Hey, Yanks! If you’re craving an Irish St. Patrick’s Day with a cozy twist, skip Dublin’s chaos and hop the DART to Bray in Wicklow. Trust me, it’s a gem! Maria and I traded the big-city bustle for this small-town treasure on March 17th, and wow, did Bray deliver. Picture this: a parade bursting with local flavor, friendly chats by a fireplace, and a vibe that screams Irish hospitality. Let’s dive into why Bray’s St. Patrick’s Day parade stole our hearts.
Why Bray’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade Beats the Big City
Dublin’s parade is grand, no doubt. But Bray? It’s intimate and oh-so-charming. We caught the DART from Lansdowne Road around lunchtime, landing at Bray Daly Station. The parade kicked off at 2:00 PM from the Town Hall on Main Street. Then, it wound through Bray’s cute streets—Florence Road, Eglinton Road, Quinsboro Road, Seymour Road, Seapoint Road—before hitting the Seafront’s northern end along Strand Road. Over 2,000 participants brought the route to life, showcasing Bray’s tight-knit community and cultural diversity. Honestly, it felt like Ireland’s soul was on display.
A Parade Packed with Local Flair
The Bray St. Patrick’s Day parade was a riot of color and energy. A girl next to me had the official lineup, so we peeked at the action. The Defence Forces led the way, followed by Bray for Ukraine and the Wicklow Fire Service Colour Party. Wicklow Civil Defence and Garda kept the vibe safe and fun. Then came Grand Marshal Matt Keenan—more on him later! Cyclists from Bray Wheelers and the Daredevil Cycling Crew zipped by, while the Lawless Academy of Irish Dancing tapped out pure joy. Groups like Bray 10th Scout Band, Wicklow Dog Rescue, and St. Patrick’s Loreto Puppet Show by Julie Rose McCormick added heart. Plus, local faves like Bray Emmets GAA Club and Bray Vintage Car Club rolled through. It was a perfect mix of Irish heritage and Bray parade charm.
Meet Matt Keenan: The Heart of Bray’s Parade
This year’s Grand Marshal, Matt Keenan, led with pride. Known for his mental health first aid work and The Anxious Lad podcast, Matt’s a Bray hero. His focus on community strength shone through, adding depth to the St. Patrick’s Day in Bray vibe. Seeing him wave from the front? It was a reminder of how tight this town is.
Beyond the Parade: Bray’s Festive Magic
The parade was just the start. Bray’s St. Patrick’s Day festival dished up live music, puppet shows, a funfair, and family fun. Thousands lined the streets, soaking in the inclusive charm. After a chilly morning, we ducked into Molloys Bakehouse & Coffee Shop—a must for any Yank exploring Dublin Dining Spots. We nabbed a spot by the roaring fireplace, sipping tea and munching cake. A woman from Clare joined us, sharing tales of farm life before moving to Bray. That’s Ireland for you—warmth everywhere.
Post-Parade Bliss and a Trip Home
After the Bray St. Patrick’s Day parade, we followed the crowd to the Strand. The grandstand, perched on a truck, hosted performances for the guests of honor. It wrapped up with pure community pride. Then, we hopped the express train to Tara Station, switched to a local for Lansdowne Road, and made a pitstop at the Avoca store in Ballsbridge. My Notre Dame jacket sparked a chat with some Indiana folks—classic Irish-American moment! Back home, Zeke, our pup, waited patiently (well, an hour past dinner time). For more expat adventures, check out American Expat Life in Dublin: Unraveling Irish Enigmas.
Why You Should Visit Bray Next March
Bray’s St. Patrick’s Day parade is a hidden gem for Yanks craving authenticity with a small-town twist. It’s less hectic than Dublin but just as Irish. Planning a trip? Add Bray to your list—trust me, you’ll love it. For more travel inspo, peek at Visit Wicklow. This Wicklow St. Patrick’s Day fest is a must-do!
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