Victoria Smurfit, a proud native of Dublin, has been announced as the Grand Marshal for Ireland's 2025 National St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
The celebrated actress, renowned for her standout performances in "Ballykissangel," "Once Upon a Time," and Disney+’s "Rivals," will lead this year’s spectacular St. Patrick’s Day festivities through the heart of Dublin City on March 17.
Most recently, Victoria starred as Maud O’Hara in "Rivals," alongside Aidan Turner and David Tennant - a performance that earned her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at this year’s Irish Film and Television Awards.
Her extensive screen career includes roles in "Bloodlands," "The Man Who Fell to Earth," "Marcella," "Strike Back," and as the iconic Cruella de Vil in "Once Upon a Time." She won Best Supporting Actress at the 2018 Irish Film and Television Awards for "The Lears" and has appeared in films such as "About a Boy" and "Among Ravens."
On stage, she has performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company and at Bristol Old Vic.
Victoria Smurfit is the Grand Marshal of the 2025 National St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin. (Kenneth O’Halloran Photography)
“I am absolutely thrilled and deeply honoured to be named as this year’s Grand Marshal," Smurfit said, "I still can't believe it!
"I’m so grateful to be part of this incredible celebration, St. Patrick’s Day has always been a special day for me, and to be asked to lead the Parade is truly a dream come true.
"I can’t wait to celebrate with everyone at home and those joining us from around the globe!”
Victoria Smurfit is the Grand Marshal of the 2025 National St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin. (Kenneth O’Halloran Photography)
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Richard Tierney, St. Patrick’s Festival CEO, said he looks forward to seeing Victoria lead the Parade, which he noted continues to grow and amaze spectators both at home and abroad every year.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Emma Blain said she's thrilled to have Victoria as Grand Marshal and encouraged everyone to join in on the unforgettable celebration of Irish creativity, culture, and community.
Ciara Sugrue, Head of Festivals and Events, Fáilte Ireland, said Victoria is a fitting choice for Grand Marshal given the remarkable success of Irish film and television talent in recent years.
She added that this year's festival is set to be the largest ever St. Patrick’s Day celebration, which "will give visitors from at home and abroad the opportunity to experience the very best of our capital city."
(L to R) Emma Blain, Richard Tierney, Victoria Smurfit, and Ciara Sugrue. (Kenneth O’Halloran Photography)
Ireland's National St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2025 - March 17
Driven by the values of joy, community, diversity, and sustainability, the 2025 National St. Patrick's Day Parade promises to be the most joyful yet, bringing more experiences, laughter, spectacle and delight to those watching.
The theme of this year’s global celebration of Irish Arts, culture, and heritage is Adventures (Eachtraí), representing the famed and legendary Adventurous spirit that lives inside us all, known and loved the world over as a defining symbol of Irishness. It is that innate ability as a nation to transform fear into courage, face any challenge head on, and turn it into an adventure, forging new paths as we go.
The iconic procession on March 17 will feature Ireland’s foremost creative parade companies, including Bui Bolg, Spraoi, Inishowen Carnival Group, The Outing Queer Arts Collective, Artastic, and Art FX, with the highly anticipated return of the beloved and legendary Macnas and Cork Puppetry Company.
This year’s parade will also mark a meaningful collaboration between St. Patrick’s Festival and Pavee Point Traveller & Roma Centre, celebrating 40 years of Pavee Point with a special piece honouring the wagon wheel, a shared traditional symbol, bringing both communities together to exchange stories and skills.
Adding to the spectacle, Kia embarks on its fourth adventure as an official sponsor, continuing to drive the festival’s success, while Dublin Zoo joins the celebration with a larger-than-life twist on our theme of Adventures!
With half a million spectators expected along the route, the parade will showcase over 23 artistic performances and ceremonial unit displays, 10 community group performances as part of the St. Patrick’s Festival Community Arts Programme, and 12 marching bands from across Ireland, North America, and Austria.
Dublin City Council Relaxed Parade Space will return ensuring neurodivergent members of our community and their families can enjoy the festivities in a calm, sensory-friendly environment.
A limited number of Parade Grandstand Seats and Hospitality Packages can be purchased at StPatricksFestival.ie and for those that are unable to attend this year’s Parade, the full Parade will be broadcast nationally live on RTÉ One, and around the world on RTÉ Player.
Scenes from the 2024 National St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin.
Ireland's National St. Patrick's Festival 2025 - March 15 through March 17
Dublin will come to life with a highly anticipated program of events that celebrate the city, through an array of entertainment, on-street performances and cultural experiences! This places the Festival back into the beating heart of the city, delivering electric and joyous energy pulsing right across the weekend as Dublin transforms into a playground of discovery for all ages and interests, from the very best of our esteemed creative communities.
Kicking off this year’s festival will be the much-loved Dublin City Council St. Patrick’s Festival Treasure Hunt. Prepare to embark on an exciting journey through Dublin, uncovering its stunning historical landmarks while solving clues in this interactive, city-wide adventure.
For the remainder of the weekend, explore the city and enjoy circus performances from Cikada Circus, Hands Down, Symmetry, and Amadan Circus; dance to Route 424 Brass Band and the Shamrock Show Band; or catch neurodivergent-friendly performances by Team Fuinneamh and Moss Russell.
Across iconic city locations like Wood Quay Amphitheatre, Wolfe Tone Park, and St. Stephen’s Green, you'll also find visual and performance art from creatives such as Elisa Gallo Rosso, Favour Odusola, and Harry Pizzey.
If you’re looking to get your steps in, the 18th annual Aware Harbour2Harbour Walk will take place on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, with over 3,000 walkers expected to take on the 26km challenge from Howth or Dun Laoghaire Harbour.
St. Patrick’s Festival is made possible through the continued support of the Government of Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, Dublin City Council, and many generous partners and funders.
See StPatricksFestival.ie for details and tickets. StPatricksFestival.ie will continue to be updated as more events are announced. Subscribe to the St. Patrick's Festival mailing list, and follow St. Patrick's Festival on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube.
