Could 'blood rain' cause havoc for NI on St Patrick's Day?
Orange skies, red rain and sand storms have hit parts of the UK 🌅
Have you spotted the colourful snaps on social media recently, showcasing ominous sunset, orange skies and dusty winds?
Well that’s down to the a huge sandstorm, having been transported more than 1,500 miles away in the Sahara Desert.
Storm Celia swept eastwards to Spain, Portugal and France earlier this week, which brought strong winds, hot air and travel disruption to the Canary Islands.
The Met Office has suggested that if the winds in the upper part of the atmosphere are blowing north, the dust can be carried as far as the UK.
The Met Office has suggested that if the winds in the upper part of the atmosphere are blowing north, the dust can be carried as far as the UK.
According to the forecasters, the dust is lingering approximately two kilometres above ground level, but some might fall to the ground when it rains turning the droplets orange/red also known as ‘blood rain.’
What is ‘blood rain’?
Blood rain isn’t actually a scientific term - instead it's a colloquial phrase, used when relatively high concentrations of red coloured dust or particles get mixed into rain, giving it a red appearance as it falls.
The Met Office suggests that Storm Celia shouldn't cause significant impacts for NI – we might see colourful sunsets over the weekend, until the winds pass.
Northern Ireland's weather forecast:
St Patrick's Day: A windy day with scattered showers, these most frequent and heavier to the north and west of Lough Neagh, with the best of the shelter towards Down. Strong southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C
Outlook for Friday to Sunday: A dry few days with some good spells of sunshine. Becoming much milder although onshore breezes will keep the southeast coast somewhat colder, with an overnight frost
Find out what’s happening in your area for St Patrick's Day…
COUNTY ANTRIM
Belfast City Centre
After a two-year break because of covid, St Patrick's Day celebrations are returning to Belfast this year! Following a ten-day celebration in the build-up to March 17th, a free family-friendly concert will take place on Wednesday 16th March at Custom House Square, 5pm-9pm, delivered by The Duncairn Centre, supported by the Arts Council NI.
This year's new look St Patrick's Day parade by Beat Carnival will be a colourful, carnival pageant of costume, music, dance, circus, and theatrical performance. It kicks off from 1pm-2.30pm, leaving from Belfast City Hall, along Donegall Place, into High Street, Bridge Street, Waring Street and finishing on Donegall Street close to Writers Square.
Check out St. Patrick’s Gruffalo and Leprechaun Hunt at Colin Glen
Kids are going to love this! Explore Ireland's only official Gruffalo Trail and step inside the glorious Gruffalo and Stickman stories. As well as some famous faces, keep an eye out for some cheeky leprechauns in the woods. Kids even get to take home their very own Julia Donaldson and friends' book, sticker and certificate.
Take to the water with River Bann Tours
River Bann Tours are back on the water after a winter break, hosting 45-minute round trips along the river. Choose from either Toome to Church Island or Newferry to Church Island for a gentle cruise and soak up the sun – fingers crossed!
Follow St Patrick’s footsteps and climb Slemish
Take part in the annual trek up Slemish to enjoy the spectacular views. The one-and-a-half-kilometre round walk to the summit and back takes approximately one hour. Broughshane & District Community Association will provide outdoor entertainment for the whole family to enjoy - free of charge!
COUNTY DOWN
Downpatrick’s annual festival is back!
Celebrations in Downpatrick are set to commence at 12pm on March 17, departing from the Ardglass Road at 1.30pm and will continue onto Edward Street, John Street, Irish Street, Market Street and finish at Rathkeltair Car Park.
The parade promises to be an eclectic mix of entertainment for visitors to enjoy from swirling dancers, a cavalcade of community floats to costumed characters.
Brian Kennedy will be performing on stage, alongside folk rock legends, The Logues and Weston Loney plus many more.
Ulster Folk Park, Holywood
Marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring, the Ulster Folk Park has an array of exciting activities planned this St Patrick's Day. From traditional Irish dancing to folklore tales, this is your chance to dive head-first into our history with yummy food and expert crafts in this fully furnished Old and New World open-air museum.
Get your feet wet at the St Patrick’s Day Paddle in Warrenpoint
If you're brave enough, visit the shores of Carlingford Lough on a family paddle from 9.30 to 11.30am complete with games and stunning scenery. If you're more interested in a pint or two, there's an afternoon adults-only session from 12.30pm to 2.30pm, with a few stops at the local pubs after.
Take part in The Big Paddle in Castlewellan
The Life Adventure Centre is inviting people to celebrate St Patrick's Day in a tradition like that of Patrick when he first arrived locally — by canoe, SUP Board, or kayak. All relevant equipment and safety aids will be provided.
It's a self-guided experience, so, whether you simply want to stay and play in the Castle Bay or go with the flow and take on the Lake Trail, you're guaranteed an awesome time. If you're interested, reach out to the team and book before you go.
St Patrick’s Day Parade returns to Newry
From 12noon there will be a wide range of fun activities for the whole family in Marcus Square and Margaret Square. There will be pop up stages at Sugar Island and St Colman's park with the best in local street entertainment and from 10am-2.30pm, Newry and Mourne Museum at Bagenal's Castle will host free children's arts and crafts workshops. Numbers are limited to 10 children so pre-booking of places is advisable by contacting the Museum.
The parade will provide the main event of the St Patrick's celebrations in Newry. Compered by Downtown Radio's Gary Myles, it sets off from The Albert Basin at 1pm and follows the route along Buttercrane Quay, Merchants Quay, Sugar Island to Kildare Street. As if that is not enough, the movable food and drink 'Street Feast' in Newry Market takes place on Friday 18 March, celebrating our farmers, chefs, foragers, distilleries, and artisans. This free event will have street style food on offer along with retail products from the producers.
COUNTY DERRY/LONDONDERRY
Derry’s annual Spring Carnival is back
A Spring Carnival Parade is set to take place in Derry City on the afternoon of March 17, setting off from Bishop Street at 3pm until 4pm. Mystical creatures will snake their way through the city's streets along with a host of characters representing young people from fables and fairy tales from faraway lands. Thousands are expected to turn out to support the event.
Make a splash at Duck Dive Festival in Portstewart
Portstewart locals are set to face the freezing water once again as the annual 'Duck Dive' makes its return. This year's festival has a new location at the Crescent along the promenade and is slightly different to previous years. Instead of taking the plunge into the sea on Thursday a pool will be constructed under what is known locally as the Witches Hat for both adults and children. It starts at 2pm where participants will be drenched in water to raise money for the Community Rescue Service Northern District.
Saddle up with Crindle Stables, Limavady
Crindle Stables are hosting a St Patrick's Day Fun Day and Sunset Trek. You can take in a lesson, play some pony games, learn how to hack or trek. As the sun starts to set, take in a ride along the country roads and lanes under the beautiful Binevenagh Mountain, finishing with an Irish coffee and homemade scone.
COUNTY ARMAGH
Check out the ‘Home of St Patrick’s Events’
At the heart of celebrating the life of Saint Patrick, Armagh will be running a festival full of fun, with comedy, films, fun days and workshops.
Dive into the history of the county and St Patrick's connection, on a walking tour. Appreciate the panoramic views of the city - the ecclesiastical and spiritual capital of Ireland.
A parade on Thursday promises to be a spectacular display of colour, music and entertainment. Kicking off at 2.30pm, the route is from the Christian Brothers' School through the City onto Cathedral Road, past the Shambles Market before finishing at the grounds of Cathedral Road Recreation Centre.
COUNTY FERMANAGH
Time to party on ‘The Island Town’
Enniskillen Town Centre will come alive once again this St Patrick's Day with the anticipated return of the St Patrick's Day Festival after a 2-year break. Festivities take place from 12pm – 4pm at Enniskillen Castle and The Diamond on St Patrick's Day. There will be no parade, but instead plenty of fun and laughter, with crafts, food vendors, market stalls and live music.
Step back in time at the Ulster American Folk Park
Enjoy the traditions from the Old World that were brought to the New World with a traditional celebration at the Ulster American Folk Park on 17 March. Try a spot of dancing or enjoy the food, stories and music that would have taken place on the day.
More festival vibes in Omagh
In Omagh, Dún Uladh Cultural Heritage Centre will be hosting a St Patrick's Day Festival, made up of music, dance, drama, and family entertainment, kicking off at 12:00pm.
COUNTY TYRONE
Family fun at The Hill of the O'Neill
Come along to The Hill of The O'Neill and Ranfurly House for musical entertainment and family fun including face painting, Irish Dancing, amusements and more.
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