St Patrick's Day 2018: What's happening across Northern Ireland
Happy St Patrick's Day ☘️🍺
Last updated 16th Mar 2018
In case you didn't already know St. Patrick's Day falls on a Saturday this year. Celebrate with green beer, maybe a Guinness, maybe a shamrock decoration or two.
Belfast City Centre
The streets of Belfast will be awash with colour from 11.30am with over 1,000 people taking part, including music bands, dancers, circus entertainers, floats and lots of giant puppets.
Following a new route this year, the parade will leave from Royal Avenue, travel through Castle Junction and along Donegall Place before snaking its way around City Hall, and then returning along the same route again, finishing at Royal Avenue.
Free concert at Custom House Square
Kicks off at 1.30pm and features former JLS member and Strictly star Aston Merrygold alongside local musicians and traditional Irish dancers.
Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis (no ticket required). Gates will open from 1.15pm and under 16's must be accompanied by an adult.
Downpatrick
Celebrate at the burial place of Saint Patrick with the Cross community Carnival Parade from 3pm, which passes through the center of the town.
With the theme of ‘Myths and Legends’ this cavalcade of floats, bands and community groups provides a spectacular display. The parade route follows the Ardglass Road, Edward Street, John Street, Irish Street and Market Street finishing at Rathkeltair carpark.
This event is free for all.
Armagh
Celebrate Saint Patrick's Day in Armagh with a spectacular display of colour, music, dance and entertainment as their wonderful procession snakes its way through the city from 1pm.
The route runs from the Palace Demesne, Irish Street, Ogle Street, Thomas Street, Market Street, Market Street to English Street, onto Cathedral Road, and past the Shambles Yard before finishing at the grounds of Cathedral Road Recreation Centre.
Crowds will be entertained by a full programme of music including ‘The Nooks’ and ‘Parcel O’Rogues’, music will continue into the afternoon as the city celebrates.
Derry~Londonderry
Come join the carnival parade of dancing daffodils, busy bees and slithering snakes as local communities take to the streets in a celebration of Spring.
Bhramari ‘the goddess of the bees.’ Brigit and Bhramari will snake their way through the city’s streets along with a host of characters representing Spring and will be joined by Saint Patrick completing the circle.
This year will see pageant pieces from over 600 participants from local schools, youth clubs and arts and cultural organisations.
Departs Bishops Street car park from 2pm. Proceeds down Bishop Street, Shipquay Street, Whitaker Street, Harbour Square Roundabout, Custom House Street, Waterloo Place, Strand Road and finishing at Strand Road Car park.
Omagh
Lots of multicultural food, dancers and entertainment going down in the county town of Tyrone with the ‘Celebrate Together’ Carnival Parade leaving Drumragh Avenue from 1:30pm
There will be a host of children's arts and crafts activities
Enniskillen
St Patrick’s Day Parade and Fun Day returns to Enniskillen – the streets will be transformed with floats, vintage vehicles, acrobats, colour and fun – this year’s theme is ‘Pages Thru the Ages’.
The annual parade begins from 3.30pm and starts at Lakeland Forum.
Whatever your plans, there's always a huge variety of activities to take part in, make sure to check out Discover Northern Ireland's events page to keep up to date with everything going on.
Dublin
If you're planning on heading down south, you won't be alone. Huge crowds are expected. Streets and pubs will be buzzing with people enjoying the festivities in Ireland's capital city.
Game of Thrones star Liam Cunningham will lead Dublin's St Patrick's Day parade.
Starting at noon in Parnell Square, it heads along O’Connell St and Dame St, ending at St Patrick’s Cathedral.
Prepare for traffic delays, best availing of rail/bus/public transport.
If you arrive late, head towards the end of the parade route for a better chance of a prime viewing spot.