Dublin is gearing up for another massive St Patrick’s Day parade, with hundreds of thousands of locals and tourists set to take to the streets.
Organisers say the 2023 National St. Patrick’s Day Parade is “the biggest and most ambitious ever produced in scale, creativity and participants”.
This year’s theme is ‘ONE’ with the festival issuing an open invite for people across the world to share, connect, participate and celebrate together as one.
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The Women’s National Football Team has been chosen as the Grand Marshal for the parade. Team Manager Vera Pauw, defender Diane Caldwell and former international Paula Gorham will represent the team and lead out the national parade on March 17.
Meanwhile, actor and director Patrick Duffy has been chosen as the International Guest of Honour.
The parade takes to the streets of Dublin city from 12 noon, winding its way from Parnell Square to Kevin St Junction.
Speaking in advance of the Festival opening, Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy said: “The return of St Patrick’s Festival to the streets of Dublin is a wonderful opportunity for our capital city to shine and for those living here and those visiting the city to get out and experience the very best of Irish arts, culture and much more. In the spirit of our renowned hospitality, we would also encourage everyone to be welcoming, kind and respectful to one another on St Patrick’s Day and across the festival.”
Julia Dalton, St Patrick’s Festival Director of Operations, commented: “We are really looking forward to the opening of this year’s St Patrick’s Festival. Along with our biggest and brightest National St Patrick’s Day Parade on Friday 17, St Patrick’s Festival Quarter returns to the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks will celebrate Irish traditional and contemporary music and culture across the weekend. We invite everyone to enjoy our events and remember to dress accordingly for any outdoor events. We also encourage those coming into the city to make use of public transport where possible.”
Here’s all you need to know about the St Patrick’s Day Dublin 2023 parade.
What time does the parade start?
The 2023 National St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Friday, March 17 from 12 noon until 2pm in Dublin city centre.
The parade will commence at 12pm from Parnell Square.
What route will the parade take
The parade takes place in Dublin city centre , 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 St/Kevin St junction.
See the planned route map above.
What are the best viewpoints for the parade?
If you get there early, there are several spots you should nab to have the best view of the parade. One of the best viewpoints is right in the centre of the route, at the statue of Daniel O'Connell at the bottom of O'Connell Street.
If you want a great view but a more relaxed vibe, the parade will go straight past one of the best pubs in Dublin in The Lord Edward.
Our sister site Dublin Live recommends: "The second floor of the Lord Ed is a bit of a hidden gem in Dublin and has fantastic views of Christchurch Cathedral and therefore the parade route."
Where should I park for the parade?
Gardai are encouraging attendees to use public transport, which will be ramped up for the parade.
Certain roads and streets will be closed for the parade so anyone planning to drive to the festival is encouraged to check where to park outside the closed roads and walk in.
Here is the full list of planned road closures:
Western Way will be closed from Dominick St Upr to Mountjoy Street on March 16 at 19.00 until March 17 at 15.00.
Mountjoy Street, Mountjoy St Middle, Wellington St Lower, Palmerstown Place, St Mary’s Place North, Granby Row, Parnell Sq. North, Parnell Sq. East, Cavendish Row, O’Connell St Upr. and Lwr. O’Connell Bridge will be closed on March 17 from 4.00 to 15.00
Westmoreland Street, College Green, Dame St, Lord Edward St, Christchurch Place, High St, Nicholas St and Patrick St. will be closed on March 17 from 4.00 to 17.00
New Street South, Clanbrassil St. lower, Kevin St upper. and Kevin St lower, will be closed on March 17 from 4.00 to 18.00
Cuffe Sreet and St. Stepehens Green South will be closed on March 17 from 4.00 to 18.30.
Custom House Quay will be closed from Beresford Place to Memorial Road on March 16 at 19.00 until March 20 at 6.00.
St. Michan Street will be closed from Mary Lane to Chancery Street on March 17 and March 18 from 15.00 to 23.00.
Liffey Street West, Benburb Street, Ellis Street and Hendrick Place will be closed on March 16 from 17.00 to 24.00 from March 17 and from 11.00 to 24.00 March 18.
There will also be traffic management plans in place on St. Patricks day.
Ellis Quay traffic travelling north and east will be diverted via Blackhall Place, Stoneybatter, Manor Street, Prussia Street, North Circular Rd, Portland Row, Seville Place and Guild Street.
North Wall Quay traffic travelling south will be diverted via Moss Street, Townsend Street and Lombard Street.
North Wall Quay traffic travelling west will be diverted via Guild Street, Seville Place, Portland Row, North Circular Road, Phibsborough Road, Constitution Hill, King Street North and Queen Street.
Weather
Met Eireann's latest forecast for St Patrick's Day reads: "A mix of cloudy and some sunny spells with widespread showers. The showers will be heavy and prolonged at times with a chance of thunderstorms. Highest temperatures of 11C to 14C in mostly moderate south to southeast winds, decreasing light later.
"Some clear spells overnight but largely cloudy with scattered showers, some still heavy. Later in the night, outbreaks of rain will move in over parts of the west and northwest. Lowest temperatures of 5C to 8C . Mist and fog patches will form in light breezes. Moderate to fresh northwesterly winds will develop on Atlantic coasts later as the rain arrives."
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