St Patrick’s Day festivals in Ireland
St Patrick's Festival, Dublin © St Patrick's Festival Dublin
St Patrick’s Festival Dublin
The St Patrick’s Festival returns to the streets of Dublin city centre in spectacular fashion to celebrate Ireland’s arts, culture and heritage.
This year, the theme is Roots and the city will transform into a playground filled with enchanting street theatre, dazzling circus acts, neurodivergent-friendly performances, the ever-popular Céilí Mór and, of course, the world-famous St Patrick’s Day parade.
Home of St Patrick Festival, Armagh © Liam McArdle
Home of St Patrick Festival
Where better to celebrate Ireland’s patron saint than the very place he called home? Armagh and Down are where Patrick founded his first churches way back in the 5th century.
And it’s here that the Home of St Patrick Festival takes place, with a lively showcase of the best culture, music, song and dance from Northern Ireland. Highlights this year include the early morning Dawn Light event at Navan Centre and Fort, Brian Finnegan and friends at St Patrick’s COI Cathedral and the St Patrick’s Open-Air concert with the Tumbling Paddies and guests.
Celebrations around Ireland
Cork
The “Rebel City” puts on a vibrant show with a parade, live music, Irish traditional singing and dancing, a Céilí Mór, night markets, late night cafés and much more.
Derry~Londonderry
The historic Walled City celebrates St Patrick with a programme that includes a colourful Spring Carnival parade, street performers and music and dance events around the city.
Killarney
Killarney is abuzz leading up to St Patrick’s Day, and visitors from around the world get to enjoy the festivities including an inclusive music festival, a rubber duck race and of course, the big parade.
Waterford
Home of the first St Patrick's Day parade, this ancient Viking city celebrates Ireland’s patron saint with a five-day St Patrick’s Festival featuring everything from a parade and live music to river cruises and tours.
Kilkenny
The medieval city of Kilkenny offers a perfect alternative to bigger destinations, with a great atmosphere and an exciting celebration of Irish music, culture and creativity in a lively four-day festival.
Enniskillen
County Fermanagh’s island town celebrates St Patrick’s Day with a unique blend of land and water-based activities including a traditional parade featuring music and dancing and an illuminated flotilla on Lough Erne.
Belfast
There are over two weeks of St Patrick’s activities happening in Belfast, including Irish language events, a music festival, a trad trail and the big one – the parade on March 17, which features dance groups, musicians and more.
Limerick
The city celebrates local folklore and heroes at the Legends of Limerick parade, and you can also enjoy street shows, storytelling and the International Band Championship with bands from Ireland, Europe and America performing on March 15 – don’t miss it!
Sligo
Ceoil and craic (music and fun) are on the menu at Sligo’s St Patrick’s Festival, which celebrates the Legends Live Here theme. Expect a colourful parade, traditional Irish music trail and incredible live entertainment at Queen Maeve Square.