Carlow county features a series of community parades across towns and villages, plus family-oriented entertainment in Carlow Town, emphasizing Irish pride, music, and inclusivity.
- Carlow Town (3:00 pm, assembly from 2:00 pm at Pembroke Carlow): The main county parade starts at Pembroke, proceeds via Burrin Street, Kennedy Avenue (with a review stand at the Liberty Tree), Barrack Street, Tullow Street, and Dublin Street, dispersing at the Post Office junction. A colorful community event with marching bands, floats, local groups, and vibrant displays.
- Tullow (1:00 pm, participants assemble from 12:00 pm): Begins on the Dublin Road and winds through the town centre. A lively midday parade showcasing local talent and traditions in this historic town.
- Bagenalstown (Muine Bheag) (1:00 pm sharp): Starts at McGrath Hall, follows Royal Oak Road, Station Road, Long Range, Regent Street, and Main Street, ending at Market Square. A well-organized procession through the town with community participation.
- Borris (1:30 pm): Travels through the streets of this charming Georgian town. A compact, spirited event highlighting local culture and heritage.
- Ballon (3:00 pm): Begins at the Land League gates on Bunclody Road and proceeds through the village to Ballykealey House. An afternoon parade with village charm and family involvement.
- Graiguecullen (approx. 11:00 am): Traditionally starts from Carlow Town Park and heads to the Graiguecullen Parish Church car park. A morning cross-river parade connecting communities with festive energy.
Festivals & Family Entertainment (Mainly in Carlow Town)
- Carlow Town Festival: A full-day celebration on March 17, anchored by the parade. Features live music at the Liberty Tree and Haddens car park bandstand, with a Taylor Swift tribute act (“Taylor Swiftly, An Eras Show”) performing immediately after the parade to keep the party going with sing-along hits.
- The Exchange (Carlow Town) (2:00 pm–5:00 pm): A family-friendly hub with free activities including face painting, bouncing castles, magicians, dragon dancers, and local musicians. Perfect for kids and all ages post-parade.
- Sensory-Friendly Zone (Carlow Town, on Barrack Street): A dedicated quiet area during the parade with reduced noise and flashing lights, ensuring an inclusive experience for those with sensory sensitivities.
- Pre-Saint Patrick’s Day Dance – “50 Shades of Green” (Sunday, March 15, 4:00 pm): Held at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, this lively event offers music and dancing to kick off the celebrations early.
These events are community-driven and mostly free, with parades bringing colour to towns across Carlow. For the latest details, road closures, group registration, or any additions (like extra entertainment from local businesses), check the official Carlow Tourism website (carlowtourism.com) or the Carlow Saint Patrick’s Festival Facebook page.
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
