St Patrick’s Day is the biggest celebration of the year in Ireland and events take place all over the country. Why not join in with the St Patrick’s Day festivities on the Emerald Isle in 2027 on one of our tailor-made tours?

St Patrick’s Festival Dublin (photo courtesy St Patrick's Festival Dublin)

St Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and his feast day on 17 March is celebrated all over the world. Tradition has it that he died on this date and was buried at Downpatrick in Northern Ireland. St Patrick’s Day has been a bank holiday in Ireland since 1903, when the first St Patrick’s Day parade was held in Waterford. 

The St Patrick’s Festival in Dublin is one of the world’s biggest street spectaculars and, like Mardi Gras in New Orleans or Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, it’s an incredible experience! It is the largest celebration of Irish culture and heritage anywhere in the world.

St Patrick’s Festival Dublin (photo courtesy St Patrick's Festival Dublin)

Across the three days of the festival, you can soak up the joyful atmosphere at music gigs, walking tours, food fairs, art exhibitions and the undoubted highlight the St Patrick’s Day parade – an explosion of colour and creativity that draws people from all over the world. Enjoy a grandstand seat to watch the procession go by!

Armagh in Northern Ireland is at the heart of St Patrick celebrations in Ireland. The city is where the patron saint founded his first large stone church and Armagh has two cathedrals in his name. Today, the city also plays host to the Home of St Patrick Festival.

The Home of St Patrick Festival is a ten-day extravaganza of music, dance, concerts, performances, workshops and masterclasses. As well as a free-to attend live music trail around the city, learn how to make Irish coffee, enjoy an introduction to the Irish language, try your hand at stained glass making or watch the sun rise at Navan, where St Patrick built his first church.

St Patrick’s Festival Dublin (photo courtesy St Patrick's Festival Dublin)

The medieval city of Kilkenny comes alive during the four-day St Patrick’s Festival, which takes place alongside the Kilkenny Tradfest music festival. Expect everything from a spectacular parade to traditional music and dancing workshops. Kilkenny has hosted one of Ireland’s most welcoming and creative St. Patrick’s Festivals for over 20 years. Rooted in community spirit, it brings together locals, visitors, artists and international performers for four days of unforgettable moments. And if your passion is traditional Irish music, then this is the place to go!

St Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny (photo courtesy St Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny / Dylan Vaughan Photography)

The historic walled city of Derry-Londonderry hosts the St Patrick's Day Spring Carnival with a magical programme of music, dance and festivities for the whole family. From live music to captivating street performances and walkabout characters, the city comes alive with energy and excitement. Savour mouth-watering food from local vendors, explore the charm of traditional Irish music and be part of the magic as the St Patrick’s Day Parade winds through the streets.

Cork, Ireland’s second city, puts on a vibrant show for St Patrick’s Day with a parade, live traditional and folk music at the Céilí Mór outdoor music and dance spectacular, walking tours, storytelling events and a celebration of the city’s fascinating history. Cork St Patrick's Day Parade is a colourful pageant featuring members of communities from across the city – from sporting groups to dance schools, and long-established brass bands to special guests from around the world. 

Cork St Patrick’s Festival (photo courtesy Chani Anderson for Cork City Council)

Waterford was the site of the very first St Patrick's Day parade in Ireland and, today, St. Patrick’s Festival Waterford is a four-day celebration of Irish culture, creativity, and community featuring everything from a spectacular parade to river cruises, whiskey tastings and music events. Set against the backdrop of Waterford’s historic streets, the festival brings locals and visitors together to mark Ireland’s national day with energy, colour, and a strong sense of place.

St Patrick’s Festival Dublin (photo courtesy St Patrick's Festival Dublin)

Wherever you choose to enjoy St Patrick’s Day in Ireland, don’t forget that accommodation needs to be booked early, as popular places sell out months in advance. You can expect large enthusiastic crowds in all major locations but, for a more intimate, local experience consider visiting smaller towns and, last but not least, don’t forget to pack for all weathers!

Take the stress out of organising a tailor-made tour of Ireland for St Patrick’s Day by contacting our friendly team today!