Thousands turn out for colourful Pride celebrations in Mayo, Waterford and Donegal

Across the June bank holiday weekend, thousands of rainbow-clad marchers turned out for Pride parades in Mayo, Waterford and Donegal. The celebrations in the West and South of Ireland took place on Saturday, June 3, while festivities in Buncrana occurred on Sunday, June 5.

In Mayo, 500 people participated in the parade, which was observed by approximately 1,500 spectators. Maria Walsh MEP led the march through Westport and gave an impassioned speech about the queer rights movement and the concerning rise in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation worldwide.

The parade was just one of several events organised by Mayo Pride over the weekend, with the voluntary group expressing its gratitude towards the individuals, businesses and community organisations that helped to make the occasion a success.

In Waterford, Pride of the Déise similarly created a jam-packed programme of activities spanning four days, including Saturday’s march. Attendees gathered in Cathedral Square at 1pm and made their way to O’Connell Street, where a main stage was set up to keep the party going with an array of entertaining performances.

Finally, the second-ever Inishowen Pride occurred over the weekend, with the well-attended parade taking over the streets of Buncrana on Sunday. Derry’s Micky Doherty led the march as Grand Marshall, and after the fact, organisers thanked “everyone who took part, attended and supported”.

The celebrations in Mayo, Waterford and Donegal were among Ireland’s first Pride events of the year, with plenty more planned for later in the month and beyond. Next up is Tipperary Pride, taking place in Thurles on June 10, followed by Omagh Pride and Dungarvan Pride, both of which are happening on June 17.

Following that, the week-long Dublin Pride festival is scheduled from June 20 to 25, with Navan Pride rounding off the month with events organised from June 26 to July 1.

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