Fáilte Ireland supported the greening of several locations across Athlone throughout March to mark St. Patrick’s Day this year.
This activity is in addition to the greening of heritage sites and State buildings announced by the Government in association with the Office of Public Works (OPW ) and the St Patrick’s Festival Organisation.
In Athlone, landmarks including Athlone Castle and the White Bridge alighted in customary green to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.
“We are delighted to work with Fáilte Ireland on this greening project for the St Patrick’s Day festival in Athlone to promote our county and attract international visitors to celebrate here when travel opens back up. We will be lighting a number of locations to mark St Patrick’s Day and have a fantastic line up of virtual events to celebrate this March,” Fiona Fitzgerald, Tourism Officer, Westmeath County Council, stated.
“Despite the current challenges we want Ireland to celebrate safely its unique culture this St Patrick’s Day. These greening projects across the country will do this and position Ireland firmly in the mind of the world with a message of hope for brighter days ahead for people here at home while reassuring tourists that, when it is safe for them to do so, they will be welcomed to celebrate with us once more,” Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, speaking ahead of the local greening projects for St Patrick’s Day, said.
“While we can’t celebrate St Patrick’s Day in the same way this year, we hope to keep Ireland front of mind and showcase what we have to offer across the country. We have been working with local St Patrick’s Day festival organisers and the local authorities to illuminate key locations throughout the month of March to mark our national holiday. The content captured during the time will be used to inspire international visitors to celebrate St Patrick’s Day here in Ireland when it is safe to do so,” Head of Festivals at Fáilte Ireland, Ciara Sugrue, concluded
