Plans have been revealed for how this year’s Dublin St. Patrick’s Day parade will cater for neurodiversity.
One of the biggest events in the country, Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day parade welcomes thousands of revellers every year. However, these large crowds and the subsequent noise can be prohibitive for neurodivergent spectators.
This year will see the introduction of a dedicated space for those with sensory processing difficulties, ensuring that everyone can enjoy one of Ireland’s biggest celebrations.
Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day parade – a bucket-list event
Though St. Patrick’s Day parades elsewhere – such as New York and London – draw bigger crowds, Dublin’s event is still one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the world.
The parade attracts thousands to the capital from across Ireland and even further afield, with the promise of fun, merriment, and an electric atmosphere. Last year, half a million people attended, and organisers expect similar numbers this time around.
The parade is 2.5 km (1.56 mi) long, starting at Parnell Square and finishing at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. As usual, the streets will be lined with spectators, with several grandstands accessible with tickets.
The Relaxed Parade Space – how the parade will cater for neurodiversity
Such big crowds and their inherent loud noises can be difficult for neurodivergent people to cope with. Moreover, parade organisers are keen to ensure that everyone who wants to can enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
So, this year, the St. Patrick’s Day Festival will cater for neurodiversity with the introduction of a Relaxed Parade Space, from which spectators can watch the parade away from the city’s crowded streets.
Located at Bank of Ireland College Green, the Relaxed Parade Space will provide vantage points in different “volume zones” – low, medium, and full – as well as seating with extra space, sensory areas, and entertainment throughout the day.
The festival is also partnering with AsIAm and Neurodiversity Ireland to ensure that families have as much information as possible available ahead of the event. This includes a visual guide of what the parade will look like.
Autism-friendly Dublin – making the capital accessible
The news comes just months after Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithí de Róiste, announced plans to make Dublin the world’s first autism-friendly capital city.
Back then, de Róiste said, “In a world where diversity and inclusivity are celebrated, Dublin’s vision is to become the world’s first capital city to be designated autism-friendly”.
Revealing the city’s St. Patrick’s Day plans, de Róiste reiterated his stance: “It’s vital that we embrace inclusivity and accessibility in a real sense – it’s something that I’m personally very passionate about.
“I commend the team at St. Patrick’s Festival, and all of the partners involved, for their vision in establishing the Relaxed Parade Space, and am delighted to support an initiative that will allow many families to attend the Parade for the first time”.
