It’s a very strange kind of St Paddy’s Day in Ireland this year.
With no bars, no parades and no clubs, a challenge has been presented. Yes, it’s March 17—a day most of Ireland’s population would usually spend in town and/or at the pub—but now, due to moves to stop the spread of coronavirus, they’ve had to adapt.
And—shocker!—they’ve done just that. The virtual parade is here! Did you really doubt the Irish spirit? You shouldn’t have for a second. The St. Patrick’s Day show must go on!
No #StPatricksDay parades today due to #CoronavirusOutbreak
We decided to try & cheer you all up with our very own #FarmParade for #LaFheilePadraig
Where ever you are in the world today, tweet us a photo of you with your Irish Flag 🇮🇪 #FutureofFarming #RTEVirtualParade pic.twitter.com/hZFTwvn8A1
— Peter hynes🐄🇮🇪 #TeamHynes (@Peterhynes15) March 17, 2020
RTE came up with the brilliant idea of creating a hashtag to get people in St Paddy’s spirit, and share their garden celebrations. Go to #RTEVirtualParade to check out all the parades, or use the tag yourself on Twitter and Instagram to share your festivities!
The results of this are as glorious as you’d expect, and a much-needed distraction to lift the mood in this difficult period. Here are some of our favourites. Long live the virtual parade!
Obsessed with this window near me #paddys_panes #RTEVirtualParade pic.twitter.com/DIlvYqJ2ko
— Sarah Breen 🙅🏼♀️ (@SarahJayBee) March 17, 2020
#RTEVirtualParade #Proudtobeirish This is our own mini #StPatricksDay Parade – Eoghan & Duke getting Cabin Fever! Best Wishes Everyone – #StaySafe & Let’s hope with the Luck of the Irish we get through this in a few weeks. Look after each other ❤️❤️❤️❤️☘️☘️☘️☘️ pic.twitter.com/VMn2qOwlEQ
— Dr Tom Clonan (@TomClonan) March 17, 2020
Can’t let a pandemic stop the parade over here in Co. Clare ☘️ Happy St. Patrick’s day #virtualparade #RTEVirtualParade #StPatricksDay2020 pic.twitter.com/CNit7lMYKh
— Nicola O’ Halloran (@nikkioh101) March 17, 2020
Happy St. Patrick’s Day ☘️☘️☘️ from Co. Clare #virtualparade #RTEVirtualParade pic.twitter.com/ft5BYqT2Od
— orlaith corr (@CorrOrlaith) March 17, 2020
A St Patrick’s Day that won’t be forgotten. It was good to 🤣 doing our #RTEVirtualParade this morning. TJ & Frankie 🐻 definitely enjoyed it. pic.twitter.com/6hmSDfMxYu
— Caroline Brosnihan (@DietitianCNDC) March 17, 2020
There we have it. A great time for all. Have a relaxing St. Patrick’s Day, stay safe and, remember, #RTEVirtualParade. I think they’ve won the internet today.
This article was originally posted on Secret Dublin, with adaptations.