Holywood’s maypole is the only one still standing in Ireland, and maps from the 1620s already show a maypole on the spot. On the May Day bank holiday the May Queen is crowned, local schoolchildren dance round the pole, and the town fills with music, stalls and a children’s fancy dress competition.
Holywood May Day
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Every year on the first Monday in May · 10:00 to 16:00
Next
Monday 3 May 2027, 10:00–16:00
Free
Sets off from
The Maypole
Everything centres on the maypole in the town centre, where Shore Road meets High Street. Schoolchildren dance round it at about 11:00 and again in the afternoon. The town centre is closed to traffic, so come by train or bus.
Shore RoadHolywood
County Down
BT18 9AB
About
- Website
- visitardsandnorthdown.com/whats-on/event-highlights/may-day
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