Armagh City has conceived the “Home of Saint Patrick” festivities around its two cathedrals, blending spiritual traditions, live music, parades, and family fun across the weekend and holiday.
Key Festival Events in Armagh City
- Armagh City Community Parade (17 March): The flagship event starts at 2:00 pm (participants assemble from 1:15 pm) from the Christian Brothers’ School (CBS) car park. It proceeds via Irish Street and Ogle Street through the city centre, ending at Sherry’s Field Recreation Centre. A vibrant community procession featuring colorful floats, Irish dancers, marching bands, costumed characters, and local groups celebrating Saint Patrick’s legacy and Irish culture.
- Saint Patrick’s Open-Air Concert (16 March): Held in Market Square, featuring headliners The Tumbling Paddies with support from acts like Wolfhound and The Reillys. An energetic outdoor gig (typically evening, e.g., 6:30 pm–9:30 pm) with lively folk/rock music—family-friendly and a major highlight of the festival.
- Vigil Walk (16 March, 7:30 pm): A torch-lit procession between Saint Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral and Saint Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral, guided by the Archbishops of both cathedrals. A peaceful, reflective spiritual event symbolizing unity and honoring Saint Patrick’s Christian heritage in the city with two cathedrals.
- Sunrise at Navan (Dawn Light) (17 March, early morning): A spiritual gathering at the ancient Navan Centre & Fort (Emain Macha), an iconic ceremonial site linked to Saint Patrick’s legacy. Participants witness the dawn light over the historic hill fort, combining reflection, history, and the patron saint’s story.
- Festival Funfair (14–17 March): Located at Shambles Yard in Armagh (with another in Banbridge at Solitude Park). A classic funfair with rides, games, and attractions for families—open daily during the peak festival period, including inclusive “Quiet Hours” on select days for sensory-friendly access.
- Live Music Trail (13–17 March): A multi-day trail of live performances in various pubs, cafes, and venues across Armagh City (e.g., The Toby Jug Bar hosting sessions on 13, 15, and 16 March). Features traditional Irish sessions, contemporary acts, and a mix of folk, ceilidh, and more for an authentic pub-trail experience.
Other County Armagh Celebrations
- Blackwatertown Parade (17 March, 10:45 am): A morning community parade in this village, with local participants, music, and festive displays.
- Lurgan Parade (17 March, 11:00 am): Mid-morning procession through Lurgan town, featuring bands, floats, and community groups.
- Maghery Parade (17 March, 1:00 pm): Afternoon event in the lakeside village of Maghery, celebrating with local flair.
- Markethill Parade (13 March, 8:00 pm): An evening parade led by the Kilcluney Volunteers Flute Band, kicking off the weekend celebrations.
- Killylea Parade (14 March, 4:00 pm): Afternoon procession featuring the Cormeen Rising Sons of William Flute Band in this rural area.
These events highlight Armagh’s unique status as the “Home of Saint Patrick,” with a mix of spiritual, cultural, and entertaining activities. Many are free, though some concerts require tickets—check the official Visit Armagh website for the full updated programme, bookings, road closures, and accessibility info.
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
