St Patrick's Day: What's happening in Northern Ireland?
- Published
Irish dancers took part in the 2023 parade in Belfast as usual
Thousands of people are expected to gather in towns and cities across Northern Ireland over the coming days to celebrate St Patrick.
Belfast aims to promote a confident, inclusive city with an abundance of homegrown talent.
While in Londonderry, the city will be celebrating "light over darkness" as Spring approaches.
Police have warned of traffic disruption in many areas as parades and festivities are held.
In Downpatrick, it is hoped the day will help drive footfall into the town centre recently hit by flooding.
BBC News NI takes a look at some of what's on offer across Northern Ireland this year.
But first: Who was St Patrick anyway?
Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is thought to have grown up in Britain in the 5th century AD, during Roman times and to have first come to Ireland as a kidnapped slave.
Once he was free, he became a priest and returned to the country as a missionary.
St Patrick is honoured by the largest Christian denominations in Ireland.
It is believed he used shamrocks to explain the idea of the Holy Trinity to pagans which is why the clover has become synonymous with St Patrick's Day celebrations.
St Patrick's Day is celebrated across the world by many who do not claim Irish ancestry
Some other legends, such as the belief that St Patrick banished snakes from Ireland, have been proven false.
St Patrick's Day was originally celebrated as a religious feast to mark his work, but now the day highlights Irish history and culture. It is only marked as a national holiday in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, but many people around the world get involved in celebrations, even if they have no connection to the country.
Landmarks around the world, like Sydney Opera House and the Empire State Building, are lit up green - and the Chicago River is traditionally dyed green to mark the day.
An abundance of parades, street parties and céilis (traditional Irish social gatherings involving dancing and music) can also be expected, no matter the weather.
Belfast
Belfast has been hosting events since the start of March, from Irish language events to live music, art and dancing.
The council is supporting events happening until the umbrella of Seachtain na Gaeilge - an international Irish language festival celebrating Irish language and culture
For the first time, a St Patrick's Music Weekend is running, which includes a three-day "trad trail" across city centre venues.
It begins on Friday and finishes on Sunday night.
City Hall is the starting point for the parade on Sunday, starting at 13:30 GMT.
"People, place and planet" is the theme this year.
Lord Mayor of Belfast Ryan Murphy, said he wanted to celebrate Belfast's creativity and diversity.
"This year's St Patrick's Day programme really reflects that concept, with something for everyone to come along and enjoy," he said.
The parade will follow a circular route - Chichester Street, Victoria Street, High Street, Castle Place and Donegall Place - before making its way back to City Hall.
A festival village in Cathedral Gardens, next to St Anne's Cathedral, will host free performances, food stalls, céilí workshops and family-friendly activities after the parade.
Londonderry
Big crowds are expected once again in Derry
The St Patrick's Day Spring Carnival in Derry will begin at Guildhall Square with live music - including traditional and contemporary tunes - and céilí dances from 13:00 to 18:00.
The theme is "out of the darkness, into the light" and the parade is organised by the North West Carnival Initiative.
The parade will begin at 15:00 at Bishop Street Car Park and will pass through Shipquay Street, Whitaker Street, Foyle Embankment, Harbour Square Roundabout, and finish at Strand Road Car Park.
The city's Peace Garden will also come to life with a mini-festival of circus workshops, acrobatic and parkour performances, comedy, magic and interactive performers.
Downpatrick
In the final resting place of St Patrick, a pilgrimage walk led by religious leaders from various churches will start at 10:15 from Saul Church to Down Cathedral, followed by a cross-community service and wreath laying at St Patrick's grave at 11:45.
The parade will begin at Downshire Estate at 13:30.
Throughout the day, the new St Patrick's village, around St Patrick's Square, will be the place to experience traditional céilí dancing, lots of family-friendly activities and an artisan fair.
Another new attraction for this year's festival is the Trail of Light exhibition, which will run until Sunday 31 March.
Armagh
The Cathedral City is celebrating a packed programme of cultural activities from music, comedy, poetry, walking tours, film and dance across nine days (10-18 March).
The St Patrick's Day Parade will depart at 14:30 from Christian Brothers School, make its way through the city onto Cathedral Road, past the Shambles Market before finishing at the grounds of Cathedral Road Recreation Centre at 16:30.
See the full list of Armagh events, external.
Newry
Last year's parade n Newry featured some colourful characters
Festivities in Newry begin at midday with live music and family entertainment.
Parade floats will leave the Quays Shopping Centre at 13:00, proceed along Merchant's Quay and Sugar Island, and finish at Kildare Street.
The celebrations will continue at the open céilí marquee in Margaret Square.
There will be live music in Marcus Square and Hill Street between 12:00 and 16:00 from pop duo Paper Tides, country musician Johnny Brady, Celtic rock band More Power to your Elbow and a guest appearance from Newry's Junior Eurovision contestant Sophie Lennon.
See the full list of Newry events, external.
Kilkeel
In Kilkeel, County Down, police have warned of traffic disruption as a parade takes place between 10:45 and 11:30 on Sunday. It will travel along Newcastle Street, Bridge Street, Greencastle Street and Newry Street.
Dungannon
St Patrick's Day festivities are due to kick off at Hill of The O'Neill and Ranfurly House from 13:30 with live music, face painting and arts and crafts.
Headlining the celebrations are County Tyrone folk-rock band The Porter Bellys, with traditional Irish music from members of Coalisland and Clonoe Comhaltas taking part.
A parade will also assemble at Ann Street in town from 14:00.
Enniskillen
Traditional dancers will hit the Diamond in the town centre at 13:30, as well as live music from the Hand Me Downs who play a lively mix of folk and rockabilly music.
The parade will depart at 15:30 from the Lakeland Forum leisure centre, and will feature traditional and carnival-style floats with a folklore theme.
Omagh
Live music and entertainment begins at 13:00 in the town centre, with a range of performances from trad music, Irish dancing, to a Taylor Swift tribute act.
The Strule Arts Centre will host an exhibition, drumming workshops, trad and choral music, arts and crafts and an animated film The Secret of Kells, which will be shown at 15:00.
The parade leaves from Drumragh Avenue at 14:00 continuing on to Market Street, High Street and John Street before finishing at Church Street.
See the full list of Omagh events, external.
Dublin
About half a million people celebrating in Dublin city centre last year
Meanwhile in the Republic of Ireland, Dublin is expecting about 500,000 spectators at the parade, which begins at midday.
More than 4,000 people are expected to take part in the parade, including marching bands, performers, dancers and extravagant floats.
The theme for this year is Spréach, the Irish word for spark.
Festival organisers say it reflects the creative spark of writers, poets, musicians, artists, actors and other creatives from Ireland who have made a cultural impact in the world.
Dublin will also introduce a "relaxed parade space" to support the needs of neurodivergent families and individuals, and those with sensory processing differences.
- Published16 March 2019
- Published17 March 2023
- Published17 March 2023
