St Patrick's Day Parade times, route and road closures in Belfast this weekend
Get ready for a weekend of St Patrick’s Day celebrations☘️☘️
Last updated 12th Mar 2024
In just a couple of days Belfast will be dressed in green with an exciting weekend filled with St Patrick’s cheer.
Belfast’s parade is back this year, and is known world-wide as a diverse multi-cultural, cross-community celebration in honour of St Patrick that everyone is welcome to enjoy.
If you plan on visiting the city centre this weekend to celebrate, there’s some important things to remember like road closures and event times.
We’ve got you covered below…
What time does Belfast’s St Patrick’s Day Parade start?
The parade officially kicks off from outside Belfast City Hall at 1.30pm. It is a free event, so to avoid disappointment, allow plenty of time to access the city centre.
What is the St Patrick’s Day Parade route in Belfast?
This year’s parade route starts from Belfast City Hall at 1.30pm, weaving its way through the city centre via Chichester Street, Victoria Street, High Street, Castle Place and Donegall Place, back to City Hall.
The route along the main thoroughfares will enable good viewing opportunities for the public and people are encouraged to gather along footpaths on both sides of the streets right around the route.
What are the road closures in Belfast this weekend?
Motorists can expect some disruption along the parade route on Sunday 17th, with rolling diversions from 12.30pm to 3pm on roads and streets that intersect with the parade route.
These closures will be in place at:
⚠️ 12.30pm, closure of Donegall Square West
⚠️ 12.30pm, closure of College Square East and Wellington Place
⚠️ 12.30pm, closure of High Street (inner), Castle Place, Royal Avenue and Donegall Place
⚠️ 12.30pm, closure of Victoria Street
⚠️ 12.40pm, closure of Bridge Street
⚠️ 12.50pm, closure of Chichester Street
⚠️ 12.50pm, closure of Ann Street
On-street parking, including blue badge spaces will be suspended 6am to 3pm along Donegall Place, High Street and Bridge Street to accommodate the parade and spectators.
There will be delays and diversions during the SPAR Craic 10K event from 9am. For event information, go to Aisling events
Check out some of the other events taking place across NI this weekend:
Co Down:
St Patrick's Day Parade, Downpatrick
Led by St Patrick himself, the St Patrick's Day Parade in Downpatrick on Sunday 17 March 2024 will offer a feast for eyes and ears as swirling dancers, community floats and costumed characters entertain the crowds.
Festivities across Downpatrick will run from 12 noon to 4pm.
Down Arts Centre Festivities
There are a number for events running all St Patrick's Day long, including children's crafts, entertainment shows, a live harpies and main gallery. Check out their full itinerary online.
St Patrick’s Day Paddle in Warrenpoint
Begin the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in style by joining us on the water for a paddle board event on the beautiful shoreline of Warrenpoint, Carlingford Lough, it all kicks off 9.30am and lasts two hours.
St Patrick's Events, Newry
in Newry, the St Patrick's Day Parade promises to be a visual feast, with community groups, local schools and organisations coming together with the infamous, Beat Carnival, to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland. The floats will leave the Quays Shopping Centre at 1pm, finishing in Kildare Street.
The celebrations will continue in the open Ceilidh marquee in Margaret Square and the heart of the town will be a hive of activity with stages in Marcus Square and Hill Street.
Co Armagh:
Saint Patrick’s Festival Walking Tours
Armagh City is the "Home of St Patrick, ' there are countless links with the patron saint and are the only city in the world to have two Cathedrals named after the same saint.
On this leisurely walking tour dive into the history of St Patrick and appreciate the wonderful panoramic views of this city, the ecclesiastical and spiritual capital of Ireland.
Starting Point: Shambles Yard car park, in front of the Johnston Building, Cathedral Road. Finishing Point: The Friary near entrance to the Palace Demesne.
Sunrise with Patrick - Ritual and Renewal
Celebrate the first light of St Patrick's morning with St Patrick himself and the ancient people of Ulster.
Through the first rays of the morning sun cast an eye back to what life and faith may have been like before the arrival of St. Patrick and with our patron saint envisage the new future that Christianity had in store for our land. And afterwards, have breakfast to the sound of live music.
St Patrick's Day Community Parade
This parade is a celebration of our patron saint with a spectacular display of colour, music and entertainment for all to enjoy. The City's wonderful community parade makes its way through the city centre with a route starting at the Christian Brothers' School.
It makes its way through the City onto Cathedral Road, past the Shambles Market before finishing at the grounds of Cathedral Road Recreation Centre. The parade assembles at 2.30pm and returns at 4.30pm.
Co Derry/Londonderry:
Spring Carnival, Derry/Londonderry
Shake off those winter blues and BOUNCE into Spring with this colourful, fun-filled mini-festival.
The Peace Garden will come to life with fun-filled circus workshops, incredible acrobatic & parkour performances, comedy, magic & interactive performers – all bouncing their way into the new season!
Walled City Music Festival
The Walled City Music Festival returns for live performances with some of the world's finest musicians, including the Ulster Orchestra, Music Beyond Borders and Sons & Daughters of Derry.
Ceol at the Guildhall - Spring Carnival 2024
Escape to the heart of the city, the magnificent Guildhall, for an enchanting afternoon filled with traditional Irish melodies and rhythmic Ceili dances.
Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just looking to tap your feet, our relaxed ceili atmosphere welcomes everyone.
Traditional Irish Music & Dancing - Spring Carnival 2024
The Craft Village will come alive with the thrilling beats of live traditional music and the infectious energy of Irish dancing! Tap your feet, clap your hands, and let the music lift your spirits!
Co Fermanagh:
St Patrick’s Day Omagh 2024
The annual St Patrick's Day festival returns to Omagh Town Centre on Sunday 17 March 2024 featuring everything from music, song, dance, a parade, family fun and more!
Omagh Town Centre will also come to life with Jigsaw Farm, Exploris Aquarium Touch Tank, Characters and Family Heritage Trail with a fun packed day of entertainment also taking place in Strule Arts Centre from 1pm – 4pm.
Enjoy something to eat at any of Omagh's hospitality venues or the Food Court with local food traders outside Strule Arts Centre.
There is so much to keep you entertained as you wait to see the return of the St Patrick's Day parade as it weaves through the Town Centre at 2.30pm, leaving from Drumragh Avenue continuing on to Market Street, High Street and John Street, finishing at Church Street.
St Patrick’s Day Boat Parade
Enjoy the St. Patrick's Day Parade in the beautiful town of Enniskillen in Fermanagh. The Parade takes place on Sunday 17th March, at 3.30 pm with live music from 1.30 pm.
Saturday
St Patrick's Day Boat Parade
Sunday
1.30 pm – 3.30 pm Family fun @ Broadmeadow. Enjoy live music, entertainment & activities, all for free!
3.30 pm – 4.30 pm St Patrick's Parade will start & end at the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum & make its way through Enniskillen town centre.
Step back in time at the Ulster American Folk Park
St Patrick's Day celebrations kick off Sunday 17th and continue into Monday 18th March at the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh.
Discover the traditions of St Patrick's Day and the history of the shamrock as you wander the Folk Park. There'll be live traditional Irish music across Ulster and America, and Irish dancing performances on Sunday 17th March.
Stop by the Mellon House where the table will be filled with traditional foods like colcannon and apple tart, watch traditional craft demonstrations like basket weaving, follow the 'Shamrock Selfie Trail' and get involved in our St Patrick's themed crafts.
Co Tyrone:
St Patrick's Day Strabane
Strabane's St Patricks Day Parade sets off at 2pm on Sunday 17th, departing from Holy Cross College, Melmount Road.
Live music, arts and crafts will be available from the Alley, as well as family friendly entertainment, music from various trad groups.
St Patrick's Day Celebrations at Hill of The O’Neill
Hill of The O'Neill & Ranfurly House are showcasing an exciting free St Patrick's event next Sunday from 1.30pm – 4.30pm.
There will be live music (folk, rock, and traditional Irish), face painting, arts, and crafts and much more.
Headlining this year's celebrations is the brilliant County Tyrone Folk-Rock Band, The Porter Bellys! The band offers a dynamic blend of traditional and folk music infused with rock influences, resulting in their distinctive "Rocked-Up Folk" sound.
There will also be live traditional Irish music from members of Coalisland and Clonoe Comhaltas entertaining audiences on Hill of The O'Neill.
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