One of our favourite times of the year in the Boyne Valley. The evenings are getting longer, we have a day off work and school (and the bonus of an extra day off this year) and we celebrate all things Irish! There is nowhere better in Ireland to celebrate our patron saints feast day than the Boyne Valley.
We have a special connection to St Patrick here in the Boyne Valley. In 433 Patrick travelled from Co. Down on a journey that would change Ireland forever. He landed at Inbher Colpa and sailed up the Boyne. He chose the Hill of Slane to announce his arrival in the Boyne Valley (and indeed Ireland). As the druids prepared to celebrate the Feast of Tara, St. Patrick celebrated Easter and lit the Paschal Fire in direct defiance of the pagan ritual!
The fire was observed from the Hill of Tara and the druids told King Laoghaire that unless it was extinguished that same night, it would never be put out. The King was outraged and summoned Patrick to Tara (setting up many ambushes along the way). Patrick arrived safely and eventually, and reluctantly, the King and his followers converted to Christianity. St. Erc, who was the only person to pay due homage to St. Patrick during the stand-off, founded a monastery on the Hill of Slane.
As well as plenty of historical places of interest to visit this St Patrick's day, why not enjoy a day out at a parade, listen to some Irish music in our bars and hotels or just enjoy the long weekend exploring all the amazing festivities in our region.
Parades
Drogheda St Patrick's Day Parade
Because 2022 is the centenary of Irish Independence Saint Patrick has proclaimed this year’s parade will be “Drogheda’s biggest and best parade so far” with a new route secured that will bring the parade across West Street for the first time in decades. The parade will start at 12pm following the route shown below.
The parade route is a short walk from 79 West Street, Clarke's Bar, Scholars Restaurant at Scholars Townhouse Hotel, and the Punt Pub. All fantastic places to meet up for lunch, dinner or a few drinks after the parade.
Dunboyne St Patricks Day Parade
Dunboyne Festival Committee are delighted to be back organising a Parade for St. Patrick's Day 2022 to be held on Sunday the 13th of March. The Parade will start at 2pm in the town. Be sure to pop into Dunboyne Castle Hotel on the day for your lunch!
Athboy St Patrick’s Day Parade
The annual St Patrick’s Day parade is back in Athboy this year and it is starting at 12.30pm! Their theme is “Go Green” and it promises to be a great afternoon of fun for the entire family. Pop into the Lawrence Hotel or The Darnley Lodge Hotel for lunch or dinner and really make a day of it!
Ratoath St Patrick’s Day Street Festival
If you are looking for something a little different this year, Ratoath are holding a St Patrick’s Day Street festival on the 17th of March from 12.30pm to 2.00pm. There will be music, street entertainment and a prize for the best St Patrick’s Day outfit!
Kells St Patrick’s Day Parade
After a quiet 2 years in Kells, the town is looking forward to celebrating St Patrick this year and bringing music and dance to the streets once again. The parade will start at 3.00pm. You will be spoiled for choice on where to visit before or after the parade. Try a yummy carvery lunch in the Headfort Arms Hotel, dinner in the Bective Restaurant, a lite bite at Eureka House or pay a visit to Park Rí destination stop on the Cavan road.
Enfield St Patrick’s Day Parade
The Enfield St Patrick's Day committee have a great day planned this March 17th. A colour party from an Garda Siochana will lead the parade, marking 100 years of the force. The St Laurence Pipe Band will also be in attendance with more announcements on the way. Be sure to pop in to the Hamlet Court Hotel for their famous lunch before the parade or afterwards for dinner.
Slane St Patrick’s Day Parade
St Patrick will visit Slane once again this year for the towns parade. The Parade will start at 3pm at the petrol station on the Ardee Road and make its way down through the town. Enjoy a bite to eat in the Conyngham Arms Hotel in the town, or take a walk out to visit the beautiful Slane Castle and Slane Distillery. 
Oldcastle St Patrick’s Day Parade
Oldcastle will be a hive of activity on the 17th of March with their St Patrick’s Day parade starting at 12pm at the show hall. A great day for the entire family is guaranteed. Call into Farrelly’s Bar on Church street to toast St Patrick himself and enjoy a festive lunch! 
There is also a parade in Ardee in Co. Louth (3pm).
Make the long weekend a great weekend and stay a night or three in the Boyne Valley this St Patrick’s Day weekend. Read all about our accommodation special offers here.
Its been 2 years on the back burner so make the most of St Patrick’s Day this year in the Boyne Valley!
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