Festivals

March 2024

Experience the rich culture of Ireland at a series of free events to celebrate St Patrick. Come to the place of ancient history, where Patrick’s sacred mountain lies, and celebrate our Patron Saint.

Belmullet

The St Patrick's Day celebration in Belmullet this year will be memorable.

This year, the town is celebrating its 200th anniversary, and starting at 2 p.m., traditional Irish music and Irish dancing will honour the Belmullet heritage. The parade will start at 3 pm, followed by traditional Irish music and dance.

New will be the “Patrick’s Paddle Parade “on water. It will take place at the Docks Belmullet at 12 pm and will run from the town pier through the canal to the Docks.

Castlebar

The 2024 Castlebar St Patrick’s Parade will take place on Sunday, 17th March, at 12 pm sharp.

It is an early start due to the GAA National Football League match between Mayo and Derry, which is scheduled for 3.45 p.m. that day.

The meeting point will be at An Sportlann from 11 am.

The parade will follow the usual route along the town’s streets: Spencer Street, the Mall, Ellison Street, Market Square, Chapel Street, Newline, New Antrim Street, Linenhall Street, and Main Street.

A noise-free zone will be created in Chapel Street for all people with autism and their families.

This year’s theme will be “Home to Mayo”, and Sean Horkan will be the chief marshal.

Kiltimagh

The 2024 St Patrick’s Parade in Kiltimagh will take place on Sunday,17th March at 1 pm.

The Theme will be :” Through the generations.”

Swinford

The 74th St Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Sunday, 17th March, in Swinford.

This year, the theme will be “Irish TV and Films” (past and present).

Achill Island

On the rugged Achill Island, St. Patrick's Day will be celebrated on Sunday, 17th March 2023.

Since 1882, the island’s traditional pipe bands have played a central role in this celebration by marching from village to village.

Here is the scheduled approximate timetable :

• 8.00 am, Dooagh Pipe Band starts at Molly’s, Keel West.
• 8.00 am, Keel Pipe Band starts at Minaun View Bar, Keel.
• 8.30 am, Pollagh Pipe Band starts at Dooagh NS, Dooagh.
• 8.45 am, Dookinella Pipe Band starts at Achill Head Hotel, Pollagh.
• 9.00 am, Afreann Gaeilge (Mass in Irish) at St. Patrick’s Church, Pollagh.
• 10 am, All bands play at St. Patrick’s Church, Pollagh.
• 10.30 am, March from Pollagh to Dookinella.
• 12 noon, Mass at Dookinella Church.
• 1 pm, Bands play first individually and then collectively at Dookinella church, commencing the march back to their villages afterwards.

Visitors will enjoy a special day out following the Achill pipe bands, pausing for refreshments, and taking time to spot the spectacular scenery of Achill Island.

On Monday, March 18th, the day after the big parade, there will also be a parade at Achill Sound at 1 p.m.

Claremorris

The 2024 St Patrick’s Day Parade will take place at 2 pm on Sunday, 17th March. There will be a fantastic fireworks display at 8 pm.

Cong

The 2024 St Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Sunday, 17th March, at 12 pm in Cong. It will be a great day out with fantastic floats, dancers and traditional Irish music.

Enniscrone and Easkey

The 2024 Enniscrone St Patrick’s Day Parade will be a “Two Village “ Parade because it will move to Easkey afterwards. It is scheduled for Sunday, March 17th, at 1:00 p.m.

The parade route will follow the main street, starting from the Diamond Coast Hotel and finishing at the fire station. At 3 p.m., it will move to Easkey for a new start.

Westport

The 2024 Westport St Patrick’s Day Parade will commence on Distillery Road at noon on Sunday, March 17th. Participants will meet in the Sacred Heart School Car Park at 11:30 a.m. This year’s theme will be “Finding your Voice”, an opportunity to celebrate Westport’s vibrant community spirit.

The Grand Marshal will be Lennie Grimes, who did admirable work with local community organisations for many years. There will be outdoor music just before and immediately after the parade at Town Hall.

Ballina

The 2024 St Patrick‘s Day Parade will take place on Sunday 17th March 2.30 pm

This year’s theme will be 'Community', inspired by Ballina's past, present, and future.

Foxford

The 2024 St Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Saturday, 16th March, at 2 pm.

After the parade, there will be a tractor run, and five marching bands will perform, offering plenty of music.

Lahardane

St Patrick’s Day Parade is back in Lahardane after a stop due to Covid 19.

It will take place on Sunday 17th March at 2 pm.

Charlestown

In Charlestown, the St Patrick’s Day Parade will start at 1 pm on Sunday 17th March.

People will gather from 12 noon at CBD Sports Complex.

Newport

The 2024 St Patrick’s Day Parade will start at 3.30 pm from Westport Road on Sunday, 17th March.

Participants will assemble at 3 pm.

Ballaghadeerren

The 2024 Ballaghadeerren St Patrick’s Day Parade will commence at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 17th. This year, the theme will be “Laochra,” Legends.

Eachléim and Binghamstown

The St Patrick’s Day Parade will start at 12 noon in Eachléim and make its way through the village. After the parade, refreshments will be served at Eachléim Hall. The floats will then reach the village of Binghamstown to join the parade starting at 1:30 pm.

Bangor Erris

The 2024 St Patrick’s Day Parade will kick off on Sunday, March 17th, at 12.30 pm from the Kiltane GAA complex. Cash prizes will be given to three categories: junior creative floats, adult creative floats, and best machinery.

Ballycastle

The Ballycastle St Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Sunday, March 17th, after Mess, starting from The Hall.