Cavan county hosts numerous community parades across towns and villages, plus music sessions and family fun, especially in Cavan Town, where the main parade starts from the Cathedral of Saint Patrick and Saint Felim.
- Cavan Town (12:30 pm): The flagship parade begins at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick and Saint Felim, proceeding through the town with a vibrant mix of floats, bands, and community groups. Highlights include Murray’s Amusements set up behind the Courthouse on Farnham Street, plus a special truck-pull demonstration by Guinness World Record holder Shane McLoughlin.
- Killeshandra (12:30 pm): A community-focused midday parade featuring colorful floats, fancy dress participants, and local enthusiasm in this scenic lakeside town.
- Kingscourt (1:00 pm): An annual cultural parade winding through the town, known for its diversity, fun atmosphere, and strong community involvement.
- Bailieborough (2:30 pm): A fun-filled family-oriented event with prizes (including a €1,000 top prize for the best comedy float), encouraging creative and humorous entries across categories.
- Arva (3:00 pm): A vibrant, colorful parade in this village where three provinces meet, showcasing local pride with a sea of green and festive displays.
- Ballyconnell (3:00 pm): Floats assemble from 2:30 pm at Smith’s Gala, followed by the parade through the town—emphasizing community participation and celebration.
- Kilnaleck (3:00 pm): Includes a junior tractor run and free face painting starting from 2:30 pm at T.M’s Vintage Bar, making it especially family-friendly with rural charm.
- Cootehill (3:00 pm): Themed “Myth, Magic and Mischief,” with floats assembling at Saint Michael’s Church car park—expect creative, whimsical entries inspired by folklore and fun.
- Ballyjamesduff (4:00 pm): One of the county’s best-supported parades, drawing strong crowds for its lively showcase of local groups and traditions.
- Swanlinbar (4:00 pm): Assembly on Creamery Road, followed by the parade and post-event music and dancing on the square for continued festivities.
- Ballinagh (4:30 pm): An open invitation for schools, local clubs, and community groups to join, fostering wide participation in this welcoming parade.
- Mullagh (5:00 pm): Starts at Mullagh Sports Centre, bringing evening energy to this village with marching and displays.
- Mountnugent (5:30 pm): A unique non-motorised parade emphasizing novelty floats, go-karts, bicycles, and creative human-powered entries for a quirky, eco-friendly twiSaint
Festivals & Other Events
- NYAH Traditional Music Festival (15–17 March, Farnham Arms Hotel, Cavan Town): A celebration of traditional Irish music, song, storytelling, and dance with live sessions and performances—perfect for immersing in authentic trad tunes over the weekend leading into Saint Patrick’s Day.
- Cavan Town Funfair (Throughout Saint Patrick’s celebrations): Murray’s Amusements operates behind the Courthouse on Farnham Street, offering thrilling rides, family favorites, children’s attractions, classic carnival games, and plenty of fun for all ages.
- Market Square Festivities (Cavan Town, 17 March from 12:30 pm): Post- or pre-parade family entertainment including a magic show, face painting, and live Irish dancing in the heart of town.
- Blacklion Parade: Date and time TBC (yet to be confirmed as of early March 2026)—a potential community event in this border town; check local updates closer to the day.
These events are community-driven, mostly free. For the latest confirmations, road closures, or any additions (especially for Blacklion or extra weekend activities), visit the Cavan Saint Patrick’s Day Parade website (stpatricksdayparadecavan.ie), This is Cavan (thisiscavan.ie), or related Facebook pages like Cavan County Saint Patrick’s Festival.
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Saint Patrick’s Day county by county
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Saint Patrick’s Day state by state in the USA
Alabama – Alaska – Arizona – Arkansas – California – Colorado – Connecticut – Delaware – Florida – Georgia – Hawaii – Idaho – Illinois –Indiana – Iowa – Kansas – Kentucky – Louisiana – Maine – Maryland – Massachusetts – Michigan – Minnesota – Mississippi – Missouri – Montana – Nebraska – Nevada – New Hampshire – New Jersey – New Mexico – New York – North Carolina – North Dakota – Ohio – Oklahoma – Oregon – Pennsylvania – Rhode Island – South Carolina – South Dakota – Tennessee – Texas – Utah – Vermont – Virginia – Washington DC – Washington State – West Virginia – Wisconsin – Wyoming –
Saint Patrick’s Day province by province in Canada
Alberta – British Columbia – Manitoba – New Brunswick – Newfoundland and Labrador – Nova Scotia – Ontario – Prince Edward Island – Quebec – Saskatchewan
Saint Patrick’s Day state by state in Australia
New South Wales – Northern Territory – Queensland – Tasmania – Victoria – Western Australia
