The first St Patricks Day Parade in Dun Laoghaire for decades was held along the seafront. There must have been a Child of Prague in every home on the eve before the parade, because we were bathed in sunshine throughout the day.
Various groups and floats started to gather in Newtownsmith at 10:00am on the day. The atmosphere kept building and the energy was electric in anticipation of the start. The parade kicked off in style with many sports, dance, community and business groups taking part.
The main players in the maritime sector were present with representatives from the
RNLI Dún Laoghaire, Irish Coast Guard, Dún Laoghaire Civil Defence, L.É. Bernard Shaw, Goat Boat Tours, St Michaels Rowing Club, and the 41st Dublin Sea Scouts.
Thousands of people lined the streets as the parade made its way along the seafront, passing Dún Laoghaire Baths, along Queens Road and finishing at the Victoria Fountain.
Our float which comprised of our boat, Billy Goat, family and friends ranging in age from 4 to 80, marine wildlife and leprechauns.
We were absolutely blown away with all positive feedback we received throughout the parade, and would like to thank everyone who cheered us on.
A huge thanks goes to the organisers, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, DLR Tourism, Dún Laoghaire Business Association, Dún Laoghaire Town and all volunteers without which the parade would not have happened.
We cannot wait for next year’s St Patricks Day Parade and we are already working on our float.
A great way to explore Dublin Bay and the Dún Laoghaire coastline is to book a Dublin boat tour with Goat Boat Tours. Further details and booking options are available here.