Family Article
St. Patrick’s Day Events for Families in Ireland
St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner and it’s time to get planning how you’ll celebrate. Thousands of people come together to honour the patron saint of Ireland with festivities now taking on a week-long festival feel. From parades to workshops, festivals and performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy in every corner of the country. Join us in celebrating Irish culture and the Emerald Isle!
Whether you’re based in Dublin or Donegal you are sure to find something fun happening near you for St. Patrick’s Day. Here are some of our recommendations:
St. Patrick’s Day Events in Dublin
1. St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin
The Dublin St. Patrick's Festival urges us to come together on Friday 17th March and celebrate our shared culture, heritage, and traditions! Let's recognize that 'MAR A CHÉILE SINN' (WE ARE ONE) and embrace the unifying and inspirational theme of ONE. The National St. Patrick's Day Parade 2023 will be a reminder that when we act with care and respect as ONE, we can protect each other and our wonderful world. Ireland is known for its unique culture and heritage, but our stories are also part of a global culture that bonds us through music, storytelling, sport, nature, and tradition. Let's take this opportunity to remember our shared responsibility for the united care of our planet, and protect it for our future generations while leading celebrations with the rest of the world!
2. Me Auld Flower Food & Drinks Festival, Smithfield
Be part of something unique this St. Patrick's Day! Me Auld Flower, is the first-of-its-kind event in one of Dublin's most beloved buildings. Years of planning has finally brought together the best of Irish food and drink all under one historic roof. Guests can expect superb food options provided by the country’s most talented chefs in a party atmosphere.
Me Auld Flower will offer something new and different for St. Patrick’s Day, designed for both home audiences and visitors from abroad. There will be 6 sessions over the Thursday through to Sunday of St Patrick’s Festival weekend, featuring an array of delicious treats from fresh oysters to world-class charcuterie and cheese, from bacon and cabbage dumplings to a Michelin-star bowl of coddle, and even bags of local spuds to take home. Slots can be booked here!
St. Patrick’s Day Events in Ireland
Dublin will play host to the largest parades and the majority of tourists, but remember that there are a host of fantastic events taking place all across the country. Why not escape Temple Bar this year and visit one of the many events across the country that celebrates our national culture?
3. St. Patrick’s Day Snake Trail at Birr Castle, Offaly
Birr Castle Demesne and Science Centre is putting on a special St. Patrick’s Day Snake Trail in their grounds from Friday the 17th until Monday the 20th of March between 9am and 5pm each day. The trail of slithering snakes will lead you through the captivating gardens and parkland of Birr Castle Demesne. Find all of the snakes to discover their secret message and earn a sweet treat! The snake trail is included in the General Admission price and is suitable for all ages.
Elsewhere in Offaly, Tullamore will be hosting a St. Patrick’s Day parade which is all about inclusion and community, the theme this year is “Is Feidir Linn Le Cheile” (We Can Do It Together)
4. St. Patrick’s Festival Weekend, Cork
This year, the Cork St. Patricks' Day Parade 2023 is set to be a spectacular event with its chosen theme of 'A Century of Stories'! This theme reflects the last phase of the 'Decade of Centenaries' programme, a momentous time in which Ireland has come together as a nation. The parade will be a vibrant and colourful display, featuring members of all the wonderful and varied communities that make up the beautiful city of Cork. From sporting groups to dance schools, new communities, long-established brass bands, and special guests from around the world, the Cork City St. Patricks' Day Parade is sure to be an event to remember!
5. St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Trim, Meath
Join the celebration of the victory of Trim Tidy Towns this St. Patrick's Day! The parade, starting at 3.30pm from the Ring Road, will be led off by members of the victorious Tidy Towns group with their trophies in hand. It will take you up Patrick Street, onto Emmet Street, Market Street and finishing at Castle Street. Before the parade, don't miss the highly anticipated return of the 'Daft Raft Race' at 1.30pm, organised by James Murray of Boyne Valley Activities. And to top off the day, there's the Scurlogstown Olympiad Céili St Patrick's night in the Diocesan Hall, Loman Street, Trim. Visit Trim and show your support for this vibrant Meath community!
6. St. Patrick’s Day in Kilkenny
Kilkenny celebrates St. Patrick by throwing the biggest party in Ireland’s Ancient East. Their festival runs from the 15th to the 19th of March, hosting free events, concerts, carnival rides, the ever popular Nore Valley Park Snake Hunt and even incorporates the fabulous Kilkenny Tradfest as well as the main event, The St. Patrick’s Day Parade on the 17th of March.
7. Limerick St. Patrick’s Day Festival, Limerick City Centre
This St Patrick's Festival, 'Discover Limerick' has something for everyone. From Friday 17th to Sunday 19th March, the festival will be bigger and better than ever with a spectacular parade on Friday, and the 51st and largest ever Limerick International Band Championship on Sunday, plus a huge array of family-friendly activities running over the Bank Holiday weekend.
The fun kicks off with the traditional parade which will be led by the Grand Marshal, as it winds its way through the streets of Limerick. With vibrant floats and marching bands from around the world, this is sure to be an unforgettable display. Afterwards, why not explore all that Limerick has to offer with a variety of cultural and entertainment events taking place throughout the weekend? There will be street performances, food markets, art exhibitions and much more.
8. St. Patrick’s Day Parade Ennis, Clare
The Ennis St. Patrick’s Day parade is a wonderful event that brings the people of Clare together in a unique way. Not only is there sporting heroes, artists and performers, but also representatives from the community to celebrate the historic Irish culture that binds us all. This year’s theme is ‘Communities in Action’, which perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the day. Whether it be through music, art or simply talking to each other, it’s important to celebrate that we are better together than apart. The Ennis parade is an important spectacle that shows the world what Clare is all about!
And in other great news, Joe the Magician will be back to the Glór theatre this Patrick’s Day! His brand-new show ‘It’s Magic’ features an array of impossible spellbinding magic and illusion presented in Joe’s unique style that will have the children of all ages roaring laughing one minute and in complete awe the next. An afternoon of laugher, suspense, amazement and surprise awaits from 2pm on Friday the 17th, tickets can be bought online for €12.
9. St. Patrick’s Day Festival Galway, Galway City
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival is set to return to the streets of Galway in 2023, bringing a weekend of family-friendly entertainment and festivities to Ireland’s National Holiday. From the 17th to the 20th of March, revellers can look forward to a wide range of amusements and activities, from the ‘Greening’ initiative on prominent Galway buildings to the highlight of the festival – the traditional St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
This time-honoured procession will start at 11:30am at Galway Cathedral and make its way through University Road, Salmon Weir Bridge, Eglinton Street, Williamsgate Street and past the official viewing stand in Eyre Square before finishing on Prospect Hill and Bóthar na mBan. With an atmosphere full of energy and excitement, there’s no better place to be on St. Patrick’s Day!
10. St. Patrick’s Day Parade Sligo, Sligo Town
This annual celebration of Irish culture and heritage has been a tradition in Sligo since 1971, and this year’s parade promises to be bigger and better than ever. After 2 years apart, the Sligo St. Patrick’s Day festival is delighted to be gathering for a parade once again. The theme for this year’s festival is, simply, Together, this is a great opportunity to celebrate with floats, marching bands, traditional music, and plenty of Irish spirit, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Sligo 2023 is sure to be a memorable event!
11. St. Patrick’s Day Events in Donegal
The Donegal Town parade always provides a platform for revellers from the local schools, businesses, clubs, community groups and anyone else that wants to get involved. The parade this year will start at 3pm and will build on previous efforts where, imagination, colour, music, dance and fun were at the fore. This year’s parade promises to celebrate Irish heritage and traditions while embracing new members of the community.
Elsewhere in Donegal, the Bundoran parade will welcome four legged friends for a special “St PETrick’s Day” and Letterkenny will have entertainment and live music on stage before and after their parade kicks off at 3pm. A great day will be had at all locations with street performers, floats, entertainers, dancers and more.
12. St. Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival, Derry
Derry holds host to a colourful celebration of the arrival of Spring in all its magnificence with a programme of music, dance, food and folklore designed to astound this St Patrick's Day.
Departing Bishop Street at 3pm on Friday the 17th of March, the Derry parade embraces Spring, with its signs of new growth and new beginnings associated with the brighter mornings and evenings. The 2023 Spring Carnival parade celebrates this through the theme of ‘Recycle & Renewal’ bringing to light a focus on conserving and harnessing the natural environment around us.
The Derry parade extends an invite to all to celebrate the artistry of the local communities on St Patrick’s Day, with an important message for 2023 that is delivered in a fun and vibrant manner.
Need To Get In Touch
Our sales lines will be closed from 17th of March to 19th of March but you can still get an online quote for car insurance and others insurance services from AIG, as well as access your MyAIG / or MyAIG Golfer account 24 hours a day. Our business hours will return to normal on Monday 20th March.
From everyone here at AIG Insurance, we want to wish you a Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Lá Fhéile Pádraig!