County Antrim’s events blend parades, family fun, traditional climbs, music festivals, and cultural activities, emphasizing community spirit and Irish heritage.
Major Parades & Community Festivals
- Belfast Saint Patrick’s Day Parade (17 March): The highlight of the day starts at 1:30 pm from Belfast City Hall. This free, vibrant procession through the city center features colorful costumes, live music, dance troupes, community groups, theatrical displays, and elements celebrating Saint Patrick’s legends. A diverse, multi-cultural spectacle welcoming everyone.
- Ballycastle Community Festival (Lá Fhéile Pádraig) (17 March): A lively seaside celebration in this picturesque coastal town. The seafront market opens around 11:30 am, with the parade departing from Dalriada Lower Car Park at 1:00 pm (groups assemble from 12:30 pm). Led by a piper, it marches to the seafront—encouraging costumes and carnival vibes—plus family activities, food, and drink throughout the day.
- Antrim Castle Gardens Family Fun Day (14 March): A free afternoon event from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm in the stunning castle grounds. Includes live music, Irish and Ulster-Scots dancing, crafts, and family-friendly activities for a relaxed pre-holiday celebration.
- Carrickfergus Town Hall Celebration (14 March): Organized by Positive Carrickfergus from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, featuring traditional music sessions and local crafts in a welcoming community setting.
Outdoor & Cultural Traditions
- Slemish Mountain Trek (17 March): A traditional pilgrimage climb up the 1.5 km path to the summit where Saint Patrick is said to have herded sheep as a boy. Park and Ride service runs from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm at the Silverwood/Michelin site in Broughshane. Expect entertainment in the car park marquee from around 12:00 pm—wear sturdy boots and waterproofs for the rewarding views and historic atmosphere.
- Ballycastle Horse Ploughing Match (17 March): A heritage event from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm on the Cushendall Road, showcasing traditional farming skills and rural culture in a hands-on, family-oriented way.
Music & Entertainment Highlights
- Belfast TradFest Music Weekend (St Patrick’s Music Festival) (13–17 March): A five-day celebration of traditional Irish music, now expanded for 2026. Features headline concerts, workshops, pipe band performances (including a Pipe Band Extravaganza on 15 March), set and céilí dancing, and a special concert at The MAC on 17 March. It highlights cross-cultural traditional arts in honor of Saint Patrick.
- Cathedral Quarter Festival Village (17 March): Open from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Writer’s Square and Saint Anne’s Square in BelfaSaint A free outdoor hub with céilí dancing, piping competitions, and lively traditional entertainment.
- Lisburn Tea Dance (17 March): Held at Market Square from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, offering live music and social dancing in a relaxed, community-focused setting.
- Evening Concerts: The Rapparees headline a concert at Theatre at The Mill on 15 March starting at 7:45 pm, delivering energetic traditional and folk performances.
These events are mostly free or low-cost, with many family-friendly options. Check local council websites or Visit Belfast for any last-minute updates, road closures, or weather-dependent changes.
Tourism Ireland reaches out toe the Irish Diaspora
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
