Broughshane and Slemish gear up for St Patrick's Day celebrations

​Broughshane is getting ready to celebrate its connection with Slemish mountain and the boyhood years of St Patrick.

The traditional St Patrick’s Day climb of Slemish will take place on Tuesday 17 March and a series of activities are planned to make it a rewarding experience for all.

Broughshane & District Community Association will provide the hub of the event in the village, with outdoor entertainment, including performances from the lively six piece band, Pure Blarney and the twenty-strong, Portglenone Comhaltas Group, traditional music and dance, bouncing bunnies, The Quiet Men with crafts and face painting for the very young.

The award-winning Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market will attend for the first time, offering visitors the unique market experience showcasing a wide range of artisan produce and high quality hand crafted goods.

The one and a half kilometre walk at Slemish takes approximately one hour up and down and it is strongly advised that suitable clothing and strong footwear is worn.

Sections of the short climb can be steep and slippery and might not be suitable for all.

Don’t forget to pick up your climber’s certificate and medal back down in the village, though supplies are limited.

There will be no parking at Slemish, Carnstroan Road or Carnstroan Lane, so a free park and ride service will operate from the former Michelin plant, Broughshane, just off the M2.

The shuttle bus to Slemish Mountain will run continually from 9am – 3:30pm stopping in Broughshane village and Raceview Mill, so nobody will miss out on the free entertainment and shopping offers.

For those who would enjoy an easier trek than Slemish, a gentle riverside walk from Raceview Mill takes visitors past the Raceview hedgehog habitat and along the beautiful river Braid as it meanders around the village.

A short walk from the dropping off point for the buses will bring visitors to the stunning Broughshane wildfowl pond and nature habitat, a real treat for both young and not so you.

This event has been supported by The Executive Office through Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Good Relations Programme.

For further information and download a guide for the day visit www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/stpatricksday