Every year on March 17, Ireland erupts in an explosion of music, parades and celebrations in honor of its patron saint. In 2025, St. Patrick’s Day promises to be more spectacular than ever, with a rich and varied program in the country’s main cities. Here’s a detailed guide to not-to-be-missed events!
Top events for St Patrick’s Day 2025
Dublin: The beating heart of St Patrick’s Day
The Irish capital hosts the largest St. Patrick’s Day festival in the world, spanning several days.
- March 17 Parade: Depart Parnell Square at 12:00 pm, crossing the city in a whirlwind of colorful floats, dancers and international brass bands.
- Festival Quarter: Located in Collins Barracks, this venue offers concerts, artistic performances and family entertainment.
- Greening the City: iconic landmarks like Trinity College and Custom House are lit up in green every evening.
- Céilí Mór: A huge open-air traditional dance session to celebrate the Irish spirit.
Cork: tradition and modernity
Ireland’s second-largest city, Cork blends tradition and modernity to offer a unique festival.
- Grande Parade: A colorful show featuring local and international performances.
- Live at the Lee: riverside concerts featuring Irish and international bands.
- Street arts festival: jugglers, stilt-walkers and dancers liven up the streets of the town center.
- Local specialities: Tasting of local products, including the famous Cork butter and seafood from the south coast.
Galway: A bohemian, festive atmosphere
Galway, city of artists and musicians, offers a vibrant and charming St. Patrick’s Day.
- Maritime parade: A unique procession of decorated boats and ships on Galway Bay.
- Concerts in Eyre Square: traditional and contemporary music groups perform throughout the day.
- Street show: jugglers, musicians and dancers take over the medieval streets.
- Gastronomic festival: celebrate local specialities with tastings of seafood and typical Irish dishes.
Limerick: sport and folklore
Limerick puts a special emphasis on sport and tradition for its St. Patrick’s Day.
- Grande Parade: A festive procession with floats and local troops.
- International Band Championship: a competition bringing together brass bands from all over the world.
- Hurling match: An exceptional encounter between the best teams in the country.
- Folklore shows: traditional tales, songs and dances all over town.
Kilkenny: A return to Celtic roots
St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny – © Dylan Vaughan – St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny
A medieval town par excellence, Kilkenny offers an authentic and immersive St. Patrick’s Day.
- Historical parade: A re-enactment of Irish traditions through the ages.
- Live music sessions: Pubs with musicians playing traditional tunes.
- Medieval entertainment: fencing, blacksmith demonstrations and Celtic storytelling shows.
- Night ball: A great evening of traditional dancing under the stars.
Belfast: A multicultural St. Patrick’s Day
Belfast celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with an inclusive and festive approach.
- Parade and carnival: a mix of cultures highlighting the diversity of Northern Ireland.
- Open-air concerts: Local and international artists entertain on the city’s stages.
- Irish film screenings: Special screenings featuring Irish cinema.
- Whiskey tasting: Discover the best distilleries in the region.
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