About this Event
St. Patrick’s Festival is Ireland’s official celebration of its national holiday, St. Patrick’s Day, honouring Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick. Established in 1996, it has grown from a single-day event into a five-day festival recognised globally as one of the world’s biggest festivals. The 2027 edition will bring Dublin to life with a jam-packed programme of music, performance, spectacle, dance, theatre, literature, visual arts, food, wellness, and community events, culminating in the world-famous National St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Date & Time
13 – 17 March 2027 — The 2027 St. Patrick’s Festival programme runs from Saturday 13th March to Wednesday 17th March, with the full events schedule available in January 2027. The National St. Patrick’s Day Parade begins at 12pm on Wednesday 17 March 2027.
Explore Local Experiences
Venue & Location
The festival takes place across Dublin city centre, Ireland, with the National St. Patrick’s Day Parade running 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 Street / Kevin Street junction. Festival events are held in venues and public spaces across Dublin, including Merrion Square, Temple Bar, and the city centre.
Staying overnight?
Check the nearest hotel near the venue.
What to expect
The parade will be the main attraction of the festival. Visitors can enjoy large, colourful floats, beautiful costumes, marching groups, and dancers. Céilí Mór will give visitors a chance to enjoy traditional Irish group dancing at Merrion Square West.
Dublin city centre will also have outdoor shows and street performers. Families can visit the Festival Funfair at Custom House Quay and enjoy fun rides and activities. There will also be special activities and creative workshops for both children and adults.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to help you plan your visit.
When is St. Patrick’s Festival Dublin 2027?
St. Patrick’s Festival Dublin 2027 will run from 13 to 17 March 2027. The festival is five days long, ending on St. Patrick’s Day itself, Wednesday 17 March, when the National St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes place in Dublin city centre.
Where does the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin start and what is the route?
The National St. Patrick’s Day Parade begins at 12pm on 17 March 2027 at Parnell Square, then goes down O’Connell Street, over O’Connell Bridge, and through the south side of the city, ending at the Cuffe Street / Kevin Street junction. You can watch for free from anywhere along the route.
Do I need tickets for St. Patrick’s Festival Dublin?
No tickets are required to attend the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Simply pick a spot along the route and enjoy it. If you would like a seat, a limited number of grandstand tickets are available, with grandstand tickets for 2027 going on sale on 28th September 2026. Many other festival events are free, while some ticketed shows will be listed when the full schedule is released.
What else is on besides the parade at St. Patrick’s Festival Dublin 2027?
As well as the parade, the festival hosts a jam-packed programme from 13th to 17th March across Dublin city centre. Expect music, performance, spectacle, dance, theatre, literature, visual arts, food, wellness, and community activations, making it much more than a one-day parade and a perfect reason to spend several days in Dublin.
Is St. Patrick’s Festival Dublin good for families and first-time visitors?
Yes, it is one of the best times to visit Ireland. Families will love the parade, street performances, and family-friendly events, while first-time visitors can combine the festival with Dublin’s top sights like Trinity College, Temple Bar, Merrion Square, and the Guinness Storehouse. Book accommodation early, as Dublin is extremely busy over St. Patrick’s weekend.
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