Enjoy the fun at your local parade 

THE streets of Fingal will come alive this St Patrick’s weekend with parades and events taking place across the county.

This year’s theme is Celtic Creatures and parade participants will be getting into the spirit with their unique interpretations of the theme. 

Pipe bands, dancing, community and sporting groups, an array of colourful floats, carousels, entertainment and street performers will fill the streets at each location. 

Swords Castle will come alive to the sound of traditional music as it plays host to the Castle Fleadh. There will be plenty of craic agus ceol, bia agus damhsa to enjoy. 

If that isn’t enough entertainment for you, or the little ones, there will also be a Funfair on Friday and Saturday, March 17 and 18, in the Carpark beside Swords Courthouse.

Fingal County Council chief executive Paul Reid said: “It is wonderful to see the various communities across the county galvanising to celebrate our national holiday.  I look forward to seeing the colour and festivities on the streets of Fingal on March 17 and encourage people to support their local parade.”

Mayor of Fingal Cllr Darragh Butler said: “St Patrick’s Day will be one of the highlights of my term as mayor. 

“I am very much looking forward to getting to as many of the festivities across the county as possible and enjoying the atmosphere at the parades.”

The council is expecting a large turnout at events again this year, and is advising people to check www.facebook.com/EventsinFingal  for information on road closures and parking arrangements. 

The starting times for the parades and events are:

• Swords Parade (11am) Route: Dublin Road – Main Street – North Street. 

• Rush Parade (1pm) Route: Main Street. 

• Lusk Parade (1.30pm)

Route: Main Street

• Balbriggan Parade (2pm)

Route: Main Street

• Skerries Parade (3pm)

Route: Main Street

• Blanchardstown Parade (3pm)

Route: Castleknock Road – Main Street – Snugborough Road – Westend – Blanchardstown Town Centre

• Castle Fleadh (1pm–5pm) in Swords Castle

• Funfair (10am–6pm) on Friday and Saturday, March 17 and 18, Carpark beside Swords Courthouse.