March 2026

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.

Claremorris

The 2026 St Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Tuesday 17th March at

Claremorris will come alive with colour, creativity and communiy spirit.

This year theme will be ” Where Luck Meets Dreams.“.

Guest of honour will be the Claremorris man Eamonn Keaveney who completed a 6000km barefoot walk from Istambul to west Kerry and is still walking towards Claremorris.

Kiltimagh

The 2026 St Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Tuesday 17th March at 2 pm.

This year the theme will be “Heroes and Legends”.

Kiltimagh wishes to celebrate the people and stories that deserve centre stage from Irish myths, folklore, local heroes, sporting legends to everyday champions.

Westport

The annual St Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Tuesday 17th March at 1 pm.

The 2026 theme will be “Reeling in the Years” with the aim to celebrate the history, heritage and achievements of each group in Westport.

This year the Grand Marchal will be the local legend, Matt Molloy - global music icon and founding member of The Chieftains.

Ballina

The 2026 St Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Tuesday 17th Marchh at 3 pm.

This year theme will be “Pride of Ballina”.

The streets of Ballina will be packed with colours, music and pride for local history and tradition.

Swinford

The 2026 St Patrick Parade will take place on Tuesday 17th March at 3 pm.

This year theme will be “ Irish Myths, Legends and Folklore”.

Achill Island

On the rugged Achill Island, St. Patrick's Day will be celebrated on Tuesday, 17th March 2026.

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

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 Dokinella

• 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.

Castlebar

The 2026 St. Patrick’s Day celebration will be held on Tuesday, March 17th, beginning at 12 noon.

This year’s theme, “One Island-Many Voices” reflects the diversity and shared spirit of the community.

Retired Defence Forces Captain Adrian Coady has been appointed as the Grand Marshal for the 2026 parade.

The parade route will begin on McHale Road and make its way to Main Street, passing through Spencer Street, The Mall, Ellison Street, Market Square, Chapel Street, Newline, New Antrim Street, and Linehall Street.

A sensory-friendly area will be set up on Chapel Street to ensure the event can be enjoyed comfortably by everyone.

Ballycastle

The 2026 St Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Tuesday 17th March at 12.30 pm starting from the Community Hall

Killala

The 2026 St Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Tuesday 17th MArch at 1 pm starting from the Community Centre.