Saint Patrick’s Day, a cultural and religious celebration held on the 17th of March, is a significant event in Ireland. It commemorates Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and the arrival of Christianity in the country. The day is marked with public parades, festivals, wearing of green attire, and public parties.
In Arklow, a charming town on Ireland’s east coast, Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. The celebration in 2024 promises to be a grand affair with a series of events and parades planned throughout the town.
This blog post will guide you through the Saint Patrick’s Day celebration in Arklow in 2024, providing you with all the information you need to enjoy the festivities to the fullest.
Table of Events and Parades
| Event Name | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arklow Parade | Navvy Hill to Main Street, Arklow | March 17, 2024 | 2:00 PM |
| Rathdrum Parade | Avon Motors to Market Square, Rathdrum | March 17, 2024 | 12:00 PM |
| Aughrim Parade | Village of Aughrim | March 17, 2024 | 11:15 AM |
Saint Patrick’s Day Events and Parade Details
1. Arklow Parade
The Arklow Parade is the highlight of the Saint Patrick’s Day celebration in Arklow. Starting from Navvy Hill and ending at Main Street, the parade features a variety of floats, marching bands, and community groups. The parade starts at 2:00 PM, but it’s recommended to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
2. Rathdrum Parade
The Rathdrum Parade is another major event on Saint Patrick’s Day. The parade route runs from Avon Motors to Market Square, showcasing the vibrant community spirit of Rathdrum. The parade starts at 12:00 PM.
3. Aughrim Parade
The Aughrim Parade is a traditional event that brings the whole village together. The parade starts at 11:15 AM and winds its way through the beautiful village of Aughrim. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the local culture and festivities.
Specific Places to Visit in Arklow 2024
1. Arklow Maritime Museum
While in Arklow for the Saint Patrick’s Day celebration, a visit to the Arklow Maritime Museum is highly recommended. The museum offers a fascinating insight into the town’s maritime history.
2. Avoca Handweavers
A trip to Arklow would be incomplete without visiting the Avoca Handweavers. It’s the perfect place to pick up a souvenir or gift, with a wide range of handwoven goods available.
3. The Arklow Bay Hotel
For those looking to stay overnight, The Arklow Bay Hotel offers comfortable accommodation with stunning views of the Irish Sea.
Routes to Take
Navigating through Arklow during the Saint Patrick’s Day celebration can be a delightful experience. Here are some recommended routes:
- Navvy Hill to Main Street: This is the route for the Arklow Parade. It offers a fantastic view of the parade and the festivities.
- Avon Motors to Market Square: This is the route for the Rathdrum Parade. It’s a great way to explore Rathdrum and enjoy the parade.
- Village of Aughrim: The Aughrim Parade route is a wonderful way to explore the beautiful village of Aughrim.
Remember, road closures in Arklow will be from 1 pm to 3 pm, so plan your travel accordingly.
Restaurants and Pubs
Arklow boasts a variety of restaurants and pubs that offer delicious food and drinks. Here are some recommendations:
- The Old Ship: A popular pub in Arklow, known for its lively atmosphere and great selection of drinks.
- The Bridge Hotel: This hotel has a fantastic restaurant that serves a variety of dishes.
- Sally O’Brien’s: A great place for traditional Irish food and drinks.
- The Gallery Restaurant & Wine Bar: If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience, this is the place to go.
Entertainment in Arklow
Saint Patrick’s Day in Arklow is not just about parades and events, it’s also about entertainment. The town comes alive with music, dance, and performances that add to the festive spirit. Here are some entertainment options you can look forward to:
- Live Music: Many pubs and restaurants in Arklow host live music performances. Traditional Irish music is a staple on Saint Patrick’s Day.
- Dance Performances: Look out for traditional Irish dance performances. These are usually part of the parades but there might be separate performances in public spaces too.
- Street Performers: Street performers add to the festive atmosphere. You can find them along the parade routes and in public squares.
Tips to Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in Arklow
Celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day in Arklow can be a memorable experience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of it:
- Arrive Early: The parades start in the morning and the town gets busy quickly. Arrive early to secure a good spot.
- Wear Green: It’s customary to wear green on Saint Patrick’s Day. Join in the fun and don your best green attire.
- Try Traditional Irish Food: Make sure to try some traditional Irish food. Many restaurants and pubs offer special menus for the day.
- Respect Local Customs and Traditions: While it’s a day of fun and celebration, it’s also a cultural and religious event. Respect local customs and traditions.
Best Things to Do
Saint Patrick’s Day in Arklow offers a plethora of activities. Here are some of the best things to do:
- Join the Parades: Participate in or watch the parades. They are the highlight of the celebration.
- Visit the Arklow Maritime Museum: Learn about the town’s maritime history.
- Dine at Local Restaurants: Enjoy traditional Irish food at local restaurants.
- Visit Avoca Handweavers: Pick up a souvenir or gift from this famous handweaving shop.
- Enjoy Live Music: Many pubs and restaurants host live music performances.
Food to Eat
Saint Patrick’s Day is a great opportunity to indulge in traditional Irish food. Here are some dishes you should try:
- Irish Stew: A hearty dish made with meat (usually lamb), potatoes, and onions. It’s a staple in Irish cuisine.
- Corned Beef and Cabbage: This dish is particularly popular on Saint Patrick’s Day. It consists of slow-cooked corned beef served with cabbage.
- Soda Bread: A type of quick bread that uses baking soda as a leavening agent instead of yeast. It’s often served with butter and a hearty stew.
- Boxty: A traditional Irish potato pancake. It can be served in a variety of ways, but it’s often enjoyed with a dollop of sour cream.
Drinks
No Saint Patrick’s Day celebration would be complete without some traditional Irish drinks. Here are some beverages to enjoy:
- Guinness: This dark Irish stout is synonymous with Ireland and is enjoyed all over the world.
- Irish Coffee: A cocktail consisting of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and topped with cream.
- Bailey’s Irish Cream: An Irish whiskey and cream-based liqueur. It can be enjoyed on its own or used in a variety of cocktails.
- Jameson Irish Whiskey: One of the most famous Irish whiskeys, it’s smooth and versatile.
Other Details
While the parades, events, food, and drinks are the main attractions of Saint Patrick’s Day in Arklow, other details add to the experience:
- Decorations: The town of Arklow is beautifully decorated in green for Saint Patrick’s Day. From green banners and flags to shamrock motifs, the decorations add to the festive spirit.
- Community Spirit: One of the best things about Saint Patrick’s Day in Arklow is the community spirit. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the celebration is a community effort.
- Safety Measures: Safety is a priority during the celebration. There are plenty of volunteers and security personnel to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time.
Conclusion
Saint Patrick’s Day in Arklow is a celebration like no other. With its vibrant parades, exciting events, delicious food and drinks, and warm community spirit, it offers a truly memorable experience. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Saint Patrick’s Day celebration in Arklow 2024 is an event you don’t want to miss.
FAQs
A: Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated on the 17th of March every year.
A: The parades start at different times. The Arklow Parade starts at 2:00 PM, the Rathdrum Parade starts at 12:00 PM, and the Aughrim Parade starts at 11:15 AM.
A: Traditional Irish food includes dishes like Irish Stew, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Soda Bread, and Boxty.
A: Some traditional Irish drinks include Guinness, Irish Coffee, Bailey’s Irish Cream, and Jameson Irish Whiskey.
