Countdown to all the Laois parades
The great Joe Cass as St Patrick at the 2023 parade in Spink. Photo: Alf Harvey
Communities are gearing up for fantastic parades in towns and villages across Laois this weekend.
Here are the start times of all the parades, so get ready for a colourful day full of fun and celebration:
Rathdowney – Parade starts at 12 noon from St Fergal’s College, followed by a family festival afternoon in the Square. The Square will remain closed to parking until 4pm.
The Heath – 8:45 am, starting from The Heath GAA clubhouse.
Vicarstown – 9am from the bridge, leading to 9:30am Mass.
Killeshin – 9:15am, assembly at the new school, proceeding to 10am Mass.
Ballyroan – 10am, following 9:30 am Mass.
Timahoe – 10am from the Community Centre, leading to 10:30 am Mass.
Spink – 9:30am Mass, followed by a parade through the village.
Graiguecullen – 11am, starting in Carlow Town Park, ending at St Clare’s Church for 11:30am Mass.
Stradbally – 11am from Rathmore Road, leading to 11:30am Mass.
Clonaslee – 12 noon, gathering at the Community Centre from 11am.
Mountrath – 12 noon, starting from St Fintan’s GAA grounds.
Portlaoise – 12:30pm, parade leaves Laois County Council offices on James Fintan Lalor Avenue and proceeds through the town centre, followed by a fun afternoon with bouncy castles, carnival rides, market stalls and live music.
Mountmellick – 2pm, starting from LOETB college, passing O’Connell Square.
Portarlington - 3pm, walking parade from Bank of Ireland to the People’s Park, with live Irish music and dance and lots more. Live music at Market Square from 2pm to 5pm.
Rosenallis – 3:30pm, vehicles assemble at Johnsgrove, walking groups at the Green School.
**There is no parade in Abbeyleix this year
