Events in Northern Ireland and Dublin for St Patrick’s Day
Thousands of people are expected to line streets across the island of Ireland for St Patrick celebrations, with parades, performances and city-centre festivals planned in Belfast, Derry City, Strabane and Dublin.
St Patrick Events in Belfast
Belfast will host displays of costume, music, dance and theatrical performance, with a packed programme of cultural activities that have been running since the beginning of March. Runners in the SPAR Craic 10K event will leave Belfast City Hall at 09: 00 GMT and travel through the city centre before finishing in Ormeau Park. The annual parade through the city centre will start at 13: 30 and will include new elements celebrating the legends of St Patrick alongside participation from local dance troupes, schools, community groups and musicians.
A St Patrick’s Day Festival Village will operate in Belfast Cathedral Car Park from 13: 00-16: 00, featuring two live music stages, an all-day céilí, a food village and family-friendly activities. The Féile Trad Trail, presented by Féile an Phobail, is showcasing Irish traditional music and workshops across the city from 10 March, and Seachtain na Gaeilge is running events throughout Belfast from 1 March.
Dublin, Derry City And Strabane Celebrations
In Dublin, the largest parade on the island will take place alongside other city events. Derry City and Strabane District Council is marking the 20th anniversary of its St Patrick’s Day parade in Strabane, promising a lively mix of tradition and community activity across the town centre. Spring Market activity will appear in Guildhall Square with local traders from 12: 00, and live traditional and folk music is scheduled in the square from 13: 00 featuring local artists.
Travel, Traffic And Public Arrangements
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has indicated a traffic management system and signage will be in place for city events. From 13: 00 through to 15: 00, traffic disruption should be expected in areas hosting parades and festivities. Parade routing details include a departure from Bishop Street Carpark at 15: 00 and a finish at Strand Road Carpark for one city parade, and organisers are advising attendees to plan for local travel impacts.
Across venues and cities, organisers aim to combine colourful live performance and high-energy soundtracks with community participation and traditional music programming, creating a range of family-friendly events for those attending the St Patrick celebrations.
