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.
In Thurles, a town in County Tipperary, Ireland, the celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day is grand. The town comes alive with music, dance, and parades, making it a must-visit destination for those looking to experience an authentic Irish celebration.
Table of Events and Parades
Here is a list of some of the events and parades that are scheduled to take place in Thurles on Saint Patrick’s Day in 2024:
| Event Name | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thurles St Patrick’s Festival | Thurles Town Centre | March 13-17, 2024 | All Day |
| Thurles St Patrick’s Day Parade | Starts at Thurles Castle | March 17, 2024 | 2:30 PM |
| Traditional Irish Music Session | Various Venues in Thurles | March 17, 2024 | Evening |
| Thurles St Patrick’s Day Concert | Thurles Town Square | March 17, 2024 | Evening |
| Thurles St Patrick’s Day Funfair | Thurles Town Park | March 13-17, 2024 | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Details of Events and Parades at Thurles 2024
Thurles St Patrick’s Festival
The Thurles St Patrick’s Festival is a week-long series of events celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day in the heart of Thurles. The festival starts on Monday, March 13, and culminates in a large outdoor concert and festival market on St Patrick’s Day, Friday, March 17.
The festival is centred around Thurles’s historical district with multiple performance stages, street entertainment, a funfair, market stalls, live music, and children’s entertainment.
The festival will feature performances from local musicians and artists, and there will be an artisan market showcasing local produce.
Thurles St Patrick’s Day Parade
The Thurles St Patrick’s Day Parade is a vibrant and colourful spectacle featuring a variety of floats, marching bands, and community groups.
The parade starts at Thurles Castle at 2:30 PM on Sunday, March 17, 2024. The theme for the parade is ‘Green Dream’, and it will feature many local community and business organizations showcasing the best that the town has to offer.
Traditional Irish Music Session
The Traditional Irish Music Session is an integral part of the Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations. These sessions are casual and sometimes impromptu gatherings of musicians who have come together to play traditional Irish tunes. The exact details of the Traditional Irish Music Session in Thurles for 2024 are yet to be announced.
Thurles St Patrick’s Day Concert
The Thurles St Patrick’s Day Concert is a large outdoor concert that takes place at Thurles Town Square on the evening of St Patrick’s Day, Friday, March 17.
The concert features performances from local musicians and artists, and there will be an artisan market showcasing local produce.
Thurles St Patrick’s Day Funfair
The Thurles St Patrick’s Day Funfair is a funfair with rides and games for all ages. It is part of the Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations in Thurles and takes place at Thurles Town Park from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM from March 13 to March 17, 2024.
Specific Places to Visit in Thurles 2024
- Holycross Abbey: A restored Cistercian monastery located on the River Suir.
- The Source Arts Centre: A major regional arts centre in Thurles.
- St. Mary’s Famine History Museum: A museum dedicated to the history of the Great Famine.
- Tipperary Mountain Trekking Centre: A family-run equestrian and outdoor activity centre.
- Lar na Pairce Museum: A museum dedicated to the sport of hurling.
Routes to Take
- Start at the Thurles Town Centre, where the St Patrick’s Festival takes place.
- Make your way to Thurles Castle for the St Patrick’s Day Parade.
- End your day at Thurles Town Square for the St Patrick’s Day Concert.
Restaurants and Pubs
- Mitchell House Restaurant: Known for its contemporary Irish cuisine.
- Stars of India: An Indian restaurant located in the heart of Thurles.
- Hayes Hotel: A historic hotel with a popular bar.
Entertainment
Aside from the events and parades, there are several other entertainment options available during the Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations in Thurles. These include live music performances at various venues around town, dance workshops, and children’s activities.
Tips to Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in Thurles 2024
- Wear green: This is a tradition on Saint Patrick’s Day and a great way to show your festive spirit.
- Plan your day: With so many events and activities taking place, it’s a good idea to plan your day in advance to ensure you don’t miss out on anything.
- Try traditional Irish food and drinks: This is a great opportunity to sample traditional Irish cuisine and beverages.
- Participate in the festivities: Whether it’s joining the parade, attending a music session, or simply enjoying the atmosphere in the town centre, make sure to participate in the festivities to make your Saint Patrick’s Day in Thurles a memorable one.
Best Things to Do
- Join the parade.
- Attend the St Patrick’s Festival.
- Enjoy a traditional Irish music session at a local pub.
- Explore the historical sites and cultural venues in the town.
Food to Eat
- Irish stew: A hearty dish made with meat, potatoes, and carrots.
- Soda bread: A type of quick bread that uses baking soda as a leavening agent.
- Corned beef and cabbage: A classic Irish dish.
Drinks
- Guinness: A popular Irish dry stout.
- Irish whiskey: A distilled alcoholic beverage made in Ireland.
- Irish coffee: A cocktail consisting of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar, topped with cream.
Other Details
Remember to respect the local customs and traditions during the celebrations. Keep in mind that Saint Patrick’s Day is not just about partying, but also about celebrating Irish culture and heritage.
Conclusion
Saint Patrick’s Day in Thurles is a unique and memorable experience. With its vibrant parades, lively festivals, and rich cultural heritage, Thurles offers a truly authentic Irish celebration. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
FAQs
The best way to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in Thurles is to participate in the local festivities. This includes attending the parade, visiting the St Patrick’s Festival, and enjoying a traditional Irish music session at a local pub.
Some traditional Irish foods to try during the celebrations include Irish stew, soda bread, and corned beef and cabbage. For dessert, you can try an apple tart or scones.
Traditional Irish drinks to try during the celebrations include Guinness, Irish whiskey, and Irish coffee. If you prefer non-alcoholic drinks, you can try Irish tea or buttermilk.
Some tips for enjoying the celebrations include wearing green, planning your day in advance, trying traditional Irish food and drinks, and participating in the local festivities.