St Patrick’s Day 2023: Events across NI to look forward to

Belfast City Centre

This year's St Patrick's Day celebrations includes an extended festival that will include a trad trail and colourful carnival pageant.


On St Patrick's Day (Friday 17th March) the annual parade will snake its way through the city centre – a colourful pageant of costumes, music, dance, circus and theatrical performances.


The theme of this year's parade is 'Voices of Belfast' and it will celebrate Belfast's vibrant musical heritage including folk, disco, punk and electronic.

FREE St Patrick’s Eve Concert Belfast’s Custom House Square will come alive with the sound of some of the island’s most exceptional musical talent this St Patrick’s Eve for a family-friendly, fun packed concert presented by The Duncairn Arts Centre. Headlining the event will be award-winning Dublin singer-songwriter Lisa Hannigan with her mesmerizing vocals and soulful folk-pop sound. Trad supergroup Jiggy continue the tradition of their musical ancestors while bringing a whole new exotic flavour to the table.

Belfast's Custom House Square will come alive with the sound of some of the island's most exceptional musical talent this St Patrick's Eve for a family-friendly, fun packed concert presented by The Duncairn Arts Centre.


Headlining the event will be award-winning Dublin singer-songwriter Lisa Hannigan with her mesmerizing vocals and soulful folk-pop sound.


Trad supergroup Jiggy continue the tradition of their musical ancestors while bringing a whole new exotic flavour to the table.

Trad Trail by Féile an Phobail

Belfast is a city with a rich and vibrant Irish traditional music scene - the Féile Trad Trail will take venues right across the city from 10th – 19th March and throughout the city centre with local musicians and musicians from all over the Island.

St Patrick's celebrations at St George's Market

Kicking off at 12 noon to 1.30pm on Friday 17th March, enjoy live traditional music from members of Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ).

These musicians and dancers love to perform to audiences all over the world. They are feet-stompingly brilliant. The event is free. You don't need a ticket.

Downpatrick’s annual festival returns

Celebrations in Downpatrick are set to commence at 12pm on March 17, departing from the Ardglass Road at 1.30pm and at Rathkeltair Car Park.
Everyone is invited to St Patrick's Square to enjoy an array of free activities including face painting, walkabout characters, arts and crafts, balloon modelling and live performances. Performing on stage will be the unique String Ninjas, popular tribute act, The Illegals and the fantastic nine piece soul band, The Gold Tips plus many more.
The parade promises to be an eclectic mix of entertainment for visitors to enjoy from swirling dancers, a cavalcade of community floats to costumed characters.
Why not also catch a ride on the Shamrock Express to the breathtaking Inch Abbey from the Downpatrick and County Down Railway.

Newry has a jam-packed schedule

In Newry, Hill Street will once again be a hive of entertainment on St Patrick's Day. From 12noon there will be a wide range of fun activities for the whole family in Marcus Square and Margaret Square and music lovers will be treated to live performances from pop duo, Paper Tides, country music star, Johnny Brady, international celtic rock band, More Power to your Elbow and a guest appearance from Newry's very own Junior Eurovision contestant, Sophie Lennon. Sugar Island will also be a hive of activity, showcasing the best in local street entertainment.

Of course, the main event of the St Patrick's celebrations in Newry will the parade, full of colourful floats, costumes, dance and music. Don't miss it as it leaves Albert Basin at 1pm compéred by broadcaster and TV personality, Julian Simmons. As in previous years, the route follows along Buttercrane Quay, Merchants Quay, Sugar Island to Kildare Street.

Get your feet wet at the St Patrick’s Day Paddle in Warrenpoint

If you're brave enough, visit the shores of Carlingford Lough on a family paddle from 9.30 to 11.30am complete with games and stunning scenery. Instructors will be on hand with games for the kids and big kids too!

Winter has faded into the light and we're celebrating the arrival of Spring in all its colourful splendour with a magical programme of music, dance, food and folklore. Traditional music and performances all afternoon in Guildhall Square, the Craft Village and the Peace Garden will take place alongside the event's Reuse and Recycle themed parade through the city centre.

Strabane gearing up for a fabulous St Patrick’s celebration

Final preparations are underway in Strabane for the much-anticipated St Patrick's Day Spring Carnival celebrations set to have people dancing in the streets this Friday, March 17. The town centre will be buzzing with activity, with plenty of craic agus ceol to entertain throughout the afternoon.

Traffic restrictions will be in place from approximately 1.30pm – 4.30pm along the main parade route and motorists are advised to expect some delays and diversions to facilitate the parade.

24Hour Buck for Homelessness

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Sandra Duffy, is hosting a 24-Hour Busk in conjunction with The Nerve Centre on 17th March to raise funds for her dedicated charity – First Aid Housing and Support Services.

Following a fantastic response from the local music scene and securing over 70 acts to busk at the event, the Mayor is now calling on residents and businesses across the city and district to come along to the event and donate to this worthy cause.

The 24-Hour Busk will take place on St Patrick's Day and will be a part of the overall Spring Carnival 2023 programme. The famous St Patrick's Day parade will take place at 3pm however revellers are in for a treat, with street theatre, dance shows, markets, and even more music from 1pm until 5.30pm.

Make a splash at Duck Dive Festival in Portstewart

Portstewart locals are set to face the freezing water once again as the annual 'Duck Dive' makes its return. This year's festival has a new location at the Crescent along the promenade.

It starts at 1pm where participants will be drenched in water to raise money for the Community Rescue Service Northern District.

Visit the ‘Home of St Patrick’s Events’

Armagh's Home of St Patrick's Festival returns with an exciting programme of music, art, theatre, film and dance. This is a chance to reflect on the legacy of St Patrick and have fun celebrating his influence on history and culture.

Armagh City is the "Home of St Patrick," the place where Patrick began his mission. Most of the Festival activities are based in city centre venues.

Another not-to-be-missed highlight is the St Patrick's Eve Family Fun event, Thursday 16th March, Shambles Yard in Armagh. This outdoor concert offers some of the region's best musicians and singers, all of them having started in the traditional Irish music scene.

‘Connect, Create and Celebrate’

'Connect, Create and Celebrate' as the St Patrick's Day festival is set to return to Omagh Town Centre.

Delivered by Dún Uladh Cultural Heritage Centre, the exciting event on Friday, March 17 from 12pm to 4pm, will feature everything from fantastic music, to dance, drama, amusements, and family entertainment.

The free-of-charge event, sponsored by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council (FODC), will also see numerous hospitality and entertainment venues throughout the town getting into the spirit of the global festivities.

'Back to the Future' vibes in Enniskillen

Fermanagh's St Patrick's Day Parade and Fun Day returns to Enniskillen on Friday 17th March and this year's theme is Back To The Future!

The craic starts at the Broadmeadow with a free family fun day and a host of live entertainment acts starting at 1.30pm, presented by the hugely popular DJ Bob. Enjoy a range of free activities from soccer skills to water based taster sessions, balloon modelling to bouncy castles, mingle with dinosaurs and Disney heroes and get snapped with some of the silver screen's most famous vehicles.

PLUS, don't miss your chance to see the wakeboarding leprechauns as well as other water activities – making celebrating St Patrick's Day in Ireland's Only Island Town, a truly unique experience.

Step back in time at the Ulster American Folk Park

Enjoy the traditions from the Old World that were brought to the New World with a traditional celebration at the Ulster American Folk Park on 17th March. Try a spot of dancing or enjoy the food, stories and music that would have taken place on the day.
There will also be Irish dancers performing on the 17th and live traditional musicians playing throughout the weekend.

Family fun at The Hill of the O'Neill

Come along to The Hill of The O'Neill and Ranfurly House for musical entertainment and family fun including face painting, Irish Dancing, amusements and more.
Headlining the St. Patrick's Day event is the renowned Blackwater Céilí Band - widely recognised as one of the finest exponents of Irish Traditional Music- they are sure to bring their boundless energy and passion to The Hill this St. Patrick's Day!
There will also be live traditional music from members of Coalisland and Clonoe Comhaltas.