Committees, schools, businesses, voluntary and community organisations have been busily organising the festivities over the last few months for what is expected to be a fantastic day and a welcome return of celebrations.

There are a number of events planned around the county.

LETTERKENNY

Huge crowds are expected to attend St Patrick’s Day Parade in Letterkenny today. There will be entertainment for all the family in the square from 1.30pm. The parade will get underway at 3pm. There will be a competition to sing the National Anthem on stage at this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade. The Wild Atlantic Buskers will also be joining in the festivities outside the Old Courthouse.  Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce has thanked all businesses on Main Street who have contributed to St Patrick’s Day Parade this year.

“Your generosity is appreciated,” said a spokesperson.

DUNGLOE

Dungloe is celebrating its 50th anniversary celebrations of St Patrick’s Day Parade. Starting with mass in St Crona’s at 12 noon, refreshments and a trip down memory lane will be enjoyed in the adjoining national school. The band will then march on Main Street at 3.30pm. Traffic diversions will be in place from 3.30pm until 5pm. Emergency services only will be allowed through during this time.

GAOTH DOBHAIR

The Gaoth Dobhair St Patrick’s Day Parade will leave Bunbeg at 2.30pm today. The theme for this year is ‘Glas and Gaelach’. A dedicated rally of classic cars, tractors and lorries will take place before the parade will take place, finishing at Amharclann Gaoth Dobhair where the vehicles will be on display.

All floats, cars and lorries will gather in advance at Aislann Gaoth Dobhair in the business park. All bands, walking groups will gather in Bunbeg.

CLOUGHANEELY

After two years of lockdown, a strong turnout is expected today in Falcarragh for St Patrick’s Day Parade, which starts at 3pm. Many schools, businesses, community groups and clubs will be taking part.

CREESLOUGH

Everyone taking part in today’s St Patrick’s Day Parade is asked to meet in the field next to the chapel, weather permitting, at 11am. In the interest of safety and in order to get the parade safely on to the main road, everyone wishing to watch the parade is asked to move up the street and leave the area around the chapel clear for the parade to exit. There will be disabled parking on High Street.

“Enjoy a safe St Patrick’s Day,” said a spokesperson.

ARDARA

St Patrick’s Day Parade will take place at 3.30pm today from the church grounds. Many of the usual attending bands have been busy practising. Ardara is famous for its funny and topical floats so hopefully today will be no different.  The Grand Marshall this year is a very special person who has never missed a day’s work since the start of Covid.

“St Patrick is back again this year and thankfully the marching bands are all ready to go on Friday,” said a spokesperson.

TWIN TOWNS

The St Patrick’s Fun Day takes place from 1pm to 5pm today in Navenny car park in Ballybofey. There will be fairground rides, games, refreshments and music. There will also be two special prizes up for grabs for the best dressed girl and best dressed boy. The competition is open to all boys and girls of all ages.

NEWTOWNCUNNINGHAM

Pupils of Newtown National School have been busily finishing their St Patrick’s Day art. A welcome addition to this year’s St Patrick’s Day is the installation of a new Celtic Cross structure, made of more than 400 horse shoes. It was constructed by William McCracken and is situated close to the main Letterkenny to Derry road.

MEVAGH

Mevagh St Patrick’s Day Parade starts at 1.30pm today and promises to be “bigger and better than ever”. Organisers are reminding participants that all floats are to assemble at the chapel car park at 1.15pm. All walking groups must gather at Logue’s car park at 1.15pm.