The big day is almost here, and we’ve decided to make a weekend of it. Across the island, we will be celebrating Ireland’s national holiday, and there’s plenty lined up from Cork to Donegal, with events to suit all ages and interests, across villages, towns, and cities. All these events are free to attend and enjoy, from family days out to traditional music sessions in pubs, and fun events for little furry companions, the choice is endless. Wishing you, your friends and family a Happy St. Patrick’s Day.
St Patrick’s Day Parade, Dublin
Experience the vibrant National St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin on Sunday, March 17. As the epicentre of St. Patrick’s Day festivities, this parade offers a must-see adventure in Ireland’s capital. Joining over 500,000 spectators, witness a dazzling showcase of Irish culture, featuring 4,000 participants from around the world, including marching bands, colourfully dressed dancers, and extravagant floats parading through Dublin's historic streets.
The parade embodies the spirit of celebration, highlighting Ireland’s creativity, laughter, and joy. Embracing values of community, diversity, and sustainability, the festival collaborates with leading pageant companies to create captivating displays. This year, a special pageant, developed in partnership with Dublin City Council and the Northeast Inner-City Initiative (NEIC), celebrates the energy and resilience of the NEIC community.
Partnering with Kia, Bui Bolg presents an innovative pageant exploring the link between electric vehicle technology and the circular economy. The Olympic Federation of Ireland marks 100 years of Irish participation in the Olympic Games, looking ahead to Paris 2024.
With an anticipated half a million spectators, this year’s parade boasts 6 large-scale pageants, 11 showpieces, and 14 marching bands from Ireland, North America, and France, promising the largest National St. Patrick’s Day Parade ever.
The theme of this year’s festival and parade is ‘Spréach’, Gaelic for Spark, symbolizing the unique essence of Irish identity. It represents what sets Irish culture apart and unites people worldwide in admiration of Ireland. Through various interpretations of ‘Spréach’, the festival celebrates the Irish spark of life, whether it’s the craic (fun) in Irish humour, the light of innovation in history, the fire of sporting heritage, or the flame of creativity celebrated by Irish artists globally.
St. Patrick’s Festival, Galway
Galway gears up for its biggest St. Patrick’s Day parade yet in 2024, organized by Galway City Council. The festivities, spanning from March 15th to the 18th, promise a jubilant celebration of Irish culture.
Highlight Parade
The St. Patrick’s Festival parade on March 17th will be the crown jewel of the weekend, showcasing the talents of local artists and community groups. This year's theme, 'Olympics 2024,' will feature around 3,000 participants.
Entertainment for All
Families can enjoy a variety of entertainment options at Eyre Square Plaza, featuring a vintage carousel, amusements, and children’s entertainment. Additionally, free traditional music concerts will take place in Eyre Square throughout the weekend.
Musical Highlights
Renowned musical acts will grace the Festival Village stage, offering a diverse lineup of folk, rock, and traditional music. Notable performances include those by Yale University folk singers, Swiss carnival band Escheschränzer Eschenbach, and the Galway supergroup BackWest.
Family Fun Day in Salthill
On March 18th, Leisureland and Salthill Park will host the Olympics Family Fun Day, featuring a plethora of games and activities for all ages. Families can enjoy rowing, athletics, yoga, face painting, and more.
Tribesmen Head of the River
Don’t miss the Galway Head of the River rowing event on March 16th, where rowing clubs from across Ireland will compete in a long-distance race from Lough Corrib to Woodquay in Galway City.
Greening of the City
Galway will be illuminated with festive colours, with lighting artists greening iconic landmarks such as the sails in Eyre Square and the boats of The Claddagh Basin.
Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival 2024
The Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival is set to return to the city streets from March 15th to 18th, 2024, bringing with it the traditional St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Limerick International Band Championship, and a range of family-friendly events.
St. Patrick's Day Parade
This year's parade theme, "Limerick: A Different Kind of Energy," embodies the city and county’s unique evolution, blending past and present to generate Limerick’s distinct vitality. The parade will feature visual artists Buí Bolg, Lumen Street Theatre, Limerick Youth Dance Company, the Hit Machine Drummers, and numerous local participants, promising an electrifying showcase of creativity and energy.
52nd Limerick International Band Championship
Celebrating its 52nd year, the Limerick International Band Championship will host over 1,600 talented musicians from home and abroad. Audiences can expect a thrilling display of toe-tapping music, fuelled by the enthusiastic support of Limerick's passionate fans.
Shamrock Street Shows & Music at "The Green Stage"
The festival commences with Shamrock Street Shows, featuring a variety of performances including acrobats, stilt walkers, jugglers, and circus acts on Bedford Row. Meanwhile, "The Green Stage" on Thomas Street will offer live music from local musicians, spanning modern hits to traditional tunes, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere throughout the weekend.
Family-Friendly Entertainment
Throughout the festival weekend, families can enjoy a range of activities catering to all ages. From the parade spectacle to the lively street performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy and celebrate together.
Mark Your Calendar
Make sure to mark your calendar for the Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival 2024.
With its diverse lineup of events and inclusive atmosphere, the Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival promises an unforgettable experience for locals and visitors alike, in celebration of Irish culture and heritage.
St Patrick’s Events, 2024, Cork
The Cork St. Patrick’s Festival promises a lively weekend filled with pageantry, music, and culture from March 15th to 18th, 2024. Join in the festivities, starting with the iconic St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a vibrant celebration of Ireland’s national day.
St. Patrick's Day Parade
The heart of the festival lies in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, drawing 50,000 spectators to the main streets of Cork City on March 17th.
Weekend Events
Explore Cork's rich culture and hospitality with a diverse lineup of weekend events across the city, consistently rated among the top three “Friendliest Cities in the World” (Condé Nast Reader's Choice Awards, 2023). From traditional music sessions to guided walking tours and gallery visits, Cork offers something for every pace.
Friday, March 15th
- Paul Noonan at Triskel Arts Centre: Enjoy an intimate performance by Paul Noonan, frontman of Bell X1, showcasing his 25-year musical journey.
- Liam O'Connor Band at O’Dwyer’s: Experience pure enchantment with Liam O'Connor, hailed as the ‘Jimi Hendrix of the accordion’, alongside his talented family.
- Hypnotic Brass Ensemble - Live at St. Luke's: Get ready to bop to the tunes of the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble at St. Luke's, promising an electrifying performance.
- Kinsale Maritime Parade: Witness the spectacular Maritime Parade in the charming harbor town of Kinsale, featuring beautifully lit boats and a fireworks display.
Saturday, March 16th
- Afternoon Céilí Mór at City Hall: Dance the day away at the Afternoon Céilí Mór, featuring traditional Irish sets and guided dances for all to enjoy.
- Circus High Jinks at Elizabeth Fort: Experience an afternoon of circus acts and high-flying acrobatics at Elizabeth Fort, with free family-friendly entertainment.
- Silent Disco at Coughlan’s Bar: Join in the fun at the Silent Disco, where you can switch between live DJs playing on wireless headphones, offering a unique and lively experience.
Sunday, March 17th - St. Patrick’s Day
- Nano Nagle Place: Embark on a family-friendly adventure at Nano Nagle Place, exploring Irish history and culture through interactive exhibits and guided trails.
- Cork City St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Delve into the magic of Cork with the theme ‘Pure Imagination’, as the parade winds its way through the city streets, igniting the imagination of all who witness it.
- Live Irish Trad Music at The Oliver Plunkett: Enjoy traditional Irish music at The Oliver Plunkett, creating a lively atmosphere for all to enjoy.
- The Fógues at Cyprus Avenue: Don't miss a fantastic night of entertainment with The Fógues at Cyprus Avenue, promising song, dance, and surprises galore.
Monday, March 18th
- St. Patrick’s Weekend at Crawford Art Gallery: Explore Irish heritage and culture at Crawford Art Gallery with interactive exhibits and carnival-style fun for all ages.
- Cork Lions Club Patrick's Hill Ball Run: Witness the excitement of the Patrick's Hill Ball Run, as 12,000 multi-coloured balls race down the hill in aid of local charities.
From the spectacular displays of the Dublin parade, featuring marching bands, dancers, and floats from around the world, to the diverse lineup of events in Galway, including traditional music concerts and family-friendly activities, the spirit of St. Patrick's Day will be felt throughout the country. As the festivities unfold, locals and visitors alike will come together to celebrate Irish culture, heritage, and community spirit. Whether it's dancing at a céilí mór in Limerick, enjoying live music at The Oliver Plunkett in Cork, or exploring Irish history at Nano Nagle Place, the weekend offers a wealth of experiences to cherish and enjoy.
So, as we gear up for St. Patrick's weekend 2024, let's raise a toast to the spirit of Ireland, togetherness, and the joy of celebrating our shared heritage. From all of us, we wish you, your friends, and family, a Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
