St Patrick's Festival will be celebrating the uniquely Irish spark of life from 15-18 March 2024. Here are all the events you don't want to miss!
"Spréach", the Irish language word for "spark", is the theme of this year's National St Patrick's Festival and represents the unique essence of Ireland and the Irish people.
It’s what sets us apart and what brings us together, and oftentimes it’s the reason that people from all over the world have a special place in their hearts for Irish people, place, and culture.
This spark will be felt across the Festival weekend including at the world-famous St Patrick's Day Parade, Festival Quarter at the National Museum of Ireland, and the One City Arts & Culture Program of events.
Patrick Kielty, host of The Late Late Show and the face of Friday night television in Ireland, has been chosen as the Grand Marshal for this year's National St. Patrick's Day Parade.
"When you’re lucky enough to be called Patrick, St Patrick’s Day always feels like an extra birthday and I can’t wait to get the world’s biggest party started on March 17th," he said.
The National St. Patrick's Day Parade
This year’s National St. Patrick’s Day Parade is shaping up to be the largest ever! With half a million spectators expected to line this year’s route, the Parade will feature pageants and performance showpieces, marching bands from across Ireland, North America, and France, and over 4,000 participants.
This year's USA marching bands include The Pride of Clover from South Carolina, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School Fighting Irish from Ohio, and many more.
The Parade will showcase the different interpretations of Spréach – whether that’s the glint of craic in the eye, or the light of innovation and discovery so present throughout our history. From the fire in our bellies, evident in our sporting heritage, to the flame of creativity that's celebrated throughout the world through our writers, poets, musicians, artists, actors, and more.
Festival Quarter at the National Museum of Ireland
The grounds of one of Ireland’s most spectacular and historic heritage sites in the heart of Dublin will feature a covered main stage, performance spaces, relaxation areas, a mini-funfair, and the Irish Food and Craft Village.
Spectacular entertainment includes the St Patrick's Circus Cabaret where you can meet some of Ireland's best circus acts mixed with comedy. Don't miss the Céilí Mór with former Riverdance and champion Irish step-dancer Dearbhla Lennon accompanied by current Senior All-Ireland céílí band winners The Pipers from County Mayo. They will be celebrating traditional Irish dance, language, and music - learn the steps and soak up the atmosphere at this event!
Over at the GOAL Global Stage immerse yourself into the conversation The Story of Hospitality, which looks at the origins and customs of welcoming strangers and reminds us that this is at the heart of many of our day-to-day practices. The event will be followed by the interactive food heritage workshop, Breaking Bread.
One City Arts & Culture Program
Celebrate Dublin City and all it has to offer by checking out the One City program of events, which is dedicated to showcasing some of the best Irish arts and cultural experiences.
Discover Irish artwork at A Better City, an outdoor gallery that showcases new large-scale murals and printed works across the nooks and crannies of Thomas Street, Crane Street, and Market Street.
Join In the Footsteps of St Patrick, a walking tour that traces the history of Ireland's patron saint, as you follow the possible route he took on his legendary visit to the Dublin area over 1,500 years ago. Uncover hidden gems and learn about the legends, true and sometimes mythical, of St. Patrick.
ABAIR events will also be taking place across the weekend and will explore the Irish traditions of storytelling, song, and oral history and trace their links around the world. At ABAIR Holyhead enjoy an evening of songs and stories from Ireland and Wales, Using the Dublin-Holyhead sailing route as a central theme.
The full St Patrick's Day Festival program (March 15-18) is available here. You can also keep up to date on Facebook and Instagram.
