Your guide to St Patrick's festivals and celebrations across the island of Ireland!
Every city, town, and village in Ireland marks St Patrick’s Day in its own unique way, so there is plenty of choice when it comes to deciding where and how you want to celebrate Ireland’s national holiday.
Ireland's patron saint had such an impact across Ireland that there are also many cultural experiences dedicated to St Patrick - from cathedrals to museums and hiking trails. Why not add these experiences to your travel plans this March?
Celebrate St Patrick's Festival in Waterford, the ancient Viking city
Waterford St Patrick's Day Festival
Home of the very first St Patrick's Day parade back in 1903, the city of Waterford in Ireland's Ancient East celebrates Ireland’s patron saint with a four-day St Patrick’s Festival from March 14-17 featuring everything from a parade to river cruises, whiskey tastings, Celtic knot workshops, and music events.
The theme for this year’s festival is Saints & Scholars – a celebration of Waterford’s rich heritage! Keep an eye out for the full program of events here.
Home of St Patrick Festival in Co Armagh
Where better to celebrate Ireland’s patron saint than the very place he called home? Armagh in Northern Ireland is where St Patrick founded one of his first churches way back in the 5th century.
Armagh is delighted to call itself the Home of St Patrick Festival from March 9-17 and this year the city promises an unforgettable celebration, from heart-pounding live music in cozy bars and restaurants to reflective and spiritual moments that stir the soul. Find out more here!
As you approach Armagh, you will notice its most distinctive landmarks. From opposite hills, two striking cathedrals face each other across a valley, both honoring St Patrick. A visit to the cathedrals is not to be missed - take in the view of the beautiful city of Armagh at the top of the hill and then enter St Patrick’s Cathedral and wonder at the awe-inspiring interior.
St Patricks Festival in the Heart of Ireland - Athlone, Co Westmeath
Croí na hÉireann Festival, Athlone
The charming town of Athlone in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands is bursting with personality and ready to be discovered this St Patrick's Day. Wander through its streets, filled with twisting lanes and historic buildings. Take a leisurely walk along the River Shannon and admire the brightly painted houses, ancient pubs, quirky shops, and an ancient castle that overlooks the town.
This year the Co Westmeath town will be celebrating St Patrick's with their annual Croí na hÉireann [heart of Ireland] Festival from March 13 right up until March 17, finishing with a community parade. Keep up to date on the festival here.
St Patrick's Music Festival in Belfast
This year Belfast, an official UNESCO City of Music, will be hosting St Patrick's Music Festival from March 14-17.
Enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor traditional arts events in honor of St Patrick- concerts, céilís, and workshops to the Pipe Band Extravaganza, St Patrick's Pilgrimage, and Festival Village. Of course, on March 17 there will also be a dazzling display of costume, music, dance, and theatrical performances at the annual parade!
Northern Ireland is Saint Patrick’s heartland and there are many places to learn about the man himself just a short drive from Belfast. Visit the Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick, the only permanent exhibition in the world about Ireland’s patron saint. Through the voice of internationally renowned Irish actor, Ciarán Hinds, discover the story of St Patrick as he narrates in Patrick’s own words his life and adventures.
Reaching for the stars at St Patrick's Parade in Ballina, Co Mayo
The organisers of this year's St. Patrick's Day Parade are thrilled to announce that Ballina’s own Dr. Norah Patten, an...
Posted by St Patricks Day Parade Ballina on Wednesday, January 29, 2025
The town of Ballina in Co Mayo on the Wild Atlantic Way has announced that the Grand Marshal for the 2025 parade will be Dr. Norah Patten, who has gained international recognition as she is on a journey toward becoming the first Irish person to travel to space!
The Ballina St Patrick’s Day Parade theme will be 'Reach for the Stars' and will take place on March 17 with a large crowd of spectators expected to line the streets to celebrate Irish culture, heritage, and community spirit.
Feeling up for a challenge? Travel an hour outside of Ballina to Croagh Patrick, this mountain hike was visited by St Patrick in the 5th century and is an important pilgrimage site, offering incredible views of Clew Bay and surrounding areas.
St Patrick's Festival in Dublin, where every street tells a story
This year’s St Patrick’s Festival in Dublin City invites locals and visitors to a celebration like no other across a city of tales, trails, and treasures, where every street tells a story of history, magic, and adventures.
You can expect a huge celebration of Irish culture throughout the weekend, from captivating street theatre to comedy that fills the city streets with joy and laughter, awe-inspiring circus performances, family-friendly areas, a lively Céilí Mór, and everything in between. Find out more here!
How will you Fill your Heart with Ireland? Whether you decide to wander through 5,000 years of history in Ireland’s Ancient East, discover Ireland’s breathtaking west coast along the Wild Atlantic Way, embrace a giant spirit in Northern Ireland, or enjoy the unspoiled majesty of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands – an experience of a lifetime awaits you.
This article is presented proudly in partnership with Tourism Ireland. To learn more about Tourism Ireland and get inspired for your next visit to Ireland, check out their website at www.ireland.com.
