First St Patrick's Day parade in Limerick this weekend

NEWCASTLE West is getting a march on the rest of the county by hosting its St Patrick's Day parade this Saturday afternoon.

It is set to be a joyous occasion as the county's largest town celebrates Ireland's patron saint with a parade for the first time since before Covid.

From 1pm, the Square will be full of market stalls with food and crafts, and feature street entertainment, live music and fun for little ones and grown-ups alike, said Rosemarie Bennis, of the organising committee.

"Our market stalls include crepes, coffee, pizza, sweets, skin and hair care, dog treats, schools crafts, photography and fabulous cakes. We also have a charity bake stall very kindly supported by Marguerite's Bakery and Mike Murphy Frozen Foods with the proceeds going to the hard-working and highly valued volunteers at Deel Animal Rescue.

"Little ones and big ones can avail of free face painting, enjoy a circus skills performance before and after the parade and have fun watching puppetry while the crowd gathers. Along the Castle railings musicians from the Wren Boys Band and MC Liam Aherne will entertain and get the crowd going for the main event," said Ms Bennis.

All participants in the parade are asked to convene at the community centre from 2pm.

"At 3pm we will wind our way through The Square, along Maiden Street, rounding into North Quay and returning through Bridge Street to the Square. 

"The parade will be led by the Newcastle West Pipe Band and feature the Killeedy and Carrigkerry Wren Boys, Jamie Herlihy’s School of Performing Arts, Joanne’s Bridal from Askeaton, SMI Award-winning Junk Kouture designers, West Limerick Resources, local sports clubs and many more," said Ms Bennis.

READ MORE: Much-loved teacher to lead St Patrick's Day parade in Limerick town

After the parade, a second circus skills performance will take place and there will be another chance to visit all the craft and food stalls in The Square.

"Come along to enjoy the national holiday in our town, meet your neighbours, have fun and celebrate our talented community," urged Ms Bennis.

Motorists are advises that from 2.45pm to 4pm access into the town centre from Killarney Road, Bishop Street and Church Street will be restricted.