The centrepiece is the world-famous Saint Patrick’s Festival in Dublin City (14–17 March), the largest celebration of Irish culture and heritage globally, featuring parades, music, dance, street performances, and community events under the theme “Roots.” Numerous suburban and community parades add local flavour across the county.
- National Saint Patrick’s Day Parade (Tuesday, 17 March, 12:00 pm): The iconic flagship event starts at Parnell Square North, proceeds down O’Connell Street, over O’Connell Bridge, through Dame Street and Lord Edward Street, and finishes at the Kevin Street/Cuffe Street junction. Expect thousands of participants with spectacular floats, marching bands, dancers, community groups, international performers, and creative displays celebrating Irish roots—drawing huge crowds along the central route.
- Festival Quarter at Collins Barracks (Saturday 15 March and Sunday 16 March): A bustling daytime hub (12:00 pm–6:00 pm, all ages) transforms into an adults-only nighttime experience (from 6:30 pm). It includes a main stage for concerts and live performances, a Food and Craft Village with artisan stalls and street food, street performances, cultural activities, and vibrant energy in this historic venue—perfect for immersive festival vibes.
- Céilí Mór at Merrion Square West (Tuesday, 17 March): A large-scale, free, outdoor, participative traditional Irish dance event open to the public. Led by experts (including former Riverdancer Dearbhla Lennon), it celebrates Irish dance, language, and music with interactive céilí sessions for all to join in the fun.
County Dublin Community Parades (Tuesday, 17 March)
Parades occur in nearly every major town and suburb, typically between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, organised by local councils like Fingal County Council (with some weekend events). Key ones include:
- Swords and Dún Laoghaire (11:00 am): Early morning processions in these vibrant areas, full of community spirit and local talent.
- Blanchardstown and Balbriggan (12:00 pm): Midday parades showcasing marching bands, floats, and family participation.
- Rush (1:00 pm): A lively coastal event with festive displays.
- Malahide (2:00 pm): Afternoon parade through this scenic town.
- Clondalkin and Stepaside (2:30 pm): Creative community celebrations.
- Lucan and Skerries (3:00 pm): Later starts with strong local involvement and coastal charm. (Note: Some areas like Donabate may have additional weekend parades, e.g., Saturday 14 March at 1:30 pm.)
Special Cultural & Family Hubs (14–17 March)
- Family Village (Wood Quay): Live shows, interactive workshops, and family-oriented activities throughout the festival period.
- City Funfair (Custom House Quay): Carnival rides and attractions for thrilling family fun.
- Saint Patrick’s Park: Myth-inspired games and playful experiences tied to Irish folklore.
- EPIC Museum: Live performances and a treasure hunt (noted for 14 March, with potential extended activities).
- Blackrock Leprechaun Chase (Blackrock Park, 10:00 am on 17 March): A fun, family-friendly scavenger-style event in the park.
These events are mostly free (some may require tickets for grandstands or specific shows), inclusive, and packed with craic. For full programme details, routes, road closures, grandstand tickets, or updates, visit the official Saint Patrick’s Festival site (stpatricksfestival.ie), visitdublin.com, or Fingal County Council (fingal.ie).
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
