Portlaoise set for wonderful St Patrick's Day festivities in Laois

It's almost St Patrick's Day and the biggest town in Laois is set for a marvellous day thanks to the hard work of the volunteer committee, with entertainment from the top to bottom of the town.

Portlaoise parade starting at 12.30pm will be crammed with the traditional brightly coloured floats from businesses, associations, and community groups from all over the county and beyond.

Many Laois clubs will be proudly parading in their own colours and a "bit o' the green" for the day that's in it.

The fun begins on Monday, March 17 when Portlaoise Athletic Club host their Streets of Portlaoise 5km race. Young, old, and everyone in between will be trying to beat their personal best times, to the cheers of thousands of well wishers lining the streets awaiting the parade.

The race route begins at Portlaoise College and weaves its way around town ending in a mad dash down Main Street to finish just past the viewing stand. A juvenile race starts at 10:20am with the main event off at 11am.

Once the race is done and the route cleared, the parade will start at 12:30pm.

Starting from Laois County Council offices it will turn left onto James Fintan Lawlor Avenue, then turning right to head towards Market Square, down Main Street, past the Viewing Stand/Main Stage in the Lower Square, and then turning right onto New Road crossing JFL Avenue before turning right towards County Hall past Dunnes and Tesco.

Laois favourite, Jeca the Clown will be roving up and down the street having the craic with the public too.

After the parade ends, kids can enjoy bouncy castles, with wristbands at €5 giving them endless bounces for the day in Lyster Square, a safe traffic free zone. 

See What's On in Laois here.

Entertainment will also start after with Markets and Music in the Top Square, and on the Main Stage in the Lower Square Irish Dancing displays, with the public encouraged to dance along to the music.

There'll also be traditional music from the Portlaoise Comhaltas Adults Group. If ballads and some classics are your choice Eamonn Dunne and Aidan McFaul will be just right for you, and then the crowd favourites, The AJ's will have everyone pumping with their brilliant set.

Have a look back at photos of the 2024 Portlaoise St Patrick's Day here.

With costs increasing, the public are invited to have fun and exercise the brain cells while supporting the Parade.

A fundraising Pub Quiz takes place in PJ Kavanagh's Pub, Main Street, this Friday night March 7. The cost is €40 per table and it starts at 8pm sharp with some great prizes on the night.

Businesses and clubs are invited to take part in the Portlaoise parade. Volunteer helpers are also sought, even if it's just for an hour or two.

Sponsors / donors are also very welcome. Contact the committee at; Paul Downey 085 7651443, email pauldowneymedia@gmail.com, Eugene McDonough 086 8156944 or email eugenemcdonough1@gmail.com or Christy Bannon 0868598461 email christybannon@gmail.com