All about the Grand Parade Dublin 2025!

On March 17, 2025, Dublin will vibrate to the rhythm of the National St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a not-to-be-missed event celebrating Ireland’s rich culture and heritage. From 12 noon onwards, over 500,000 spectators are expected to admire a spectacular parade featuring over 4,000 participants. It’s an eagerly-awaited event, and one you must experience at least once in your life! Here are a few tips on how to make the most of this celebration!

Dublin Parade 2025: getting ready for it

What can we expect?

The theme of this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade is“Eachtraí”, meaning “Adventures” in Irish. This theme highlights the legendary adventurous spirit of the Irish people. It reflects the nation’s innate ability to turn fear into courage, and to meet every challenge with daring and resilience.

Highlights include a special collaboration with Pavee Point Traveller & Roma Centre, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary. This performance will highlight the shared traditions and cultures of Ireland’s Traveller and Roma communities, focusing on the wagon wheel, an iconic symbol of their respective heritages. This initiative underlines the importance of preserving and celebrating skills and traditions for future generations.

The parade will also feature Ireland’s leading performance companies, including Macnas, Bui Bolg, Art FX, Spraoi, Inishowen Carnival, The Outing Queer Arts Collective and Artastic. These troupes will present grandiose performances, blending music, dance and visual arts, offering spectators an immersive experience at the heart of the Irish imagination.

Dublin’s Grand Parade route

Discover the route!

Would you like to find out where you’ll be staying to watch the event? No problem: the St Patrick Festival has already provided the map!

To find out more, click here:

Route map for the 2025 St Patrick’s Day Grand Parade in Dublin – https://stpatricksfestival.ie/events/parade

Our advice

Anticipate and vibrate to the rhythm of the parade!

To make the most of the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin, it’s best to be well prepared! Here are a few tips to help you enjoy the event like a pro:

Arrive early: The parade starts at 12pm, but the best spots are snapped up as early as 9-10am. If you want a good view, aim for an early arrival, especially around O’Connell Street or College Green.
Dress warmly and in layers: In March, the weather in Dublin can be unpredictable – sun, rain, wind… anything is possible in a matter of hours. Make sure you wear warm, waterproof clothing, and why not a touch of green for atmosphere!
Pack the essentials: Take along a bottle of water, snacks, tissues and an external battery to capture moments without running out of phone or digital camera.
Use public transport: The city center will be crowded and some streets will be closed. Take the bus, the streetcar (LUAS) or walk to avoid parking problems.
Choose your strategic spot: For a family atmosphere, St. Stephen’s Green is quieter. For maximum energy, O’Connell Street is ideal, but it’s also the busiest.
Reserved seating: If you prefer more comfort, tiered seating is available for purchase. Ideal for an unobstructed view and to avoid standing for hours.