The biggest day of the year in every Irish person’s calendar is almost upon us. Here are the best places to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Ireland this year.
From lively music festivals to traditional parades that flood the streets in green, these are the best events around Ireland to celebrate St Patrick’s Day 2025.
With events scheduled all around the country over the Paddy’s Day weekend, you’ll be spoilt for choice with epic celebrations suitable for the entire family.
So, get your best green outfit ready, grab your shamrock glasses, and get ready to embrace all things Irish. Here are the best events in Ireland this St Patrick’s Day.
Dublin St Patrick’s Festival – welcoming thousands of tourists from all over the world
Dates: 15-17 March
Find out more: HERE
Perhaps the most famous Paddy’s Day event in Ireland, Dublin St Patrick’s Festival returns with a bang in 2025. A three-day extravaganza of music, arts, and culture culminates on 17 March with the famous parade through the city streets.
This year’s theme is ‘Eachtraí’, which is the Irish language word for ‘Adventures’. It honours the adventurous spirit that lives inside us all, which is recognised the world over as a defining symbol of Irishness.
Expect a whole host of citywide celebrations throughout the weekend, including awe-inspiring circus performances, family-friendly areas, a treasure hunt, a lively Céilí Mór, and more.
Home of St Patrick’s Festival, Co. Armagh – bringing it back to the heartland
Dates: 9-17 March
Find out more: HERE
There’s no better place to celebrate St Patrick’s Day 2025 than in the home of Ireland’s patron saint. Armagh is known as Ireland’s spiritual centre, boasting links to the country’s cultural and religious heritage, making it an important pilgrimage destination.
The annual Home of St. Patrick Festival is a unique celebration highlighting the historical and cultural significance of the patron saint. Expect everything from live music to storytelling, guided historical tours, and, of course, a spectacular parade on 17 March.
Belfast St. Patrick’s Day Music Festival – a vibrant celebration of music and culture
Dates: 14-17 March
Find out more: HERE
As an unofficial UNESCO City of Music, Belfast is bringing a unique musical spin to its Paddy’s Day celebrations this year. Partnering with Belfast TradFest, the festival programme features a variety of indoor and outdoor traditional arts events.
Highlights include performances from Afro Celt Sound System, Sets Céilí Concert, and an Outdoor Pipe Band Extravaganza. The festival also features a St Patrick’s Pilgrimage, a lively Festival Village at Cathedral Quarter, and various traditional music workshops.
The incredible St Patrick’s Day Festival takes place on 17 March, featuring a dazzling display of costume, music, dance, and theatre. This event is free to attend and you don’t need a ticket.
Cork St Patrick’s Festival – a fantastic programme of events
Dates: 14-17 March
Find out more: HERE
A four-day festival of events leading up to the grand parade on 17 March, the St Patrick’s Festival in Cork is a highlight of the calendar this year. Enjoy vibrant street performances, live music, and food stalls along St. Patrick’s Street and Grand Parade.
Ireland’s second city will come to life with several exciting events, such as music and comedy performances, guided cultural tours, storytelling, and more.
Galway St Patrick’s Parade – an event for everyone to enjoy
Dates: 15-17 March
A series of exciting events are set to take place over the bank holiday weekend in Galway.
Eyre Square will be transformed into a Festival Village, welcoming three days of free outdoor concerts and entertainment. Enjoy everything from indie music performances to circus spectaculars, traditional Irish music, and local bands.
The Galway St Patrick’s Day Parade will kick off at 11 am at the University of Galway and conclude at 1 pm at Black Box Car Park. It is set to be the largest St Patrick’s Day spectacle the city has ever seen.
This year’s theme is Sea and Stone and it will see up to 3000 participants taking part in a colourful spectacle, which aims to celebrate Galway’s diverse culture and talent through an inclusive programme of events.
St Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny – a vibrant celebration of Irish music and culture
Dates: 14-17 March
Find out more: HERE
Ireland’s Marble City will be transformed into a wonderland of all things Irish over the bank holiday weekend.
Celebrate St Patrick’s Day 2025 with over 120 free and ticketed events, including live music, walking tours, family entertainment, and the iconic St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Occurring in tandem with the festival is the Kilkenny Tradfest. With live music and ceol agus craic every afternoon and evening, this is a great way to experience Irish culture from day to night. Tickets must be booked in advance.
Sligo St Patrick’s Day Festival – celebrating Ireland’s warrior queen
Dates: 15-17 March
Find out more: HERE
The theme of Sligo’s St Patrick’s Day Festival this year is Queen Maeve in honour of the legendary warrior queen of Connacht in Irish mythology.
Expect lots of music, sport, and cultural events taking place all over town during the bank holiday weekend. Many live music events are ticketed but the parade on 17 March is free to attend.
Starting at midday on Mail Coach Road, the parade floods the streets in green as it winds its way through Sligo before finishing on Pearse Road.
Derry St. Patrick’s Spring Carnival – celebrating the arrival of spring
Dates: 17 March
Find out more: HERE
Heading up north, one of the best St Patrick’s Day 2025 events is happening in Derry. The St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival kicks off at 1 pm. Visitors can enjoy an exciting programme of events taking place throughout the day.
From live music to captivating street performances and walkabout characters, there’s lots to enjoy.
Sample mouth-watering food from local vendors and don’t miss the incredible St Patrick’s Day Parade. Showcasing dazzling shades of green, the festival highlights Derry’s unique creativity and culture.
Waterford’s St. Patrick’s Festival – learn all about Ireland’s Viking heritage
Dates: 14-17 March
Find out more: HERE
Heading down Ireland’s Ancient East, Waterford is home to one of the most incredible St Patrick’s Day Festivals in Ireland. As Ireland’s oldest city, Waterford promises a unique take on the national celebrations.
The parade showcases Ireland’s Viking heritage as it blends it with modern Irish culture. Meanwhile, the festival hosts everything from fire performances to artisan markets and family-friendly entertainment along the quayside.
Athlone Croí Na hÉireann Festival – an epic five-day extravaganza
Date: 13-17 March
Find out more: HERE
A five-day festival taking place from 13 to 17 March, the Athlone Croí Na hÉireann Festival is a highlight of Ireland’s St Patrick’s Day 2025 festivities.
From a family fun run at Athlone Regional Sports Centre to a Big Breakfast at Ballinahown Hall, there are plenty of events to attend. Plus, proceeds from many of the main events will go to support important causes.
The celebrations will culminate with the Athlone Croí na hÉireann Festival Parade, which kicks off at 12:30 am from Connaught Street before making its way to Golden Island.
The parade features vibrant floats, performers, and even a sensory-friendly section starting at John Broderick Street near Eddie Rocket’s, during which performers will reduce noise, sirens, and flashing lights for a more comfortable experience.
Ballina St Patrick’s Day ‘Reach For The Stars’ Parade – meet a real life astronaut
Date: 17 March
Find out more: HERE
For a truly unique St Patrick’s Day experience, head to Ballina.
Dr Norah Patton, who is set to be the first ever Irish person in space, is Grand Marshall for this year’s parade. Thus, giving visitors the chance to meet a real life astronaut.
The theme of this year’s parade is ‘Reach For The Stars’ and thousands of spectators are expected to line the streets to celebrate Irish culture, heritage, and community spirit, making for an unforgettable celebration.
