Jameson Irish Whiskey: A blended whiskey from Ireland.
Other Details
Remember to respect local customs and regulations during the celebration. Keep Shannon clean by disposing of your trash properly. Be mindful of others and ensure that everyone can enjoy the celebration.
Conclusion
Saint Patrick’s Day in Shannon is a unique experience filled with parades, music, dance, and a sense of community. Whether you’re a local resident or a tourist, participating in the celebration allows you to immerse yourself in Irish culture and tradition.
So wear your best green outfit, join the festivities, and make unforgettable memories at the Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration in Shannon 2024.
FAQs
Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17th each year.
The parade usually starts at 11:30 AM.
Traditional Irish food includes dishes like Irish stew, soda bread, boxty, and colcannon.
Traditional Irish drinks include Guinness, Irish coffee, Bailey’s Irish Cream, and Jameson Irish Whiskey.
It’s customary to wear green on Saint Patrick’s Day.