Paddy's.
Patty's Day.
Saint Patrick's Festival.
Whatever you call it, Ireland is undoubtedly the best place on earth to celebrate being Irish.
Not only do we have the world's biggest parade (in Dublin), we also boast some of the earliest, the noisiest, the most energetic and most charmingly historical parades.
Of course, these celebrations and festivities are all located in cute little towns, many of which you can visit on our small-group tours.
Read on, intrepid Patty-reveller, to find the best St Patrick's Day parades in all of Ireland!
☘️ When Is St. Patrick's Day Parade?
If you're planning a trip to Ireland for a St. Patricks Day Parade then it's important to know what day the festival falls on!
St Patricks Day takes place on the 17th of March each year, falling on a Tuesday in 2026.
It's worth noting that St Patrick’s Day is also a national public holiday in Ireland, which means many businesses, offices and some attractions may be closed or operate reduced hours.
Cities and towns can be busier than usual due to parades, festivals and increased travel, so accommodation, restaurants and transport often book up quickly!
🎉 Biggest Parade: Dublin
If you're talking St Patrick's Day in Ireland, you can't really look beyond Dublin.
Not only is Dublin's parade the biggest in Ireland, it's one of the world's biggest street events.
And that's not all.
The parade in Dublin is merely the centrepiece of a wider, week-long, Saint Patrick's Festival; including music, dance, theatre, comedy and many other exciting shenanigans.
The Dublin St. Patrick's Day Festival commences at 12pm (GMT) starting from Parnell Street.
🥱 Earliest Parade: Dingle
Can't wait to celebrate St Patricks Day in Ireland? Ireland's earliest parade kicks off in Dingle at 6am.
The early start harks back to a colonial-era law that prevented crowds gathering during daylight.
Don't worry! Even if you miss the early parade, there's a second, larger event at lunchtime.
Find out which small group tours of Ireland visit Dingle
☘️ Most Accurate: Slemish
Each St Patrick's Day in Ireland, locals re-enact the saint's life on Slemish mountain in Antrim.
This is the actual place where Patrick cared for his non-human flock before being raised to sainthood.
Want to catch the drama on Slemish? Our 6 Day Driftwood Northern Island Tour stays at the gorgeous, nearby Ballygally Castle Hotel (above).
🥾 Most Energetic: Westport
We can't talk about holy mountains or St Patrick's Day in Ireland without mentioning Croagh Patrick. This ancient pilgrimage site has been climbed by believers for thousands of years.
From the summit you'll get a jaw-dropping view of Clew Bay. But you're also a stone's throw away from the picturesque town of Westport, with its vibrantly painted streets and fun St Patrick's Day events.
Visit Westport and Croagh Patrick on our 11 Day Driftwood Discover Ireland Tour
⏲️ Shortest Parade: Dripsey
Not feeling that energetic? The quaint village of Dripsey in Cork has the answer.
Parading 25 metres (27 yards) from one pub to the next, locals maintain that Dripsey is Ireland's shortest St Patrick's Day Parade.
🏖️ Beach Parade: The Hook
The Hook peninsula in Ireland's Ancient East is special for many reasons. It's a great whale watching spot. You can go kitesurfing too.
But Duncannon has now added something unique to St Patrick's Day in Ireland. This tiny seaside village on the Hook boasts Ireland's only beach parade. Vintage tractors mingle with local sports clubs along this stretch of golden sand.
No visit to the Hook Peninsula is complete without seeing the wonderful Hook Lighthouse.
Enjoy a guided tour of the worlds oldest continually working lighthouse as part of our 6 Day Driftwood Great Southern Ireland Tour.
🔊 Noisiest Parade: Achill Island
Pipe music is a BIG DEAL on Achill.
This rugged Mayo island has only 2,700 inhabitants.
But each village competes against the other for piping supremacy on St Patrick's Day.
In a tradition stretching back nearly 150 years, the pipe bands play individually first.
A St Patrick's Day mass is then given in the Irish language.
The Achill pipe bands play together before — quietly — marching home.
Most Off The Beaten Track Parade: Ardara
Remote Donegal is a Vagabond favourite.
The Saint Patrick's Day parade in Ardara looks like hilarious fun.
Agricultural tractors.
Dyed-green sheep.
Even a Paddy's Day party at the pearly gates.
There's so much more to Ardara.
This authentic Irish country town has a living heritage of traditional music and hand-weaving.
Eddie Doherty is one of Ireland's last remaining hand weavers.
A visit to his studio is a must if you pass through Ardara on one of our tours:
Guests can visit Eddie Doherty's workshop on our 7 Day Magnetic North Adventure Tour
