The biggest party of the year in Ireland is always St. Patrick’s Day and this year the Old Saint is being celebrated with a three day festival from Thursday, 16th March to Sunday, 19th of March 2023.
So why not go to Cork for the 2023 St Patrick’s Festival! The centre of the city is set to be transformed by a riot of colour and sound. With food markets, street performers, musicians and marching bands there will be something for everyone. Check out the comedy antics of circus walkabouts or get creative at a children’s workshop. The 2023 St Patrick’s Festival in Cork is not to be missed. With so much to choose from and free events, Cork is definitely the place to be for St. Patrick’s weekend.
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The main event, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, will take place on Friday March 17th at 1pm. You will marvel at the spectacular performances, which will include arts, community and sporting groups from all over the city and county, along with specially commissioned giant art pieces, created by renowned street theatre companies. The parade runs from the South Mall to the Grand Parade, along St. Patrick’s Street and finishes at Merchant’s Quay.
On the Streets
The festival kick-starts with FREE family fun on Friday 17th, Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th of March when the streets of Cork come alive with big band sounds and the best of traditional Irish music. Sample some tasty treats at the Festival Market while you enjoy the comedy antics, circus performers and music performers at this year’s Festival. While the Parade kick’s off at 1pm in the heart of the City Centre, the festival continues on the Grand Parade and Bishop Lucey Park.
Take a stroll through the festival market and sample Cork’s food culture as you enjoy some local trad music, live swing or the onstreet comedy. There will be a great selection of craft stalls to browse around. Come join in on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th March as the Cork St Patrick’s festival continues in Emmet Place with the festival market, music and free family entertainment. The fun continues on Sunday 19th March with music, street performances and free family entertainment.
The Big Picture
Join this children’s workshop creating artwork that responds to the classic storybook Peter Pan as part of the Big Picture Exhibition in March 2017.
Date: Sunday 19th March – Where: The Glucksman, UCC, Western Road – Time: 3pm – 4pm, Free Event –
Planetarium Shows, Tours and Exhibition
Visit Blackrock Castle Observatory for Planetarium Shows, Castle Tower Tours and science exhibition Cosmos at the Castle!., Date: Friday 17 to Sunday 19th March. Where: Blackrock Castle Observatory, Castle Road
Time: 10am -5pm – Cost – €4.50/€5.50/€6.50
Cork City Gaol Tours
Get a fascinating insight into prison life as visitors are taken back in time to the 19thcentury A fascinating insight into prison life in the 19th century – Date: Friday 17 to Sunday 19th March
Where: Cork City Gaol, Sunday’s Well, Time: 10am -5pm – Cost – €5/€7/€8/€25 (Family)
The Lee Sessions Trad Trail
An extensive series of free traditional Irish Music sessions in Cork City Centre pubs featuring masters of traditional music.
Friday 17 March
1pm The Oliver Plunkett (Oliver Plunkett St)
2.30pm The Long Valley (Winthrop St)
3.30pm Sin É (Coburg St)
5pm The Oliver Plunkett (Oliver Plunkett St)
5pm Counihans (Pembroke St)
5.30pm Sin É (Coburg St)
6pm Corner House (Coburg St)
6pm Charlie’s (Union Quay)
6pm The Rock Bar (Gillabbey St)
7.30pm Sin É (Coburg St)
9.30pm Sin É (Coburg St)
10pm An Spailpín Fánach (South Main St)
10pm The Gables (Douglas St)
Saturday 18 March
3.00pm The Oliver Plunkett (Oliver Plunkett St)
6.30pm Céilí @ The Oliver Plunkett (Oliver Plunkett St)
6.30pm Sin É (Coburg St)
8.00pm Sin É (Coburg St)
9.30pm The Long Valley (Winthrop St)
9.30pm Sin É (Coburg St)
10pm An Spailpín Fánach (South Main St)
12.30pm The Oliver Plunkett (Oliver Plunkett St.)
Sunday 19 March
3pm Charlie’s (Union Quay)
3pm The Oliver Plunkett (Oliver Plunkett St)
5.30pm Sin É (Coburg St)
7.00pm Céilí @ The Oliver Plunkett (Oliver Plunkett St)
7.30pm The Ovens Bar (Oliver Plunkett St)
8.30pm Sin É (Coburg St)
9.30pm The Gables (Douglas St)
9.30pm Counihans (Pembroke St)
9.30pm An Spailpín Fánach (South Main St)
So this Paddy’s weekend come to Cork for the Craic, Music, food, a pint of Murphy’s Stout and distraction for all the family. If you can’t be green and friendly in the charming and walk able Rebel City on St. Patrick’s Weekend chances are you are a lost cause!