Taking place over four days and nights, from 14–17 March, Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Festival will be celebrated under the theme of Roots, with a diverse programme set to explore identity, belonging and shared stories.
You can see the full programme of events here, but we’ve picked out a few of our favourites below.
Saturday, 14 March
Dublin City Council St. Patrick’s Festival Treasure Hunt
Starting from 10am on Saturday, 14 March, at the Wood Quay Offices, this treasure hunt will lead participants through Dublin, stopping off at some of the city’s most beautiful and historic locations while solving clues along the way. There will be two options: a short route (approximately an hour to complete) and the full route (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes). Separate prizes will be awarded for each category. Pre-register in advance on www.stpatricksfestival.ie.
St. Patrick’s Festival Family Village
Located in the Wood Quay Amphitheatre, the Family Village is the one-stop St. Patrick’s Festival shop for families with younger children. Running from 10am – 4.45pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, children can explore and enjoy the fun, games and performances all brought together in this one location, while parents can enjoy the nearby food trucks.
Conor McCabe Photography
An aerial performance will be taking place at Wolfe Tone Park on Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Expect stunning airborne artistry from Ireland’s leading aerialists. Beautiful performances on silks, hoops, ropes and more. These aerial dancers will leave you breathless as you witness fast spins, skilled stunts and dreamy acts that defy gravity.
The Dawson Chorus is a pop choir with 90 members ready to perform a mix of hits from the 70s to today, featuring music from artists such as Coldplay, Chappell Roan, The Cranberries, Madonna and many more. Whether you love classic pop, 90s anthems or modern chart hits, there’ll be something for everyone. Catch them on Parliment Street from 2pm – 3pm.
Conor McCabe Photography
Sunday, 15 March
Step behind the scenes and into the world of Irish storytelling at the iconic Abbey Theatre Rehearsal Room. Suitable for those aged 18 and over, this interactive workshop invites you to explore the stories that shape who you are — from family memories and traditions to tales passed down through generations. Guided by expert facilitator Phil Kingston, you’ll learn how to bring a personal story to life using simple theatre techniques, imagination, and the power of performance. Tickets are €25 per person.
Ukrainian Volunteers of Ireland
Head to the Stephen’s Green Bandstand from 2:20pm – 2:40pm to catch a series of lively five-minute performances by different musicians and dancers in traditional Ukrainian attire, set to the sounds of traditional Ukrainian music and instruments.
Conor McCabe Photography
Available on all four days of the festival, the city funfair will provide waltzers, bumper cars, and traditional carousels from 11am – 9pm. A firm festival favourite, the funfair will light up the city with colourful carnival fairground attractions. Suitable for all the family, enjoy the thrills and spills of the experience.
Cailleach: A Dance for the Witches of Ireland
Playing on Saturday and Sunday at Dubh Linn Garden, this live performance from SOTO Dance Company will see dancers channel the witches of Ireland, not as myth, but as memory carried in bone and breath. The elements pull them apart and bind them together, shaping a shared ritual of listening and resistance.
Conor McCabe Photography
Monday, 16 March
Paddy’s Eve at Pygmalion with Jayda G & Henrik Schwarz
Pygmalion will welcome renowned music producer and composer Henrik Schwarz on Monday, 16 March at 10pm. Schwarz, who is already well known for his unique approach to sound design and composition, has successfully maintained a balance between electronic music, classical and jazz, as well as energetic, highly charged dance sets at huge techno festivals and events all over the world. Ticket prices start at €15 (plus booking fee).
EPIC: The Cúpla Focal Guided Tour
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Festival with a special Cúpla Focal Tour at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. This festival-only experience invites you to explore Ireland’s emigration story while learning simple Irish phrases along the way. Led by an EPIC guide, the tour blends a little Gaeilge with the museum’s interactive, digital‑first experience and will take place across the four days.
Conor McCabe Photography
An old Irish phonebox and a vintage fridge situated in different locations are fitted with rotary telephones that are connected and can dial each other. The public can place a call from either phone and await an answer from the other phone. The work creates temporary, unscheduled conversations between strangers.
Tuesday, 17 March
The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
The National Parade begins at 12pm on 17 March 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 Street/Kevin Street junction. With over 3,000 participants involved, the show is sure to be spectacular, so find your spot nice and early!
Running from 2pm – 5pm on Tuesday, 17 March, the Céilí Mór is a free, large-scale outdoor, bilingual event that celebrates traditional Irish dance, language, and music. Led by Dearbhla Lennon, a former Riverdancer and champion Irish step-dancer, this is the perfect opportunity to learn the steps, enjoy live music, and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Irish culture.
After Dark
Every evening throughout the four-day celebrations, running from 6pm – 9pm in Wolfe Tone Park, South King St and Barnardo Square, there will be jaw-dropping performances featuring professional fire artists. Presenting a captivating display of skill, choreography, and flame effects, they will be a thrilling highlight of the celebrations.