From the vibrant streets of Dublin’s Festival Quarter to the historic charm of Armagh City and the cultural richness of Waterford, Ireland prepares to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in style
The nation is gearing up for a weekend of festivities from 15 – 18 March and with traditional music, culinary delights and historical tours, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as we honour the legacy of our patron saint.
Dublin
St. Patrick’s Festival 2024: Celebrating in Dublin’s Festival Quarter
Dublin gears up once again for the national St Patrick’s Festival from 15 – 18 March 2024, promising a vibrant celebration of Irish arts, culture and heritage. The Festival Quarter at the National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts and History, Collins Barracks, is set to be the focal point of the festivities on 16 – 17 March, offering an enchanting day-to-night experience for all attendees.
On Saturday, 16 March, the Festival Quarter bursts to life at noon with a diverse program catering to families and visitors of all ages. From lively music to engaging workshops and delicious artisan food, there’s something for everyone. Families can delight in the Súgradh games area, while food enthusiasts can explore the new Bia Mall showcasing the best of Irish cuisine.
As the sun sets, the festivities evolve into a spectacular evening affair with Cultúr Club’s Mother taking centre stage. Featuring live music, queer performances, and electrifying DJ sets, Mother promises to ignite the dance floor and celebrate Irish LGBTQ+ culture in style. From drag shows to céilí dance parties, the night is alive with energy and diversity, offering something truly special for every reveller.
17 March brings the grand culmination of the St Patrick’s Festival at Festival Quarter, with a full day of free festivities from noon until 10:30pm. Highlights include the world-famous Céilí Mór, showcasing the best of Irish music talent, and a vibrant lineup of bands and artists on the Rí Rá Bandstand. Meanwhile, An Tigín offers a cosy retreat with traditional Irish snug vibes and live music. Visit stpatricksfestival.ie for more details.
Dublin Zoo
Dublin Zoo is inviting visitors of all ages to celebrate St Patricks Day in the zoo, with a jam-packed schedule of fun and entertainment on Sunday, 17 March. Visitors will be greeted by a special Leprechaun upon arrival, who will be encouraging them to enter the ‘pot of gold’ competition and be in with a chance of winning an annual pass to Dublin Zoo!
There will also be face-painting and themed arts and crafts activities taking place during the day. Whether you want to look like your favourite animal or sport a shamrock on your cheek, the talented face-painters have you covered! Book online at dublinzoo.ie.
Armagh
Armagh city’s Home of St Patrick festival, running from 10 – 18 March, promises a dynamic nine-day program of events across various venues.
The festivities commence with a musical performance by Phil Coulter at St Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday, 10 March, followed by a poetry reading at Armagh Robinson Library on 14 March. Country music fans can enjoy Sandy Kelly’s performance at the Marketplace Theatre on the same day.
On 15 March, St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral hosts “A Musical Celebration of St Patrick,” while the Charlemont Arms Hotel offers “Song, Storytelling and Stew.” The Market Place Theatre presents “The Great Irish Songbook” featuring Malachi Cush and Kal McGuckin.
16 March features a “Stained Glass Treasures Walking Tour”, “St Patrick’s Festival Cupcakes for Kids” at The Marketplace Theatre, and “St Patrick’s Day Session” at Navan Fort & Centre. History enthusiasts can explore “Death Before Dishonour with Pistols at Dawn” at Armagh County Club.
The festival concludes on 17 March with the “Home of St Patrick Vigil Walk” and “Sunrise with Patrick – Ritual & Renewal” at Navan Centre & Fort. Music lovers can enjoy the “Ukulele Trad Workshop” at Armagh City Hotel on 18 March. This diverse range of events promises an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Click here for more details on all the events.
Galway
The St Patrick’s Festival parade in Galway on 17 March will mark the highlight of a three-day celebration of Irish culture and will serve as a platform to showcase the creativity of local artists and community groups. The parade starts at 11.30am and runs through Galway city centre for over 1 hour.
The theme for the parade this year is ‘Olympics 2024’ and will see up to 3000 participants taking part in what will be a colourful spectacle throughout the city centre. The event aims to celebrate Galway’s diverse culture and talent through an inclusive programme of events. Click here for more information.
Wexford
Hook Lighthouse sitting on the tip of the Hook Peninsula is offering visitors named ‘Patrick’ and ‘Patricia’ the chance to enjoy a free tour this St Patrick’s Day plus there will be snake hunts for all the family to enjoy!
The medieval lighthouse is celebrating all that is uniquely Irish from a green theme at the café and a celebration of Paddy’s, Patrick’s, Pat’s and Patricia’s plus there will be a Snake Hunt at 2 pm and 3 pm on the lighthouse lawns. The Hook Lighthouse tour has been voted as one of the best experiences in Ireland, with tour guides that are renowned for their friendly, knowledgeable and entertaining style. A tour guide will take you through time as you walk the same steps as generations of Lighthouse keepers, with fascinating insights, stories and facts of this unique building. The tour culminates on the Lighthouse Balcony where visitors are greeted with spectacular views over the Celtic Sea and Waterford Estuary. Visit hookheritage.ie for more information.
Cork
The Cork St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2024 has chosen Pure Imagination as it’s theme and is promising families a magical and wonderful experience on 17 March. Presented by the wonderful and varied communities who make up the city, visitors can expect a vibrant and colour display featuring everyone from sporting groups to dance schools, new communities, long-established brass bands, and special guests from around the world.
The parade starts at 1pm and can be live-streamed here from 12:45 Irish time. Click here for more information on the events taking place in Cork City over the weekend.
Waterford
Waterford, renowned as the home of the founder of St Patrick’s Day, Fr Luke Wadding, is gearing up for an extensive four-day festival to celebrate the patron saint. Fr Wadding, a Waterford native, left an indelible mark on history by including the Feast of St Patrick in the official list of saints of the Roman Catholic Church during his time in Rome in the 1630s. This year, the city of Waterford is extending its celebrations to over four days, offering a plethora of free activities and events for all ages, spanning from the city to the county.
The festivities kick off on 15 March with a vibrant St. Patrick’s Festival funfair, a live music stage, historical walking tours, and river cruises, offering something for everyone.
16 March promises a diverse array of events, including an Irish dancing show with the Booley House dancers, Irish language workshops, and a Celtic Knot workshop. Attendees can also enjoy free children’s arts and crafts workshops, historical walking tours, and access to Waterford’s Medieval Museum.
17 March sees St. Patrick’s Day parades taking place not only in Waterford City but also in Dungarvan, Cappoquin, and Tramore. Waterford City’s parade, themed ‘Seize the Déise,’ celebrates the county’s cultural diversity and artistic talent, with the Waterford Camogie team leading the procession as Grand Marshal. Dungarvan hosts its 45th parade, featuring a vibrant display of Irish folklore and myths, while Tramore’s parade promises a lively procession through the town. For those eager to join in the festivities, further details on Waterford’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations can be found at visitwaterford.com.
Words by Eva Megannety
