There are five key things anyone attending a St Patrick’s Day parade in Ireland needs to know, according to gardai.
Officers have issued their official advice as Ireland gets ready to celebrate on March 17.
The national parade takes place in Dublin city centre from 12 noon until 2.30pm, while smaller events and parades are planned for many towns and villages across Ireland.
Gardai have engaged with a range of stakeholders, including pubs, shops and off-licences in advance of the festivities
A major policing plan has been put in place to ensure those attending the various events can enjoy themselves and feel safe
A spokesperson said: “The policing priority is to facilitate a family-friendly event and environment in which citizens can enjoy the St Patrick’s festivities and public realms. An Garda Siochana will have an extensive policing plan in place for all St Patrick’s Day parades nationwide.
“The consumption of alcohol in public places is generally restricted by local authority bye laws in most local authority areas, including Dublin City Centre. An Garda Siochana will be enforcing these bye laws on the consumption of alcohol in public places.”
Gardai have issued a nifty five-point checklist of what you need to know if you’re going to a parade around the country.
- Plan your journey in advance.
- Select the area that you want to view the parade in advance of travelling.
- Arrive early.
- Keep children under close supervision. Where possible children should have phone numbers for their guardians in the event of accidental separation.
- Mind your personal belongings.
Further advice has been issued to those attending the national parade in Dublin. Gardai say:
- Gardai are encouraging everybody who wishes to attend the St. Patrick’s Day Festival Parade to please use public transport.
- The National Transport Authority (NTA) in association with all public transport providers have developed a significant public transport network for the day.
- If you live outside the M50, try to leave your car outside the M50 zone.
- If you live inside the M50 zone on the Southside, aim to leave your car outside the Grand Canal zone and if you live on the Northside, aim to leave your car outside the North Circular Road zone. The parade route is accessible by public transport/ walking from these areas.
- Please follow signage and all directions from stewards and gardai.
Issuing some overall personal safety advice, gardai continued:
- If you are socialising over this bank holiday festivity weekend plan your night out
- Drink alcohol responsibly
- Never drink and drive, no matter the time of the day/ night
- Plan your night out, tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back
- Don’t let your friends or family walk home alone, there is safety in numbers.
- If you have to, walk in well lit areas and make sure you can be seen by passing traffic (wear reflective gear/ carry a torch).
- Take care when carrying personal property (handbag, smart phone or tablet) in crowded areas; keep them in a safe location within view.
- Watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas; Keep handbags zipped and don’t put your wallet in your back pocket. In bars and restaurants take care about where you store coats and handbags.
- Park and lock your car in secure, well lit areas. Keep valuables including bags and coats hidden.
The 2023 national St Patrick's Day parade will take place on Friday, March 17 from 12 noon until 2.30pm in Dublin city centre. The parade will commence at 12pm at the junction of Granby Row and Dorset Street.
It will follow the following route this year: Granby Row, Parnell Square North, Parnell Square East, O'Connell Street Upper, O'Connell Street Lower, O'Connell Bridge, Westmoreland Street, College Green, Dame Street, Lord Edward Street, Christ Church Place, Nicolas Street, Patrick Street, Kevin Street Upper Kevin Street Lower and finishing on Cuffe Street St.
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