This year the St Patrick’s Day will be extra special as not only are the festivities returning, there is also an extra bank holiday on 18 March. It is the perfect time to take a trip to the magical Munster Vales and see what is on offer. We’ve selected a few top highlights and attractions below, or you can create your own trip by checking out the many attractions here.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the Munster Vales
After two years without a St Patrick’s Day parade, the festivities are returning this year with parades taking place in Ballyhoura. So line the streets, wear your colours, wave your flags, and enjoy this great national celebration.
Parades will take place in Kilfinane, Castleconnell, Bruff and Kilmallock. There will also a ‘St. Patrick’s Day Family Fun Run’ taking place in Croom. It will catered for both serious runners and those who just want to go out and have fun.
Things to See and Do
The kids will also love a visit to the Liscarroll Donkey Sanctuary in Cork. Book some time at the open farm and check out how Lockdown Lockie, the foal, is getting on. It’s also the perfect spot for a picnic and a scenic walk. Then stop by Thatch and Thyme Café to sample their luscious salads, creamy chowder and big, wholesome bakes.
Then take a trip to the Anne Valley Walkway and Wildlife Centre in Waterford. This is a lovely flat walk and ideal with children. There are lovely views and quirky little touches, such as a worry tree and fairy doors. Stop off for a barista coffee, snacks and a chat with the locals at the seasonal Happy Grind coffee wagon.
St. Declan’s Way in the Munster Vales
St. Patrick’s Day is also the perfect time to experience the 115km pilgrim walking route of St Declan’s Way. As Ireland’s rival to the Camino in Spain, the path ranks as an ancient holy route in Ireland. It traces the reputed trek made by St Declan between Ardmore in Waterford to Cashel in Tipperary. He was going to meet with St Patrick. The way crosses some of the most historic and picturesque areas of Ireland, St Declan’s Way is not to be missed in a trip to the Munster Vales.
Make sure you visit Limerick and see the beautiful Lough Gur – a shallow lake measuring 3.5 meters at its deepest level. The exhibition in the visitor centre provides an overview of one of Ireland’s most important archaeological sites and is the only area in the country where you can see visible evidence of every age since Neolithic times. Definitely an experience that you won’t forget.
Hotels for Families
You can stay at the Charleville Park Hotel in Cork which offers a supervised movie night for kids at the weekend. You can stay on a B&B basis in a superior bedroom from €260.00 per night. The hotel also has a leisure centre which includes a pool, sauna, jacuzzi, steam room & gym that you can use.
Or you can stay at Clonmel Park Hotel in Tipperary from €99.00 per person sharing with its “Girlie Getaway” package. You’ll get one night bed and full Irish breakfast, bubbly afternoon tea, a house cocktail, two course evening meal with tea or coffee, and complimentary use of the leisure facilities.