As the reputed burial place of Saint Patrick, Downpatrick hosts major festivities, while Newry City offers a vibrant urban celebration. Both feature parades led by Saint Patrick himself, live music, markets, and family-friendly activities organised by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
Known for its historic connection to Saint Patrick (including the Saint Patrick Centre’s 25th anniversary float in the parade), Downpatrick delivers a full day of traditional events.
- Saint Patrick’s Day Parade (1:30 pm): Departs from Downshire Estate (Ardglass Road), proceeds through the town centre, and finishes at Rathkeltair Car Park (Lower Market Street). Led by Saint Patrick, it features swirling dancers, community floats, costumed characters, vibrant displays, and entertainment for crowds.
- Main Festivities (12:00 pm–4:00 pm): Centred on Saint Patrick’s Square with a main stage showcasing performances from Newcastle Comhaltas, Celtic Storm, and Pure Blarney, plus traditional céilí dancing.
- Artisan Market (11:00 am–4:00 pm at Grove Car Park): Local crafts, food, and goods in a festive setting.
- Down County Museum (from 1:30 pm): Free family fun including circus acts, face painting, sensory activities, and more.
- Down Arts Centre: Arts, crafts, and traditional music workshops for creative engagement.
- Shamrock Express: Heritage steam train journeys on the Downpatrick and County Down Railway, departing from 12:00 pm for scenic, nostalgic rides.
- Transport: Park and Ride service from Downpatrick Racecourse to the town centre for easy access.
Newry City Celebrations
- Newry provides a lively city-centre experience with multiple stages and inclusive entertainment.
- Saint Patrick’s Day Parade (1:00 pm): Starts from The Quays/Albert Basin, travels along Merchants Quay and Sugar Island, and concludes at The Mall. Led by Saint Patrick, it includes swirling dancers, community floats, costumed performers, and a feast of sights and sounds.
- Marcus Square (Main Stage): Live music from The Nooks, The Reillys, and Clonduff Comhaltas.
- Margaret Square: Traditional céilí marquee with performances by the Kilted Dance Troupe and Oisín McCann Céilí Band for dancing and music.
- Newry Variety Market (Artisan Market, 11:00 am–4:00 pm): Street stalls with crafts, food, and local produce.
- Newry and Mourne Museum: Family activities, sensory workshops (booking required), and live music.
Other County Down Events
- Strangford:: The Cuan: Live music from Roving Out during the day.
- Lobster Pot: Festive atmosphere with The Ramblin Folk and Owens Academy Dancers from 4:00 pm.
- Holywood: Ulster Folk Museum hosts traditional celebrations throughout the day, blending heritage and family activities.
- Ballynahinch: Leprechaun Treasure Trail available for families from 14–17 March—a fun, self-guided hunt.
- Banbridge: Aghaderg Ballyvarley GAA holds a themed quiz and music event on Sunday, 15 March at 2:00 pm.
These events are community-focused, mostly free, and celebrate Saint Patrick’s legacy with craic and inclusivity. For routes, road closures, bookings (e.g., museum workshops or train rides), or updates, visit newrymournedown.org/st-patricks-day-2026, discoverni.com, or the council’s social media..
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
