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.
Here’s a list of towns and when they’re going to have their big parades this year.
Cork City Centre
The committee for Cork City’s St Patrick’s Day festival 2023 promises it to be one of the biggest celebrations ever – with four days of events. The biggest street show – the parade of course – will start at 1 pm on Friday and will feature over 3,500 participants, 55 groups, big American marching bands, live music, street performances, parties and more across the city centre. The parade will start at South Mall and finish at Merchant’s Quay.
Ballincollig
Organisers have said that the parade will get underway at 3 pm from outside the Credit Union building on Harrington Street – followed by local entertainment from musicians, and DJs in local establishments.
*North Cork
Mallow
The theme of this year’s parade will be “Team Green is the Green Theme” and the group will assemble at Park Road at 2 pm before heading into the town centre.
Fermoy
The group will assemble at Duna Eala on Cork Road (opposite Cavanagh’s garage) at 11 am and proceed down through the town, passing through Pearse Square from 12:15 pm and will finish at around 1 pm.
Macroom
Organisers have said that the parade will start at around 3:30 pm at St Colman’s Park. Viewers can watch the paradegoers at a stand on the North Square.
Millstreet
A late afternoon one here – as the parade will return to the town at 4:45 pm with prizes awarded for the best club, school/creche, float, vintage vehicle, window display as well as the best-dressed pet.
Charleville
Organisers have said the parade will get underway at around 12:45 pm following noon mass at the Holy Cross Church. The parade will proceed down the town to the viewing stand outside the AIB.
Kanturk
The parade will start at 2:30 pm outside the new school and will walk through the town until they reach Strand Street, but that won’t just be the festivities in Kanturk as organisers have said there will be tunes from local musicians afterwards.
West Cork
Sherkin Island
Some might say this is the best parade in the entire country, even though it’s small, the residents of Sherkin fill the island with joy and celebrations every year. If you fancy a trip down, you’ll be welcomed with warm hearts as the residents have extended the invite to everyone. The parade is set to start at 2:30 pm at the Jolly Roger Hill. The pub, the Jolly Roger will reopen for the season immediately after the parade with music from Ken, Jon and Norman.
Clonakilty
Organisers have said the parade is set to start at 2 pm and will be followed with tunes from the Clonakilty Brass Band.
Bantry
Bit of an early start as the street show is set to start at 12:45 pm and will assemble at St Brendan’s monument. This will be followed by music and celebrations in the town square.
Dunmanway
The Parade will leave from St. Patrick’s Church at 1pm with the Theme of “Irish Folklore.” There will be lots of prizes on the day and face painting by MICC students. The popular busking competition will take place on the streets in the afternoon and music continues in the hostelries ’till late. On St. Patrick’s night there is “Bingo Loco” at the Parkway Hotel and on the 18th there is a St. Patrick’s Weekend Dance with the popular Michael Collins Band.
Skibbereen
With the theme of the “All Nations”, parade viewers should note that the street show will start at 3 pm on Friday. Everyone is invited to come and take part in the festivities on the day, in your country’s colours or national costume.
Bandon
Organisers have said that the parade is set to start at 2:30 pm.
Kinsale
The lovely Harbour town will be hosting two Paddy’s Day celebrations, one on the 16th and one on the 17th – so that you can get into the spirit the night before our national holiday. The Maritime Parade will start at 7:30 pm on Thursday, the 16th, while the Street Parade will start at 3 pm on Friday 17th.
Organisers of these events will also be doing a collection at church gates this Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th and are encouraging all to support them and the incredible work they do to put on these fantastic fun family events. They will also be holding their annual window decorating competition for businesses so show your support and dress up your windows!
East Cork
Youghal
This festive, colourful parade in Youghal will get underway at 3 pm on the Brehon Road from the Roundabout. Organisers have said the theme will be “Mardi Gras.”
Cork Harbour
Cobh
The day-long celebrations will get underway at noon with a St Patrick’s Day market on the promenade.The parade will get underway at 2 pm, followed by live music on the promenade from 3.30 pm, with a firework display at 7.30 pm rounding off the festivities.
Carrigaline
The parade will leave the car park of the Co-Op at 2 pm, led by the Carrigaline Pipe Band and proceed up Main Street to the review stand outside the Owenabue car park, finishing outside the Old Pottery.
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 and County on St. Patrick’s Weekend chances are you are a lost cause!
