St Patrick's Day is fast approaching and there are plenty of fun activities for all ages to get involved with this year.
Across every corner of the country, there is lots happening for those ready to stick on their favourite green attire and celebrate.
From parades to festivals to live music events, Northern Ireland has no shortage of things to do this St Patrick's Day if you are trying to get into the spirit.
Read more: Parade route for Belfast's St Patrick's Day celebrations 2023
Here are a number of events happening across Northern Ireland for St Patrick's Day 2023:
Féile Trad Trail
Féile’s Trad Trail will take place from March 10-19 in venues across Belfast’s Gaeltacht Quarter and city centre.
Kevin Gamble, Director at Féile an Phobail, said: "Féile an Phobail is delighted to once again be involved in supporting the animation of the city in the lead up to and during St Patricks Day.
"The Féile Trad trail will bring an eclectic mix of Irish music sessions to venues and spaces right across the city, showcasing the very best of local Irish traditional musicians and highlighting the rich Irish cultural heritage of traditional music in Belfast."
For more info, see here
Céilí at the Castle
On March 18 and 19, book a ticket for céilí dancing, live music, food and drinks at Belfast Castle.
You’ll be served a delicious traditional meal, a complimentary drink and soak in performances of popular Irish traditional folk tunes and songs. You can learn to céilí dance and also try your hand at playing the bodhrán or Irish drum.
This is an interactive cultural experience led by professional and award-winning musicians and dancers.
For more information, see here
St Patrick’s Tales of Our City
Visit 2 Royal Avenue from March 13 to 19, 10am to 6pm.
Experience tales of our city as told by local residents through a sound installation that explores life in Belfast through the decades.
Share your own stories in a facilitated oral history session on March 16 from 12.30pm to 1.30pm.
St Patrick's Tea Dance
Another event happening at 2 Royal Avenue from 2pm to 4pm on March 16.
Join for an afternoon of music, singing and plenty of jiving. This is a special St Patrick's Tea Dance featuring The John Trotter Band - you can also enjoy a cup of tea and a bun.
St Patrick's Day Family Art Workshop
2 Royal Avenue from 12 noon to 2pm on March 17.
Join local artist Trisha McNally to create your own St Patrick-themed art in this workshop.
This workshop is suitable for children aged between four and 10 years old. The workshop is free. You don't need to book to attend.
St Patrick's Eve concert
Custom House Square hosts a free concert on Thursday, March 16 organised by The Duncairn Arts Centre.
Headlined by award-winning singer/songwriter Lisa Hannigan, the family-friendly, alcohol-free event will also see performances by trad supergroup Jiggy who mix Irish traditional music, world rhythms and cutting-edge dance grooves, ethnic dance group Shamrock Bhangra and internationally acclaimed folk singer David Keenan.
There will be free face painting, circus performers, and balloon artists and buskers to keep little ones entertained, as well as a selection of food vendors on site.
This event is now sold out.
St Patrick's Day Shindig
Local band Shindig perform Irish traditional music and will get your hands clapping and your feet tapping. You don't need to book to attend.
Find them at 2 Royal Avenue from 3pm to 5pm on March 17.
Beat Carnival St Patrick's Day parade
The focus in 2023 will be a celebration of local music across various genres, paying tribute to the city’s UNESCO City of Music status.
The parade's theme is ‘Voices of Belfast’ and will celebrate Belfast’s music heritage from pop to punk and traditional to disco.
The parade starts outside Belfast City Hall at 1.30pm before moving through the city centre streets.
For the parade route, see here
St Patrick's celebrations at St George's Market
Running from 12 noon to 1.30pm on March 17, enjoy live traditional music from members of Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ).
These musicians and dancers love to perform to audiences all over the world - they are feet-stompingly brilliant. The event is free.
Ards CCÉ was established in 1976. This non-profit music organisation promotes and fosters the love of Irish traditional music, song and dance to people from all community backgrounds.
The SPAR Craic 10k
St Patrick’s Day 2023 will see thousands of runners ‘back for the Craic’ as the SPAR Craic 10k road race returns in its full green glory to the streets of Belfast.
The St Patrick’s Day race, which will again begin at City Hall and end at Ormeau Park, is part of the wider Belfast City Council efforts to create an all-inclusive celebration of the National Saints’ Day.
Founded in 2015 and shining a light on our common heritage, the SPAR Craic 10k took a time out for the pandemic.
An inclusive, fun event which attracts all levels of runners from across the island and beyond, SPAR Craic 10k is Belfast’s premier urban run.
For more information, see here
Ballymena
Annual Slemish St Patrick's Day climb
To celebrate St Patrick’s Day, take part in the annual trek up Slemish to enjoy the spectacular views. The walk to the summit and back is 1.5km and takes approximately one hour in good weather.
Come prepared!
- Wear suitable footwear (boots with ankle protection, trainers are not recommended)
- Wear layered clothing & bring waterproof clothing
Activities at Slemish
- Live music featuring local talent
- Lots of fun activities for children such as face painting and arts and crafts
Derry
St Patrick's Eve Family Fun
Glen Development Initiative is hosting a free Family Fun event in Brooke Park with Amusements, Live Music, Party Bus and Gaelic Games.
It will be held in Brook Park from 4pm - 7pm on March 16.
Spring Carnival
Celebrate the arrival of Spring in all its colourful splendour with a magical programme of music, dance, food and folklore this St Patrick's Day.
Highlights include:
- Traditional Irish Music | Guildhall Sq | 1pm – 6pm
- Magical Land of the Fairies | Peace Garden | 1pm – 6pm
- The Spring Fling ( Music & Animation)| Craft Village | 1pm - 6pm
- Ceol @ The Guildhall | Main Hall | 1pm – 5pm
- LegenDerry Delights | Guildhall Sq |17th & 18th
- Mayor’s 24-hour Buskathon | Guildhall Square | 17th March – 18th March 6pm
Foyleside Presents St Patrick's
Allow Foyleside to enhance your shopping experience on St Patrick's Day with a host of free entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.
Starting from 12pm on March 17, the celebrations will feature Irish dancing, live music and fun activities for children.
Keep an eye on Foyleside's social media channels for all the latest information.
St Patrick's Day Parade
Taking place in the city centre from 3pm - 4pm, departing from Bishop Street.
Famed for their fantastical and flamboyant carnival parades, the NWCI has stepped into Spring for this year’s Carnival parade in celebration of ‘Recycle & Renewal’.
The 2023 parade will bring to light a focus on conserving and harnessing the natural environment around us. Living in an increasingly ‘throw away’ society, has led to our ocean’s wildlife choking in plastic and the overuse of landfill sites.
Communities will come together in a parade which will use the elements of nature; Fire, Air, Earth, and Water to highlight the significance of recycling and reusing, reducing waste and the positive impact this can have on our environment for future generations.
Lisburn
St Patrick's Day Tea Dance
St Patrick's Day Tea Dance with Housty featuring special dance performances from:
- McGuigan School of Dance
- Sarah Graham School of Highland Dance
- The Charters School of Irish Dance.
The free event takes place on March 17 2023 between 1.30pm-4pm at Market Square, Lisburn City Centre.
Get ready to kick up your heels and celebrate St Patrick's Day in style.
Newtownabbey
Our Shared Saint - Theatre at the Mill
Hosted by the BBC's Noel Thompson, Our Shared Saint will be a joyous evening of music, dance and verse celebrating the place we call home as a cultural meeting place - with inspiration taken from the life of Ulster’s Scottish Saint: St Patrick.
‘Our Shared Saint’ will see acts such as Irish Trad’ group The Muddler’s Club perform alongside Willie Drennan’s Ulster Folk Band as well as soloists from Northern Ireland Opera, Ulster Scots pipers and Irish dancers from The Kathy O’Connor School of Dance.
This event on March 16 promises to be the perfect way for ‘culture vulture’s to kick-start their St Patrick’s Day weekend.
Exhibition of Irish Dancing Costumes
A collection of vintage Irish Dancing costumes have been made available for viewing to the public for free thanks to the kind generosity of former Irish Dancer turned collector, Mr Les Baird.
More than 160 costumes, which were worn by performers from the Festival Tradition of Irish dancing, are being displayed across two sites; Theatre at The Mill in Newtownabbey and Clotworthy House, Antrim Castle Gardens throughout March.
The costumes, some of which date back to as early as the 1940s, were donated over the years by dance schools and individual performers from across Northern Ireland.
Armagh
Shambles Yard Concert and Family Fun event
Join for a family fun afternoon on the eve of St Patrick's Day.
A line up of live music, such as singer-flautist Ríoghnach Connolly who grew up surrounded by a rich musical familial heritage and started to hone her skills through Armagh Pipers’ Club in Armagh. She has being performing on the global stage since.
Celtic trad rock band, More Power to Your Elbow, will perform following recent tours of Norway and Holland.
Included in the line up are local talent Pearse Larkin, the Qua Family Band. Also enjoy Irish dance from the Lorraine Scallon School of Dance, children's activities, face painting and lots more.
Home of St Patrick Festival
Armagh city is celebrating his life and legacy as part of an eight-day festival of events.
Held in the ecclesiastical capital, this year’s cultural offering combines an exciting programme of traditional live music, art, poetry, theatre, film and dance and takes in many of the city’s iconic Georgian streets and venues.
Established as one of the UK and Ireland’s most authentic events to mark St Patrick’s enduring impact on the island of Ireland and the world, Armagh was Patrick’s chosen place where he began his Christian mission and his legacy lives on in this ancient, unique and beautiful place.
This year host a range of enthralling activities for individuals, families and groups alike - including live music, dance, poetry workshops, film screenings and compelling walking tours as well as the annual St Patrick Lecture and St Patrick’s Eve Vigil.
Family Fun Afternoon Banbridge
Family fun afternoon at Solitude Park, Banbridge on Saturday, March 18 from 2-4pm.
There is free admission to this event and no tickets are required.
Solitude Park will be filled with family activities including fun fair rides, live music, face painting and entertainment. Come along and spend some of your Saturday celebrating.
St Patrick's Community Parade
This parade is a celebration of our patron saint with a spectacular display of colour, music and entertainment for all to enjoy.
The city's wonderful community parade makes its way through the city centre with a route starting at the Christian Brothers' School.
It makes its way through the city onto Cathedral Road, past the Shambles Market before finishing at the grounds of Cathedral Road Recreation Centre.
The parade takes place from 2.30-3.30pm on Friday, March 17.
Strabane
St Patrick’s Day 2023 Spring Carnival
Celebrations will include plenty to see and do for all the family throughout the day, including the annual parade at 2pm.
Kicking off from Holy Cross College, the all-singing all-dancing parade will make its way through Melmount Road, Bridge Street, Market Street, Abercorn Square, Railway Road and finish in Dock Street.
The Alley Theatre will host activities with guaranteed craic for all the family. The public can enjoy live traditional music from Seisiém –béim ar an óige and cultural activities, children’s arts & crafts and refreshments from 1.30pm until 4.30pm.
Down
Downpatrick St Patrick's Parade
The St Patrick's Day parade will be the centre of celebrations in Downpatrick.
Led by St Patrick himself, the parades on Friday, March 17 will offer a feast for eyes and ears as swirling dancers, community floats and costumed characters entertain the crowds.
Festivities across Downpatrick will run from 12 noon to 4pm
Parade departs Downshire Estate, Ardglass Road at 1.30pm and follows the main route into town, finishing at Rathkeltair Car Park, Lower Market Street.
St Patrick's Paddleboard events
Begin the St Patrick's Day celebrations in style by joining on the water for a paddle board event on the beautiful shoreline of Warrenpoint, Carlingford Lough.
- St Patricks Family Paddle (9.30am - 11.30am)
Start the day's festivities off with a splash, meeting up with other families and heading off for a fun-filled journey along the shore.
Instructors will play loads of games with the kids (and big kids too!) and parents can either join in or take it easy, chilling out on the water while we entertain the young ones.
- Paddy's Day Paddle & Pint (12:30 - 14:30)
The second session of the day follows a similar theme to the mornng session, however this one is for adults only!
After your SUP session, you are taken over to a local bar where you can soak up some live traditional music and soak up the atmosphere of St. Patrick's Day celebrations, maybe even with a wee pint of the black stuff.
St Patrick's Day Parade Newry
The St Patrick's Day Parade will be the centre of celebrations in Newry.
Led by St Patrick himself, the parades on Friday, March 17 will offer a feast for eyes and ears as swirling dancers, community floats and costumed characters entertain the crowds.
Festivities will be active across Newry City from 12 noon to 4pm
Parade departs from The Quays Shopping Centre at 1pm and follows the main traditional route into town.
Down Cathedral and St Patrick's grave
Down Cathedral is a Church of Ireland cathedral. It stands on the site of a Benedictine Monastery, built in 1183.
St Patrick's remains are buried on the site. Magnificent stain glass windows, box pews and beautiful organ case enhances this interesting building. Souvenir shop and toilet facilities.
Guided tours available by prior arrangement.
Omagh
St Patrick's Day at the Ulster American Folk Park
Join for a weekend of St Patrick's Day celebrations on Friday 17 and Saturday, March 18.
Discover St Patrick's Day traditions and learn the history of the shamrock as you explore the Folk Park. Watch traditional craft demonstrations such as basket weaving and follow the 'Shamrock Selfie Trail'! Stop by the Mellon House where the table will be filled with traditional foods like colcannon and apple tart and make sure you sample our fruit brack, pumpkin bread and apple butter.
There will also be Irish dancers performing on the 17 and live traditional musicians playing throughout the weekend.
St Patrick's Day Festival
Delivered by Dún Uladh Cultural Heritage Centre, the county town’s event on Friday, March 17 will take place from 12pm to 4pm and will feature everything from music, to dance, drama, amusements, and family entertainment.
The free-of-charge event, sponsored by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council will also see numerous hospitality and entertainment venues throughout the town getting into the spirit of the global festivities.
Market Street/High Street will host the main part of the action, with outdoor performances from All-Ireland Champions The Forge Ceilí Band, St Eugene’s Brass and Reed Band, Barry Kirwan, Clogher & District Pipe Band, traditional group Blaisín and Urban Motion.
Funfair rides, tasty treats, face painting, Street characters, a petting farm, Omagh Heritage Music Trail and the ‘Pot of Gold’ trail will also make an appearance.
Dungannon
St Patrick's Day at Hill Of The O’Neill
From 1pm - 4.30pm, there will be live music, face painting, Irish dancing, amusements, arts and crafts and more.
Headlining the St. Patrick's Day event in Dungannon is the renowned Blackwater Céilí Band - widely recognised as one of the finest exponents of Irish Traditional Music.
There will also be live traditional music from members of Coalisland and Clonoe Comhaltas.
Enniskillen
Enniskillen will see its first St Patrick’s Day parade go through the town since 2019 this Friday.
After years of coronavirus restrictions hampering activities in the Co Fermanagh town, a packed programme of events will take place this year.
The parade kicks off from the Lakeland Forum at 3.30pm, before making its way along Wellington Road in the direction of the Dublin Road. It will then turn down towards Belmore Street towards the town centre, where it will take in East Bridge Street and Townhall Street.
It will continue through the Diamond on to High Street, Church Street before on to Darling Street and finishing at Enniskillen Castle.
As well as the parade itself, a series of entertainment and attractions has been set up by the organising committee.
A family fun day will be taking place at the Broadmeadow in the town starting from 1.30pm, with free activities including water-based taster sessions.
The wakeboarding leprechauns will return to the festivities during the day.
Live music performances will kick off at the Diamond in the town centre from 2.15pm, including local band the Hand Me Downs alongside traditional dancers.
Meanwhile, a number of venues in the town centre have announced details of live music which will carry well on in to the evening.
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