Some of the highlights on the Kinsale Calendar of Events are the annual Kinsale St. Patrick's Day Maritime and Street Parades.
Preparations are well underway for the Maritime Parade which will take place on Wednesday 16th March in the harbour. Prepare to be blown away by the sight of beautifully lit boats sailing into the harbour under the night sky. There will be a few additional surprises this year and spectators are asked to come in Fancy Dress with the theme being 'Light'. There will be prizes for the best costumes! Children are asked to bring torches along to add to the atmosphere. The evening will culminate in a spectacular Fireworks Display.
St. Patrick's Day will see the colourful Street Parade weave its way through the town from the New Road car park at 4pm, finishing at the Pier Head. Get into the spirit of the day with a Ceili at Emmet Place from 2pm which will precede the Parade. There will be free face painting and balloons for the smallies so everyone will be happy! Prizes for the Children's Art Competition will be presented in the Tourist Office at 2pm. There will be prizes for the Best Fun Dressed Adult, Teenager and Child during the Parade so get your thinking caps on and fancy dress to impress!
This year the committee is delighted that local man Charles Henderson has accepted their invitation to be Grand Marshal. Charles will retire from his position as Town Foreman with Cork County Council this year after decades of service but more than that Charles has been a tireless volunteer on many Kinsale committees, particularly Kinsale Tidy Towns. It is fitting that his contributions to Kinsale will be acknowledged in this way.
Entries are still being accepted for the Parade, email [email protected] by Friday March 11th. Businesses are invited to Go Green and decorate their premises for the weekend to ensure a vibrant, colourful atmosphere in Kinsale and of course there will be prizes for the Best Dressed Windows!
If anyone is interested in sponsoring or providing funding for the many events taking place or can help out with stewarding please email [email protected].

Come along and enjoy the fun in Kinsale on St. Patrick's Day!

Photo: John Allen