‘Sláinte’ is the theme for 2024 Longford St Patrick's Day Parade

Longford town is set to stage a stunning parade to mark St Patrick’s Day 2024. A celebration of health is the theme of Longford's annual celebration in honour of our patron saint.

St Patrick’s Day in the county town will focus on 'Sláinte' with health and well-being being the overarching theme.

“We have a great deal of interest from businesses and community groups about the day,” Longford Chamber President Fulton Grant.

“The theme of the day is about health and well-being. We are linking in with national bodies to promote a healthy lifestyle. Longford Council is very supportive of this. We are encouraging clubs and sporting organisations to come to Longford to come and be part of this exciting parade,” he said.

The parade route, in keeping with previous years, commences on Battery Road / Church Street before proceeding down Main Street and making its way down Dublin Street, New Street, Ballymahon Street ahead of turning left onto Killashee Street, Harbour Row.

The 2023 Parade: PICTURES | Longford town's magnificent ‘Glan agus Glas' themed St Patrick's Day Parade shines light on sustainability

“Because of the road works in place, we are coming down slightly. We're coming further down Battery Road this year because of the ongoing works there. So we are starting near the Connolly Barracks, with the viewing stand outside Sports Directorate and PV's,” Fulton says.

The main sponsors behind this year's parade is Longford Municipal District with Kiernan Structural Steel the main commercial sponsor: “Kieran's have come on board again this year and we are very grateful, they have given us great support.”

Fulton says Longford has national recognition as a place that can facilitate great community and family events: “We are coming on the back of the success of the Longford Lights. We will, in fact, also have one of the large puppets from that event as a feature of the parade. Longford loves a good celebration, just look at the turn out for the Dead of Night Festival and Summer Festival. We excel at these gatherings.”

The Chamber president promises lots of music: “The St Patrick’s Day festivities bring great colour to the town, as well as music and dance. We will have the traditional pipe bands, samba bands and loads of music all across the town.”

Inclusion is a key component of the Longford event: “The popular sensory area is returning this year. We will provide a safe and comfortable space for children and adults with disabilities to enjoy the festivities.

“The sensory area will be a bright and colourful space, with seating and standing room, for individuals with disabilities to enjoy the parade without having to join the crowd. There are wheelchair accessible points, and a wheelchair viewing area.”

St Patrick's Day takes place on Sunday, March 17, 2024. To facilitate the Longford St Patrick’s Day Parade 2024, Longford County Council will temporarily close a number of roads around Longford town from 11:00am to 3:30pm.

Also read: Chamber President hails 'amazing level of participation' in Longford St Patrick's Day parade