It’s St Patrick’s Day with close to 500,000 people expected in the capital to celebrate and over 100,000 overseas visitors arriving in Ireland to celebrate our patron saint.
The headline parade took place in Dublin where the theme for this year’s event is adventures or “eachtraí” in Irish.
The parade featured seven large-scale pageants, six showpieces and 12 marching bands from across Ireland, North America and Austria. There was more than 4,000 participants.
As well as parades in Cork, Galway and many other towns and villages across the country, there are also celebrations around the world from Vancouver to Tokyo, as well as the big ticket events in New York and Chicago.
We will be bringing you updates from the celebrations right across the globe throughout the day in our live story below. We also want to hear how you’re celebrating the festival in your local area, you can let us know here.
Key reads
- St Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin: Everything you need to know from start time to road closures
- St Patrick: 13 facts you need to know about Ireland’s patron saint
- St Patrick’s Day Quiz 2025: 50 questions to test your Irishology
- Jen Hogan: Let’s take an extra day to think of all the reasons we’re grateful to be Irish
- Have your say: Tell us about the St Patrick’s Day celebrations in your local area
“We couldn’t think of a better guest to have with us on St Patrick’s Day,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, as Conor McGregor is due to meet with US president Donald Trump today.
McGregor told reporters he is there to “raise the issues the people of Ireland face”.
Tánaiste Simon Harris, speaking in New York, said Mr McGregor is not representing Ireland, and has “no mandate” to speak for the people of Ireland, during his visit.
Up to 70,000 folks braved the cold on Shannonside for what was one of the biggest St Patrick’s Day parades in Limerick City, David Raleigh reports.
Despite the chill, the colour and vibrancy of the parade warmed the crowds that flooded the Treaty City in a wave of green, white and gold.
Ireland Paralympic swimming silver medallist, Róisín Ní Ríain, who was this year’s parade grand marshal, said: “I was super excited, it was a wonderful experience, so nice to see everyone out on the streets, the whole community coming together.”
“The crowds were huge and that makes it so much nicer. It was great to meet so many people and to see everyone enjoying themselves,” Ms Ní Ríain added.
Floats and groups from home, as well as across Asia, America, the Congo, and beyond, brought with them the best in community, culture and craic.
As the joy flowed, the bombastic Hit Machine Drummers, billed as “Ireland’s most exciting drum troupe”, got everyone in the groove.
Giant Clary Swans, by Mahogany Carnival Design, flew in from the nearby River Shannon, to chaperone a white-suited, brill-creamed black-wavy haired Elvis, sitting on a vintage tractor, followed by a chorus of “soar up” dancers and circus youth from Irish Aerial Creation Centre.
Almost eighty floats participated in this year’s parade, themed “A More Fun Limerick” including Fionnula “Not your average sheep”, a woolly wonder cast out from her island flock for daring to be different, but accepted by Limerick “as one of our own, kiiiidddddd”.
Lumen Street Theatre finished off the festivities with a blitz of colour, celebrating all that is “Pure and Daycent” in the edgey Treaty City, I led by the plastic bag mask-wearing Limerick’s Blindboy Boatclub, astride a papier mache “horse outside”, and wearing completely recycled and donated fabrics.
Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, who accompanied this year’s grand marshal, beamed: “It’s brilliant! Everyone is in great form, and ready to party. There was a massive crowd here this year and even the rain held off.”
“This year, we wanted to get more fun into Limerick; it’s a big part of my Mayoral Programme that we just really enjoy where we live, and you can tell people are out having fun,” said Mayor Moran.
“Yesterday the International Band Championship was amazing. I’ve also been out to parades across the County, where people are out celebrating our patron saint, it is great to see.”
Meanwhile, Cork City’s parade took the familiar route from South Mall to Merchants Quay, Olivia Kelleher adds.
It included over 3,500 participants, performance showpieces from professional art groups Cork Community Artlink and Spraoi, and 57 groups.
The theme of this year’s Parade was “Building a Better World — Celebrating the UN International Year of Co Operatives.”
Participants in the parade included The Mexican Community in Cork, MTU Carnival Samba, Fr Matthew’s Basketball Club, Frontrunners Cork AC which is an inclusive running and walking club for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies, UCC Confucius Institute which showcases the heritage of China and the Attridge Academy of Irish Dance.
The Cork Puppetry Company float was a big hit as it had the figure of St Patrick represented by a giant puppet, a happy DJ/monk pushing a Gaelic cross, followed by four giant snakes.
A life-sized “Peig Sayers” courtesy of Gaeilscoil Pheig Sayers brought attendees of a certain vintage back to their school days when her writings formed an integral part of the Irish Leaving Certificate curriculum.
Other highlights of the parade included the Band of the Southern Command, Cork’s Rebel Wheelers and the Barrack Street Band.
Elsewhere in the county, parades took place in Bantry, Carrigtwohill, Douglas, Fermoy, Kinsale, Mallow, Skibbereen and Youghal.
Young songwriters and rappers Kabin Crew whose collaboration “The Spark” with a group of refugee children known as Lisdoonvarna Crew was a viral sensation last summer served as grand marshals of the Cork city parade this afternoon.
Members of the Kabin Studio, a vibrant creative community hub in Knocknaheeny on the northside of Cork city , took centre stage in the parade which got underway at 1pm, Olivia Kelleher reports.
The hub was founded in 2012 by music producer Garry McCarthy of GMC Beats.
Mr McCarthy says for the past thirteen years they have been “building something special in Knocknaheeny” and attracting fans such as Stormzy and Tove Lo as well as the attention of Time magazine.
“To have the opportunity to bring that spark in to the heart of the city at such a big, positive event is a huge moment for us. It’s incredible. We are delighted.”
Garnering billions of online streams, the group’s track The Spark was long-listed for a Grammy and nominated for the RTÉ Choice Music Prize Song of the Year.
The Kabin Crew have also been invited to perform at music festivals such as Electric Picnic, All Together Now, and Pukkelpop in Belgium. They also recently received a civic reception in Cork.
The group did an impromptu performance outside the Clayton Hotel before the parade got underway.
Meanwhile, Conor McGregor is at the White House where he is expected to meet US president Donald Trump today.
Read more here.
Some colourful photos in from David Raleigh in Limerick.
Crowds of more than 40,000 thronged the streets of Galway this morning for the city’s biggest ever St Patrick’s Day Parade, Stephen Corrigan reports.
The sound of Sharon Shannon on her accordion kicked off festivities at 11:30am as one of the country’s most celebrated traditional musicians took up position at the helm of the parade as this year’s grand marshal.
The crowd was 20-deep in places along the route which started at the University of Galway, travelling towards Eyre Square to the sound of “Hail Glorious St Patrick” ringing out from the bells of Galway Cathedral.
The largest crowds gathered at Eyre Square which has been headquarters for the St Patrick’s Festival in Galway this year, with a festival village serving up music and family fun throughout the weekend.
Paying tribute to Galway’s ties to the Atantic and the coastline, there was a maritime flavour to many of the costumes and performances in the parade, with creative displays of marine life dotted in between the traditional marching bands, school groups and sporting organisations.
Artastic, Stuntworx and Drumadore masterfully hit the brief with their newly created pageant piece showcasing giant fish and sea creatures, the vibrancy of which drew huge applause from spectators.
They were among more than 60 community groups and voluntary organisations taking part this year in an extended route which finished up at the Dyke Road – a move which organisers said created more opportunity for the public to take in the parade.
Báidóirí and Chladaigh, a community group dedicated to the restoration and sailing of the famous Galway Hooker, displayed their handy work as the beautifully restored gleoteoig, the ‘Loveen’ was wheeled through the streets.
Galway’s diverse population was represented throughout the parade with the Georgian, Indian, Ukrainian, Palestinian and Chinese communities among those taking part.
The St Patrick’s Brass Band provided the music and atmosphere along the route, joined by several bands including Claddagh School Band and the band from Scoil San Phroinsias in Tirellan.
The defence forces and emergency services were represented, as were several US police departments and even a couple of Canadian rugby teams.
In Galway, meanwhile, stars of Schitt’s Creek Eugene Levy and his daughter Sarah were guests at the local St Patrick’s Day parade.
The pair are in Ireland filming a new travel series.
This year’s theme is “Sea and Stone,” a nod to Galway’s coastal surroundings and rich maritime heritage.
Some photos in from the parade in Greystones, Co Wicklow, including that of grand marshal Kathleen Kelleher.
Ms Kelleher, who led several local initiatives including Greystones Cancer Support, also served as a local councillor.
The theme of the parade was “Legends of Ireland”.
Dublin parade draws to a close
“And here is the massive octopus,” says one of the announcers as the Bui Bolg float trundles by. She is not wrong, Conor Pope writes.
The octopus is massive and with that the parade comes to an end to roaring cheers from tens of thousand of hardy souls who braved the icy winds (a bit of an exaggeration, perhaps).
The president exits stage left and that is that, at least for the parade part of the day.
At the Dublin parade, which is nearing its end, Conor Pope reports:
The Outing Queer Arts Collective’s ‘Rainbow Pageant - Love is an Adventure’, celebrating 10 years of marriage equality in Ireland - has just past the grandstand.
Founder of the Outing Queer Arts Collective Eddie McGuinness probably broke a million protocols when he encouraged the president to dance the Macarena with them. It was all in good spirits and ended with our head of state high-fiving the delighted Eddie.
The Dublin parade is going at a fair clip now with some banging techno from the Inis Owen peninsula, Conor Pope reports.
This is alongside some half goat half human creatures terrifying the marching bands and baton twirlers from Florida who they are chasing.
The men and women from Revenue get a great big cheer while some folk in the crowd eye their sniffer dogs nervously. And although the dogs do pay some of those watching the parade some pretty close attention, there are - thankfully - no arrests or drug seizures.
Test your Irishology
Do you know which low-key Irish attraction Kim Kardashian and Kanye West visited during their 2014 Irish honeymoon? Or which film director is making a biopic of our pirate queen, Grace O’Malley?
Test your knowledge here.
Back in Dublin, Spraoi caused some confusion among the crowd when the leader of their pageant asked them to cheer Queen Elizabeth, Conor Pope writes.
Not wanting to be rude, there were some half hearted whoops but they were drowned out by the roars for Grace O’Malley who comes after her. It’s not England’s day after all.
Meanwhile, Macnas are back in the Dublin Parade and have brought a giant newt called Alf with them.
The most Austrian band you could ever imagine have passed, all dressed in lederhosen and feathered caps and they are followed - obviously- by the dinosaurs from Dublin Zoo. The dinosaurs are here to promote the Zoo’s two worlds one ticket Zoorassic World.
In Tullamore, meanwhile, rugby sevens Olympian Jordan Conroy and three local members of the Offaly U20 All-Ireland 2024 hurling team – Dan Bourke, Dan Ravenhill and Cillian Martin were the joint grand marshals of this year’s parade, Vivienne Clarke writes.
The theme of this year’s parade is “Celebrating Culture and Heritage” which was reflected in the numerous floats from community, sporting and business groups.
But it was not just Irish heritage that was celebrated, it was also the culture of the many new groups that have moved to the midlands town in recent years.
Among them was a large contingent from the local Ukrainian community resplendent in their national dress and offering Ukrainian delicacies to spectators.
A large African contingent entertained the crowd with colourful costumes, music and dancing as did groups from India and Thailand.
Cormac Nolan, a coordinator with Offaly Volunteer group, worked with an enthusiastic number of volunteers from the town’s direct provision centres, who were eager to participate in such a major event in their new community.
Tullamore Comhaltas joined the grand marshals on the reviewing stand to entertain the crowds lining the street as they awaited the start of the parade which commenced promptly at 11:30am with the local pipe band leading the way, followed shortly after by an impressive array of vehicles from the local Civil Defence.
Members of the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE) also marched in a bid to encourage new members.
There was no shortage of members of the many community and cultural groups from scouts to Irish dancers, motor cyclists, youth sporting groups, to organisations such as Offaly Sub Aqua Club, Offaly Search and Rescue Team.
The parade was interspersed with commercial floats from local businesses who embraced the theme with relish and provided a selection of very colourful entries.
Shop fronts along the route were also decorated along the theme. The bravest group on the day was not the local Viking enactment team, but the belly dance troupe who participate every year, come rain or shine in glittering, gauzy costumes.
The parade concluded with an impressive array of zero emission vehicles from Offaly County Council resplendent in the county colours – green, white and gold, that perfectly embodied the theme of the day.
An update from Conor Pope on the ground:
And we’re off. The Lord Mayor Emma Blain and her two children are in the Mayoral carriage that is making its way slowly down O’Connell St to the strains of the second version of Danny Boy of the afternoon.
However, this fella, whose job it is to pick up whatever the horses leave in their wake, has got the biggest cheer of the day so far.
The first band to pass along the parade route is the Clondalkin Youth Band playing I Love Rock ’n’ Roll by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. On their 35th appearance, they are debuting their brand-new uniform, which has been three years in development and cost €45,000.
The chief executive of the festival Richard Tierney is on the parade route now and looking delighted with himself as the work of another year reaches its loud and green climax, Conor Pope writes.
Tierney admitted earlier on that he had never heard of Rivals before Victoria Smurfit was suggested as the grand marshal but said he had been delighted by the choice.
He noted how hundreds of millions of people all over the world would be aware to some degree or another of the events that have unfolded in Ireland over recent days.
“Today is a true reflection of the joy, diversity and creativity that make St Patrick’s Festival such a special celebration for all, and I’m proud to be a part of it,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Michael D Higgins has arrived for his last St Patrick’s Day parade as head of State to loud cheers.
Once the president and his wife Sabina are seated, Army No 1 Band open proceedings with a stirring version of Bridge Over Troubled Waters and, sticking with a watery theme, follow up with Galway Bay.
Over 4,000 street performers, parade companies and marching bands from Ireland and across the world will be watched by more than 300,000 people who have lined the streets that snake through the city centre…. Although not before the Army No 1 Band play what must be an obligatory Danny Boy for the dignitaries in the grandstand
Parade cancelled in Letterkenny after man dies in road collision
A parade scheduled to take place in Letterkenny, Co Donegal has been cancelled by organisers after a serious traffic incident involving a car and two pedestrians in the town early this morning.
One of the pedestrians, a man aged in his 60s, who was seriously injured in the collision on Lower Main Street, died at Letterkenny University Hospital earlier today, a Garda spokesperson said.
The second pedestrian, a man also aged in his 60s, has been airlifted to Galway University Hospital where he continues to receive medical treatment for serious injuries.
In a statement, parade organisers said they have made the “difficult decision” to cancel today’s event following consultation with gardaí “and in the interest of public safety.”
“While we cannot comment on the specifics of the incident, we must prioritise the safety and wellbeing of our community and those attending. The parade route is directly affected, making it impossible to proceed as planned.
“We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all those who have worked tirelessly in preparing for today’s event – our volunteers, participants, local businesses, and supporters. Your dedication and effort do not go unnoticed, and we truly appreciate your commitment to bringing this celebration to life.
“We understand this will be disappointing news for many, but we appreciate your understanding and support during this time,” organisers said.
Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to come forward, particularly those who were travelling in the area between 2:30am and 3:30am and may have camera footage.
The route from Parnell Square past the GPO and across the river is well and truly lined with tens of thousands of people from all over the world wearing some of the most shocking shades of green you ever did see, Conor Pope reports.
The cash registers in Carroll’s have been ringing louder than the bells of Christ Church Cathedral. The shamrock suits have proved to be particularly popular as have the tall leprechaun hats -while the plastic tricolours – €2 a pop from the street vendors – are fluttering loudly in a pretty Baltic breeze.
Parade grand marshal looking forward to ‘top class slagging’ from Dubliners
The grand marshal of the Dublin parade Victoria Smurfit has admitted that when the email landed into her inbox asking if she would like to lead the parade through the capital city, she assumed is was some class of scam, Conor Pope writes.
It wasn’t until she spoke to the organisers did she realise the offer was genuine. She was delighted with herself at the pre-parade breakfast and said she was looking forward to some top class slagging from the people of Dublin as she made her way through the city.
In London, meanwhile, Britain’s Princess of Wales has arrived at Wellington Barracks to take part in the Irish Guards’ St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Wearing a bottle green coat, Kate was greeted by senior officers before heading to the Officers’ Mess to present medals.
The visit marks her second St Patrick’s Day as Colonel of the Irish Guards, a role she took on in 2023.
The regiment is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. – PA
The tradition of St Patrick’s Day parades began in America, before the founding of the United States. A Spanish colony in what is now St Augustine, in Florida, held the first recorded parade on March 17th, 1601.
Read more facts about Ireland’s patron saint, including his forgotten wife, here.
A fitting satellite image here from Eumetsat, the European meteorological satellite agency.
Tourism Ireland’s “Global Greening” initiative, meanwhile, in which landmarks across the world are lit up in green, is back after it was paused at the outbreak of the war in Ukraine and the ensuing energy crisis.
Sites lit up in green this year include Niagara Falls, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Empire State Building in New York.
Alice Mansergh, chief executive of Tourism Ireland, said St Patrick’s Day is one of the biggest drivers of interest in travel to Ireland.
“St Patrick’s Day is a moment when the world turns its attention to Ireland and our Global Greening initiative is a powerful symbol of the deep connections we share across the globe.
“This year, we are delighted to see iconic landmarks once again lighting up in green, bringing a sense of celebration to communities worldwide and reminding people of the warmth and welcome that awaits them in Ireland,” she said.
Further afield, meanwhile, Chicago river has been dyed green since Saturday, continuing the annual tradition to celebrate St Patrick’s Day which stretches back to 1962.
President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina will be the guests of honour at the St Patrick’s Day Parade on O’Connell Street, in what will be his last St Patrick’s Day as president.
Later this evening, they will host a St Patrick’s Day reception at Áras an Uachtaráin, the theme of which is “Samhlaíocht agus an Náisiún – Imagination and the Nation.” The event will celebrate the contribution of community arts to inclusion and creativity.
St Patrick’s Day revellers from both home and abroad have been making their way to O’Connell Street in droves since earlier this morning, with packed sandwiches in tow.
Beginning at 12, the parade will start at Parnell Square North, making its way down O’Connell Street and Westmoreland Street, before turning on to Dame Street, and finishing at Kevin Street Lower.
This year’s theme is adventures or “eachtraí” in Irish, with more than 4,000 participants, all of whom will be led by actor Victoria Smurfit, this year’s grand marshal.
Conor Pope will be bringing us news throughout from the heart of the festivities.
There will also be updates here from parades across the country including Cork City’s parade which will boast some 3,000 participants.
