Ireland’s Patron Saint, (St Patrick) and Ireland’s national holiday will be celebrated in style in Ireland’s Mid-West strategic planning region latter consisting of the counties of Tipperary, Clare and Limerick.
On Sunday, March 16th, County Clare’s Bunratty Castle & Folk Park visitor attraction will kickstart its 2025 tourist season with a comprehensive programme of St Patrick’s weekend entertainment featuring Irish music and dancing, storytelling, demonstrations of traditional Irish crafts and skills, and many other family fun activities.
Darby O’Gill pictured at the launch of Bunratty Castle & Folk Park’s St Patrick’s weekend programme of events.
The world-famous 15th century castle also will join other famous landmarks across Ireland in being lit up in green for the weekend.
“We are inviting the public to join us in celebrating our national feast day with the perfect blend of Irish tradition, culture, and family fun to kick off our 2025 tourist season,” said Marie Brennan, (Events Manager at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park).
“From world-class Irish dancing performances and traditional music sessions to encounters with St. Patrick himself and our merry band of dancing leprechauns, we have created a programme of events to entertain visitors of all ages,” she added. “Whether you are learning a ‘cúpla focal’ at our schoolhouse, watching traditional baking demonstrations, or witnessing vintage machinery at work, Bunratty offers a unique taste of Ireland’s rich heritage this St. Patrick’s weekend.”
Family fun activities include the Bunratty Express Train, Bouncy Castles in the Red Barn behind Macs Pub, and an opportunity to meet St Patrick, as he parades through the village street. There will be curious characters located throughout the Folk Park including Konor the Clown and his merry band of Dancing Leprechauns, and Finegas the Druid who will be recounting Irish fables and legends.
Irish dancing will take centre stage in the Corn Barn with performances by the Linda Ball Hoban School of Irish Dance, which has enjoyed extensive success at the World Irish Dance Championships and whose members have gone on to perform all over the world with Riverdance. Performers will be dancing between the jigs and the reels at 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. There will also be live traditional Irish music seisiúns throughout the day with the public invited to bring their own instruments and join in with Bunratty’s resident musicians
For younger visitors there will be a fun and interactive Clue Trail that will lead participants to all four corners of the Folk Park through woodland trails and paddocks, with their vast array of indigenous Irish animal species from Kerry Bog Ponies to Irish Red Deer and Bunratty’s resident Irish Wolfhounds Rian and Mide.
At the schoolhouse, Bunratty’s resident Schoolmaster will be on hand to teach visitors a ‘Cúpla Focal’ and entertain with tales and traditions from school days of old, including the story of the four leafed clover and how St Patrick really drove the snakes out of Ireland.
The Bean an Tí will host a demonstration of Traditional Baking and Butter Making at 2:00pm in the Golden Vale Farmhouse where Irish superstitions will also be explained, including why it is considered bad luck to spill salt, why seeing a solo magpie can strike fear into the heart of a passerby, and why an itchy nose signifies a fight is coming in your near future.
Members of the Clare Vintage and Engine Tractor Club will be present on the day to demonstrate an array of vintage agricultural machinery at work, including corn grinders, water pumps and mini threshing machinery. Ireland’s largest collection of vintage farm machinery also will be on display around the park. The Talbot Collection have been bequeathed to the tourist attraction for permanently display throughout the 26-acre folk park and features more than 50 items of machinery, including ploughs, hay rakes, and Turnip and Mangel Seeders.
Mná Month, is held in Cashel Library every year during the month of March. The entire month morphs into one long celebration of women and it is done creatively.
International Women’s Day falls on March 8th and Mother’s Day traditionally falls towards the end of March, making this month the ideal time to make this event happen.
In a joint collaboration between Creative Ireland and Tipperary County Council Library Service, patrons are invited to celebrate women by tapping into their creativity.
The year 2025 marks the fifth year of this month-long celebration of women, with the library formerly hosting big names like Rachel Blackmore, Una Healy, Bibi Baskin, Rosemary Smyth and many more. The library will host a wonderful programme of FREE events that celebrate the achievements of women.
Annual Mná Month in Cashel Library, Co. Tipperary.
“This year the library service particularly welcomes non-nationals, the LGBTQ+ community, the active aged and adults who live with Dementia and Neurodivergence” says Ms Maura Barrett, (Branch Librarian and co-ordinator); adding “The library service is for everyone and it is important that we spread our reach as far as is possible.”
Saturday March 1st, Mná Month begins with a concert by the Wood of O, with doors open at 7.30pm. Comprising of singer-songwriter MsBreege Phelan and Songwriter/Composer MrWill McLellan, who have been mesmerising audiences for nearly a decade now, with their own unique original material and classic folk songs.
On Monday March 3rd, beginning at 11:00am the Cashel library will host ‘Write Minds Poetry Workshop’ facilitated by Ms Eileen Acheson & MsJenny Cox. This Poetry & Wellness is targeted at beginner and early-stage writers and is a fun and safe space, where writers are encouraged to put pen to paper using creative prompts, and wellness techniques.
On Monday March 3rd, and Monday March 10th beginning at 2:00pm Cashel library hosts English Conversation for new arrivals with experienced Failte Isteach tutors. These are fun filled and structured English conversations for beginners, intermediate and advanced learners of English.
On Tuesday 4th, Wednesday 5th & Thursday 6th of March, beginning at 2:00pm, Cashel library hosts a ‘Mnásome Quiz’, for the Active Aged, facilitated by librarian Ms Claire Grant. This promises to be both competitive and great craic with prizes for the winning team. Also, on Tuesday March 4th, beginning at 6:00pm, there is an Art Exhibition Launch with well-known and local artist Ms Joan O’Brien, who paints the female essence and her emotions. Her work embodies the mystical, spiritual and ethereal side of nature. Joan utilises mixed media like glass, paint and inks in her art works. This exhibition continues for the month.
On Saturday March 8th, beginning at 11:00am, there will be ‘Circle Dancing’ on International Women’s Day with Ms Tracey Tobin. Circle Dance is a gentle healing way to bring body, mind & spirit together. This workshop helps to relieve daily stress and release creative energy. It is the place where you can let your mind learn from your body. “I’ve always been struck by the quiet and unsummed female attribute of women’s creativity”, states Ms Maura Barrett(co-ordinator), “It is something that often goes undeclared but does so much to enrich the lives of others. This gift of creativity, drawn from the heart and mind is freely given, and translates into many things. It all requires vision, imagination, organisation, problem solving and orchestrating which is a creative skillset, even if many women don’t recognise it as such.”
Other events will include Comhrá as gaeilge; Hidden History(in collaboration with the County Museum); Genealogy; Making Birdboxes(with Elke Wilson); Jewellery Making(with GG Designs); Celtic Ceol & Craic(with Ms Patrice Davern); Candle Painting and Print Making(with Ms Lisa Manton); Women’s Health(with Ms Sabine Eggars); Crystal Healing(with Eileen Heneghan); Shamanic Drumming(with the O’Riains); Mnásome Karoke; Ceili Dancing; Queer Stories; Author Interviews and a Movie Night.
Note: Do please make sure to book your place early if you see an event you like, because seating accomodation will get booked very quickly as the month progresses! Booking Please to Tel: 062 63825
You canlocate the Cashel Library building, situated on Friar Street, Lady’s Well, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, HERE. (G487+RX).
Mr John Kenehan, (Chairperson Thurles St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee) Reports:
The Thurles Saint Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Monday 17th March 2025, and will leave from Abbey Road at 2:15pm sharp. The main sponsors of the parade are Tipperary County Council, the Thurles Chamber of Commerce and as in previous years local Businesses. The Thurles St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee are once again seeking your support by sponsoring this event, donating funds towards organising the Parade.
Video: G. Willoughby.
The success of the Parade over the years is due to this generous sponsorship and the participation by local businesses, clubs, schools, residents’ associations and other organisations. The theme of the 2025 Parade is “Mythical Ireland, in the time of Saint Patrick”; Or “A theme of your personal choice”. Entry, as always is free and all are welcome to showcase their business or organisation. Note: As always, the Committee will advertise the names of all sponsors in local media outlets.
Video: G. Willoughby.
Prizes will be awarded as follows:
Over All Winner: €500 & Trophy Sponsored by Michael’s Jewellers.
Best Large Entry €250 & Trophy Sponsored by Thurles Supermac’s.
Best School Entry: €200 & Trophy sponsored by Thurles Shopping Centre.
Best Band Entry: €200 & Trophy.
Various Category Prizes: 12 Prizes plus Cash and 500 Medals.
For further information, please contact or text the Chairperson Johnny Kenehan @ 085 1974620 or email durlaseileparade25@gmail.com or hello@thurlestouristoffice.ie Post To: The Treasurer, Thurles St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, c/o Thurles Tourist Office, Slievenamon Road, Thurles, E41 C6W8.
TheShannon Region (which consists of counties North Tipperary, Clare and Limerick) seeks to host EuroPride 2028.
Clare festival blends traditional matchmaking with modern pride.
The organisers of “The Outing 2025“ have announced that the world’s only LGTBQ+ matchmaking festival will return to the Shannon Region, this Valentine’s Weekend(14th-16th February).
Eddie McGuinness, Festival Director and Matchmaker of “The Outing” pictured with Elle Uminati at The Inn, Dromoland in Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare.
Ireland’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer or questioning (LGBTQ+) community will descend on The Inn at Dromoland in Newmarket-on-Fergus for a fusion of music, comedy, ceilí bands, queer arts, and the best of Irish and international performers, drag artists and DJs.
Special guests at this year’s 12th annual festival include Charra Tea, a fan-favourite from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 6, and Actavia, the breakout star of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16. Irish queer artist Shobsy and English boxing manager and promoter Kellie Moloney, who managed Lennox Lewis to become the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world, also will be participating.
Organised in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland, Blacknight, Visit Clare, Goudie Talent, The George, Limerick Pride and Quare Clare, the award-winning festival is being hosted by “The Queen of Matchmaking” Eddie McGuinness, alongside Paul Ryder and Victoria Secret.
Staff at The Inn, Dromoland in Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare pictured ahead of The Outing this Valentine’s Weekend.
The Outing organisers have also confirmed that their joint letter of intent with Quare Clare, Limerick Pride and Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, to bring EuroPride to Limerick, Clare and the Mid-West Region in 2028 has been officially accepted for Wild Atlantic EuroPride 2028. Attracting over 100,000 people from all over the world annually, EuroPride is hosted by a different European city each year.
Speaking ahead of “The Outing”, Eddie McGuinness commented, “After what has been a tough January for everybody, we are excited to bring The Outing back for its 12th year. The Outing offers attendees a blend of traditional matchmaking with modern pride and with more than a hundred relationships and two marriages borne out of the festival to date, I am looking forward to playing my part in forging new relationships this year.”
“From ceilí bands to drag performances, we’re creating a uniquely Irish LGBTQ+ celebration that draws people from around the world to County Clare,” added Mr. McGuinness. “Having international stars like Kellie Moloney, Charra Tea and Actavia joining our lineup of incredible Irish talent shows just how much this event has blossomed over the years. We are extending everyone, whether you’re single or taken gay, lesbian, trans, straight or bi, to come along and join us this Valentine’s Weekend.”
Mr. McGuinness said the acceptance of the Region’s letter of intent to host EuroPride in 2028 has provided a significant boost for the Irish LGBTQ+ community.
“The potential to host EuroPride 2028 could be transformative for tourism in the Mid-West, showcasing our vibrant culture to an international audience. Should our bid be successful, our goal will be to paint the Wild Atlantic Way pink during 2028,” he concluded.
Karen Ronan is General Manager of the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, which has worked to attract business and sports tourism to the Shannon Region over the past two decades. She said “The Outing has helped put Ireland’s Mid-West Region on the global LGBTQ+ map.”
“This unique event not only strengthens Ireland’s reputation as a welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ visitors but also brings significant economic benefits to the region. We are delighted to once again support Eddie and his team in hosting The Outing 2025 and in their bid to host EuroPride in the Mid-West Region in three years’ time,” added Ms. Ronan.
The Outing 2025 takes place at The Inn, Dromoland, Newmarket-On-Fergus, County Clare, on Valentine’s Weekend from Friday, 14th February to Sunday, 16th February.
Everyone knew this weekend was a bank holiday weekend, but for the second weekend running, Clothes Pods, in Parnell Carpark remain unemptied, left to overflow, while people happy to recycle, were left without service once again.
Scene for the past two weekends in Parnell St. Carpark, Thurles, Co, Tipperary.
Last weekend, it was a similar scenario.
Early on Monday morning last (January 24th), a worker/workers removed the excess clothing they could reach; latter sticking out of locked, tightly packed Clothes Pods and also picked up numerous bags of clothing strewn on the ground, caused solely by the lack of space being provided. Same were then tidied up, placed and tied neatly into clear plastic bags for collection.
However, since last weekend these locked Pods themselves were never emptied and today just 5 days later, (Saturday February 1st), our picture, shown above, tells the true tale of failures in basic Tipperary County Council administration. This situation, which in fact constitutes illegal dumping, is helped by the fact that 3 clothing pods, one at ALDI carpark, one at Thurles Swimming Pool and one at junction of Mitchel Street and Boheravroon (Borroway), have been removed and not replaced since possibly July of 2024. See our reports of August 3rd, 2024 – on May 3rd 2024 – going back as far as June 7th, 2021.
Surely someone on the ground, e.g. Thurles Traffic Warden etc., who presently go around photographing parked car registration plates, could be instructed to report on a daily/weekly basis, in an effort to correct this major issue, in a town which plays at pretending to encourage tourism.
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