Saint Patrick’s Day, observed on March 17th, is a cultural and religious celebration marking the death of Saint Patrick, Ireland’s foremost patron saint. In the United Kingdom, the day is recognized differently across regions.
It’s a public holiday in Northern Ireland with widespread celebrations, while in England, Scotland, and Wales, it’s often observed quietly with some choosing to celebrate in local Irish pubs. The day is associated with the color green and clovers, symbolizing Irish heritage.
Parades in London
The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in London is a grand celebration of Irish culture and heritage. Held annually, the parade starts at Hyde Park Corner and culminates in Trafalgar Square.
It features marching bands, dance troupes, and elaborate floats, attracting around 50,000 spectators. The festivities continue in Trafalgar Square with live music, Irish dancing, and cultural performances, making it a highlight of London’s cultural calendar.
| Date | Time | Venue |
| Sunday 17 March 2024 | 12:00pm to 6:00pm | Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London |
Parades in Birmingham
The Birmingham Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is a lively event that showcases the city’s multiculturalism and Irish roots. As one of the UK’s oldest and largest, it returns in 2024 after a break.
The parade is a spectacle of community groups, traditional Irish symbols, and diverse performances. It concludes with a concert and festivities in Digbeth, drawing an audience of approximately 80,000. This event is a testament to Birmingham’s rich cultural tapestry.
| Date | Time | Venue |
| Sunday 17 March 2024 | 12:00pm to 5:00pm | Digbeth, The Boogie Shed, Birmingham |
Parades in Manchester
The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Manchester is a cherished tradition that celebrates Irish culture. The parade, which departs from the Irish World Heritage Centre, features a diverse array of floats and performances.
It follows a route of approximately 2.5 miles, attracting thousands of spectators. The day’s festivities continue with food, music, and dance, making it a significant event in Manchester’s cultural calendar.
| Date | Time | Venue |
| Sunday 17 March 2024 | 12:00 Noon | Irish World Heritage Centre in Cheetham Hill Manchester |
Parades in Edinburgh
The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Edinburgh is a festive occasion that celebrates Irish heritage. The parade begins at the Irish World Heritage Centre and showcases a variety of floats and performances, reflecting the city’s cultural diversity.
The event concludes with a series of celebrations, including live music and dance, attracting thousands of spectators. A notable part of the event is the Cowgate St. Patrick’s celebration, renowned for its lively atmosphere and Irish music..
| Date | Time | Venue |
| Sunday 17 March 2024 | 12:00pm to 6:00pm | The Three Sisters – Edinburgh |
Parades in Nottingham
The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Nottingham is a key event that celebrates the city’s Irish community. The annual event, held in Old Market Square, features a range of Irish and Irish-inspired live music and culture. The parade is part of a ten-day festival that culminates on Saint Patrick’s Day, making it a significant event in Nottingham’s cultural calendar.
| Date | Time | Venue |
| Sunday 17 March 2024 | 11:30am to 4:30pm | Old Market Square, Nottingham |
Parades in Dublin
The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin is a world-renowned event that celebrates Irish culture on a grand scale. Held annually on March 17th, the parade starts at Parnell Street and ends at Kevin Street, attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators.
The parade features a variety of floats and performances, making it a key highlight of the national Saint Patrick’s Festival. This event truly embodies the spirit of Saint Patrick’s Day in the heart of Ireland.
| Date | Time | Venue |
| Sunday 17 March 2024 | 12:00pm to 2:00pm | Parnell Square, Dublin |
Parades in Cork
The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Cork is a key event in the city’s cultural calendar. Held on March 17th, the parade showcases the best of Cork city. It features a vibrant display of community spirit, with participants from all walks of life.
The parade is part of the larger Cork St. Patrick’s Festival, which includes a variety of events and activities. This celebration of Irish heritage attracts locals and visitors alike, making it a must-see event in Cork.
| Date | Time | Venue |
| Sunday 17 March 2024 | 12:00pm to 6:00pm | Old Market Square, Cork |
Parades in Galway
The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Galway is a three-day celebration of Irish culture. The parade, which starts at 11:30am on March 17th, runs through the city centre, showcasing the creativity of local artists and community groups.
The event aims to celebrate Galway’s diverse culture and talent through an inclusive programme of events. The festivities continue throughout the bank holiday weekend, making it a significant event in Galway’s cultural calendar.
| Date | Time | Venue |
| 17 March 2024 | start from 11:30 AM | University road, Salmon Weir Bridge, Galway |
Parades in Armagh
The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Armagh is a lively celebration that honors the life of Saint Patrick. The parade is part of the “At Home with St Patrick’s Festival,” which showcases the best of culture, music, song, and dance from the city.
The festival, which takes place on 17 March, offers a diverse program of music, art, theatre, film, and dance. This event truly embodies the spirit of Saint Patrick’s Day in Armagh.
| Date | Time | Venue |
| Sunday, 17 March | 1.45pm to 2.30pm | Ogle Street and goes through the city centre Armagh |
Parades in Dingle
The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Dingle is a unique celebration that starts at the crack of dawn. The event begins with the traditional march of Dingle’s Fife and Drum Band at 6am, followed by the main parade at 12:45pm.
The parade route winds through the town’s streets, culminating in a series of festivities that celebrate Irish culture and community. This early morning tradition sets Dingle’s Saint Patrick’s Day Parade apart, making it a memorable event in the Irish cultural calendar.
| Date | Time | Venue |
| 17 March 2024 | start from 06:45 AM | Dingle Town, Dingle |
Parades in Kilkenny City
The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Kilkenny City is a central event in the city’s five-day festival. Held annually on March 17th at 1:30pm, the parade weaves through the city’s streets, showcasing the creativity of local artists and community groups.
The festival includes live music, American marching bands, and free family events1, making it a significant event in Kilkenny’s cultural calendar.
| Date | Time | Venue |
| Sunday, 17 March | Start from 1.30pm | through the streets of Kilkenny |
Parades in Clifden
The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Clifden is a festive event that starts at 12:30pm on March 17th. The parade, which is part of the Connemara Chamber of Commerce’s celebrations, features entertainment on the Town Square before and after the parade.
The event includes a street disco, live music, and more, making it a significant event in Clifden’s cultural calendar.
| Date | Time | Venue |
| Sunday, 17 March | Start from 12.30pm | Market Square, Clifden |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Saint Patrick’s Day parades across the UK and Ireland are vibrant celebrations of Irish heritage. Each city, from London to Dublin, Birmingham to Galway, and beyond, offers unique festivities that reflect their local culture and community spirit.
These events, held annually on March 17th, not only honor Saint Patrick but also celebrate the rich tapestry of Irish influence in these cities. Whether it’s the grandeur of Dublin’s parade or the dawn march in Dingle, each event offers a unique way to experience and celebrate Irish culture.