Stay updated with the latest beauty tips, trends, and news from our salon experts. Our blog is your go-to source for all things beauty.
On Monday, 17 March, 4,000 participants including marching bands from across the globe, performers in colourful costumes, troupes of dancers, and a spectacular display of floats will parade through Dublin city in honour of our patron saint.
This year's theme is 'Eachtraí’, the Irish word for 'Adventures', which festival organisers say represents the "unique essence of Ireland and of Irish people".
This year's parade features a special pageant celebrating 40 years of the Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre. This vibrant piece will highlight the shared traditions and cultures of the Irish Traveller and Roma communities, showcasing their unique heritage throughout the show.
With half a million spectators expected to line this year's route, it's best to prep for your big day out. Before you head into town, though, be sure to know where you're going and what you may need to bring with you.
When does the parade start?
The National St Patrick's Day Parade begins at 12pm on Monday, 17 March, 2025.
What is the St Patrick's day parade route?
The parade will run from Parnell Square in the north of the city, down O'Connell Street, over O'Connell Bridge and through the south side of the city, ending at the Cuffe St./Kevin St. junction. You can find the road closure plans here.
What do I need to bring?
No tickets are required, simply pick a spot along the route and enjoy the two-hour spectacle. Remember, come rain or shine, the parade will forge ahead so be sure to check the weather forecast, dress appropriately, and bring refreshments to keep you hydrated.
What can I expect?
Across the two hour parade, there will be seven large scale pageants, six showpieces and 12 marching bands from across Ireland, North America and Austria.
Celebrating the cultural heritage, the heart of the pageant will feature the iconic wagon wheel - a symbol of both Irish Traveller and Roma cultures.
According to organisers, the tradition of crafting wagon wheels has disappeared in Ireland, so to honour this skill, Pavee Point has partnered with a skilled English Romani craftsperson to advise on the design and build.
What if I have additional needs?
A number of areas along the parade route will be reserved for attendees that have additional needs. This will include a relaxed parade spacedesigned to support the needs of neurodivergent families and individuals, and those with sensory processing differences. There will also be wheelchair accessible viewing areas and portaloos. Click here for more info.
What else is on?
Although the parade will take part from about 12pm - 2pm on 17 March, the whole city will come alive with captivating street theatre, musical performances, and lots more from Saturday, 15 March and run over the weekend.
The celebrations will kick off at 10am with a family-friendly St Patrick's Festival Treasure Hunt at Dublin City Council Civic Offices, Wood Quay. Then, across the weekend, there will be Irish language events, visual art, fire shows, walking tours, live music, workshops, outdoor games and more. Check out the full schedule of events here.
