Traffic delays expected for Heartlands Pride parade

Motorists can expect slight traffic delays in Athlone on Saturday, June 6, when the Heartlands Pride parade takes place in the town.

Starting at 1pm, parade participants will assemble at Dooley's Florist shop on Magazine Road before proceeding along Connaught Street.

The route will then bring the parade along O'Connell Street, High Street (Sean's Bar), Castle Street, across the town bridge, Church Street and John Broderick Street before concluding in Burgess Park.

The parade is expected to end at 2pm approximately.

The parade will be held in memory of the late Michael Woods, who had sought to organise Athlone’s first Pride parade in 2021 before plans were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr Woods passed away in 2023, shortly before Heartlands Pride Athlone was formally established as a volunteer-led organisation.

Starting tomorrow (Saturday, May 30), a packed schedule of events have been confirmed to take place in Athlone for the 2026 Heartlands Pride Festival.

The main day of events will take place on Saturday, June 6. The day will kick off with a free Pride breakfast at 10am in Gertie Brownes.

The Pride Parade meet will take place Dooley’s Flowers at 12pm. The route will move from from Walsh’s Pub (Connaught Street) past Sean’s Bar, across Athlone Town Bridge down Church Street and the sensory zone at John Broderick Street, ending at Burgess Park.

Celebrations will continue at 2pm in Burgess Park with Heartlands Pride Outdoor Festival hosted by Eddie McGuiness. The event will feature performances from Gabrielle and Vali, Aidxn G, Liadh, What's That Smell, Ciara Lawless, and MZ Red Dear.

The Bród queer club night will kick off in The Dark Horse at 7pm.

The eight day festival will culminate on June 7 with a grand finale Pride Cruise with Viking Mike at 5pm.

For more information on the 2026 Heartlands Pride festival schedule visit the Heartlands Paride social media channels or contact heartlandspride.athlone@gmail.com.