Celebrate St Patrick’s Day in South & West Sligo with a run, watch a parade or take in one of the many events this bank holiday weekend.

Tubbercurry are hosting their 10k/5k Road Race on St Patrick’s Day from 12 midday. This annual event is organised by the South Sligo Athletic Club and it is now in its 45th year. There’s still time to get your t-shirt and goodie bag so register now here – www.coretiming.ie. You can also register on March 16th in Killorans’s from 7-8:30pm or on St Patrick’s Day from 10:30am. Prizes will be awarded on the day for a range of categories.

Support your local parade this year and join in the community festivities. We are lucky in South and West Sligo as we have a few to choose from. Each parade does start at different times though, so you could enjoy a couple of them throughout the day!  Every year, local businesses and the communities get together to put on a great show full of colour, music and fun.

  • Enniscrone are celebrating their success in the Community Pride of Place awards with this year’s theme ‘Pride of Place’. The parade will leave from the Diamond Coast Hotel at 1pm.
  • Easkey’s St Patrick’s Day parade will leave from St James’ Church at 3pm. There will be a viewing stand at Pudding Row to announce the groups as they pass by. Weather permitting, there will be live music from the viewing stand until 6pm.
  • You can support Ballymote’s St Patrick’s Day Parade from 3.30pm and enjoy the marching bands, music and floats from local groups and businesses.
  • Dromore West’s St Patrick’s Day parade will start from the church at 4pm. All are welcome to the community centre after for refreshments and entertainment.
  • Aclare are celebrating their 25th annual St Patrick’s Day parade which will take place from 5pm this year.

You can expect a great display of all things Irish, live music and impressive marching bands. The kids will love the fun atmosphere while watching the colourful and creative floats go by.

If you are still feeling energetic bring the family on one of the many walks South and West Sligo have to offer.

Union Wood has a range of walking trails through diverse and interesting woodland. It leads to Union Rock where, after a short climb you can enjoy spectacular views of the North West of Ireland. Follow the coastal path which runs along Aughris Head and enjoy stunning views over the dramatic landscape shaped by the Atlantic. Take in the views over the Atlantic at Easkey Pier and continue walking around the rugged coastline and along Easkey River. Walk on Enniscrone beach which stretches for 5km and is known as one of the safest and cleanest beaches in Ireland. Enjoy a scenic walk around the shores of the picturesque Lough Talt which is home to a diverse range of bird life including wild ducks and swans. Follow the Lough Easkey trail which leads into the Ox Mountains and has stunning lakeshore views.

All these walks and trails are free and are a great excuse to get everyone outdoors and exercising.