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St Patrick’s Day in Ireland’s only island town is fast approaching with the theme this year FOLKLORE IN ’24.

Murphy, Paddy & Paddi will be back on the big day and can’t wait to meet you all at St Patrick’s Day in Enniskillen!

The celebrations start on the 16th March, where during the day, you can join a truly authentic experience with a Traditional Irish Music Cruise ‘River Rhythms’, happening on Lough Erne, available 2pm and 3pm.

By night, experience something truly special this St. Patrick’s Eve with the unique flotilla event again on Lough Erne. Prepare to be amazed as lit-up boats glide along the waters, creating a magical evening against the night sky.

FOLKLORE IN ’24 – EVENTS AROUND THE TOWN

The Bloke In The Cloak Is Back And This Time With Added Folk… organised by Project St Patrick, the St Patrick’s Day celebrations start at Broadmeadow with a free family fun day and a host of live entertainment acts starting on the 17th March at 1.30pm.

MC’d by the talented DJ Bob, enjoy a range of free activities from rugby skills to water-based fun including some great competition prizes to look out for thanks to Erne Water Taxi.

Other activities include: ☘ Balloon modelling ☘ Bouncy castles ☘ Mingle with walkabouts or get snapped with some of the some of the hairiest folklore heroes on four legs ☘ Face-painters ☘ Chocolate fountains and candy floss stations & much more!

As ever, there are many other fringe events happening such as Folklore Story Telling Sessions on Castle Island. Details of all will be revealed over the next few weeks on Project St Patrick social media.

For those wishing to grab prime position to watch the St Patrick’s Parade, there will be lots going on, pre parade on the Diamond in Enniskillen town centre from 1.30pm.

This includes traditional dancers featuring a much anticipated ‘Mash Up’, followed by performances by the The Hand me Downs and Jets Cheerleading.

Supported by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Enniskillen BID and local businesses both big and small, this year’s spectacular parade will start at 3.30pm and will be led out by 2024 Grand Marshalls; Fermanagh BrightStarz. The parade features a range of traditional and carnival style floats with a folklore theme, acrobatics, live music as well as opportunities to meet Finn McCool’s Irish Wolfhounds.

Water activities are back- making celebrating St Patrick’s Day in Ireland’s Only Island Town, a truly unique experience. Watch out for the hydrofoiling leprechauns!

For those who would prefer a #QuietSpace for viewing the parade this is located at St Michael’s Parish Centre.

There are limited spots for visitors and locals alike, wishing to watch the parade in comfort as it reaches the top of the town.

Booking is essential!

Come and join the crack on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th March, we can’t wait to see you there!

Events are happening from the 16th March, so why not make it a long weekend and escape to Fermanagh? With Enniskillen boasting a range of accommodations from luxurious hotels to charming lakeside lodges, there’s something to suit every taste and preference!

Enniskillen being an island town, provides breathtaking views overlooking the waters of Lough Erne throughout your stay.

FERMANAGH HOTELS

Accommodation ranges from 5* Hotels to the most welcoming self-catering accommodations. Fermanagh has it all, here are just a few fantastic accommodations for your stay over the St. Patrick’s weekend:

Fermanagh also has a great range of dog-friendly accommodation, so your pet doesn’t have to miss out on all the fun. From accommodation to dog walking spots check out our blog!

FERMANAGH SELF CATERING ACCOMMODATION

Plan a getaway for all the family with ease by exploring the fantastic self-catering options in Enniskillen. Start your search with The Island Town Apartment, a perfect choice for families, groups of friends, and extended family gatherings. Featuring two double bedrooms and two twin bedrooms, there’s ample space and privacy for everyone.

If you’re looking for variety, Escape Ordinary has you covered with accommodations at the Lough Erne Golf Village, Devenish Manor, and plenty of options throughout the Fermanagh area.

Enniskillen Watersedge Apartments also offer a diverse range with 15 places to choose from, each designed to meet the unique preferences of the guest. For more information check out the websites, with booking links below.

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A LOOK BACK AT THE PAST

Before this year’s celebrations begin, come with us for a look back at previous St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Fermanagh.

St Patricks Day 2019 saw thousands of people flood the streets of Enniskillen to enjoy the vibrant celebration in the town centre.  Organised by Project St Patrick, the parade began at the Lakeland Forum with a host of traditional and modern entertainment acts, including the local band Full Moon Fever who added to the festival atmosphere. There were plenty of games, activities and fun on offer for the whole family. The town centre was filled to capacity with crowds four deep around Diamond and Hollow areas.

The global pandemic brought a stop to the celebration planning in 2020 and 2021. However, Enniskillen came alive again in 2022 after a 2-year break from celebrations. The St Patrick’s Day festival planned with Enniskillen BID including other local venues involved a day of celebrations for all the family. There was street entertainment including live music and Irish dancers. Unfortunately, given the short timeframe, a parade was not feasible for 2022.

Last year, 2023 we celebrated with the theme Back To The Future, that included wakeboarding leprechauns and vikings! The event was supported by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Enniskillen BID and local businesses.

The parade featured a range of traditional and carnival style floats, vintage & futuristic vehicles, acrobatics, live music as well as T-rex the interactive dinosaur and his baby.

As Project St Patrick Chairperson Feargal Shannon said; “last year was off the charts amazing and that was down to the crowds who came out even in the rain, it was their enthusiasm that created the buzz and atmosphere and made it feel like the sun was shining! We’ve been working hard all year to build on our event so we encourage everyone to not only come out again but bring someone who might never have been, there really is something for everyone.”

Immerse yourself in the beauty that Fermanagh has to offer and create lasting memories at the St Patrick’s Day 2024 celebrations in Enniskillen – we hope you enjoy the weekend!