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Westport – A Gathering for Patrick
March 13, 2015 - March 17, 2015
A Series of Free Events at the St Patrick’s Weekend Festival
Experience the rich culture of Ireland at a series of FREE EVENTS from Friday the 13th to Tuesday 17th March 2015. There will be a five day celebration this year following on from “A Gathering for Patrick 2014” with an extensive programme of events taking place around Westport. The celebrations kick off with music sensation Tommy Fleming at the Castlecourt Hotel on Friday night. Irish singer/songwriter David Dee Moore who has just released his latest EP ‘Burst’ will also perform on Friday night at John O’Grady’s at 9pm.
On Saturday the 15th you can start the day at Parkrun with a green theme, reminisce to memories of times past at Curry’s Cottage all while following the Piper Trail around the Town led by the Clew Bay Pipe Band. If you fancy a relaxed atmosphere head to Mc Ging’s and join in a majestic session with Freda Hatton on Harp and Julie Langan on fiddle. Relax into the evening at the Clew Bay Folk Club which kicks off at 4pm in Mat Molloy’s Yard Bar.
The Covey Wheelers will also host their annual Ras Maigh Eo Stage Race which includes 90km, 8km and 80km road races over two days. If you don’t fancy a bike race you can always pop along to Carrowholly on Sunday for the junior 800m and adult 5k commencing at 1.30 pm. For those who enjoy nothing more than a cup of tea and some cake head to Blousers at 3pm Sunday for a Cuppa with the Covies. For a memorable stroll around the town join in Westport Story, a 60 minute animated tour of the town, starting at the Octagon at 1.30pm on Sunday.
Mother’s day won’t be the only celebrations taking place on Sunday! Grab some lunch while listening to Last Night’s Sessions unique brand of traditional music at Mocha Beans Café. A new addition to the programme will be “The Emerald Flame” by Brénainn Mac Aodhagáin. This modern tale with an ancient twist, interlaced with music, song and poetry is one not to be missed!
Monday evening will be action packed at the Castlecourt Hotel. Join in music, song, dance and drama with special guests CODA and The Clew Bay Pipe Band at the Town Hall Fundraising Gala. Tickets are 15 Euro and all proceeds will go to the ongoing development of the Town Hall. Tickets are available at the Town Hall or contact 085 877 9796.
Of course the main event takes place on Tuesday, St. Patricks Day. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade will kick off at 1.30pm and will be celebrating St. Patrick and the Wild Atlantic Way. Joining in the celebration will be Westport Town Band and Clew Bay Pipe Band. Westport’s Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann will kick off the festivities on the day with the first ever performance at the newly refurbished Town Hall at 12.30pm. A dawn climb of Croagh Patrick will commence at 6am for the early risers. All weekend there will be a choice of music in Westport’s Pubs and cafes around the town – a cultural weekend not to be missed.
Click here to download the program
