Parade plans are underway 

PREPARATIONS for St Patrick’s Day in Fingal are underway with seven parades organised across the county.

Malahide is set to host its first parade, which will take place at 12noon on March 17.  

The parades will yet again be lively celebrations of all things Irish and a fun day out is promised for everyone.

Over 100,000 residents are expected to attend the parades, while over 15,000 people will participate alongside up to 1,000 community organisations and businesses in the parades. 

This will be a huge boost to local economies as thousands of people will be packing the streets.

Mayor of Fingal Cllr Eoghan O’Brien said St Patrick’s Day is a significant cultural event and the parades allow Fingal residents to celebrate it in their own communities. 

“The parades are an opportunity for residents to see and engage with local community groups and businesses in their area,” he said. 

“I look forward to attending the parades in Fingal and seeing all the diverse and creative floats this year. I would particularly like to welcome the addition of Malahide to the Fingal St Patrick’s calendar.”

The history of Balbriggan will be front and centre in their parade this year with the theme being the ‘Sacking of Balbriggan’, which took place a 100 years ago.

Fingal County Council operates the three parades in Swords, Balbriggan and Blanchardstown while financially and operationally supporting all seven parades. The council has engaged Davis Events to deliver the 2020 parades.