Celebrating Dún Laoghaire’s Maritime Heritage at the St Patrick's Day Parade

The St Patrick’s Day Parade in Dún Laoghaire is set to be a spectacular event this year, with up to 50 groups taking part in the festivities. We are excited to announce that our grand marshal for the parade will be boxer Jack Marlay, an Olympic hopeful from Monkstown, and our MC will be businessman and entrepreneur Bobby Kerr.  St Patrick will be leading out the parade along with the Communications Workers’ Union Band who have a long and proud tradition as Ireland’s premier trade union Brass and Reed Concert Band, and the only remaining trade union band on the island of Ireland, north or south. The parade will also mark the 30-year anniversary of the formation of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

Denis O’Callaghan, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council said:

“After a long absence, Dún Laoghaire will host a vibrant St Patrick's Day parade with a variety of groups taking part including the Communication Workers Union Band, who are the only remaining trade union band in Ireland. The parade aims to unite local businesses and the community in celebration. Not only will it commemorate Ireland's national day, but also showcase the spirit and pride of Dún Laoghaire Town”.

Join us for St Patrick’s Day in Dún Laoghaire from 11am as the parade makes its way along the coast of Dún Laoghaire, starting at Islington Avenue (Newtownsmith) and ending at the Victoria Fountain.  The parade will feature a variety of groups, including Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Eireann, Irish Naval Service, Irish Coast Guard, Ukelele Hooley, Twilight twirlers, RNLI, Dún Laoghaire Tidy Towns, Sea scouts, St Michael’s Rowing Club, local sports clubs, dancers and much more!  We will also have a quiet space opposite the dlr LexIcon which will allow neurodivergent families and individuals and those with sensory processing differences to enjoy the parade from a distance.

“We are honoured to welcome the L.É. George Bernard Shaw to Dún Laoghaire Harbour for St Patrick’s Weekend and offer the public the unique opportunity to tour this magnificent naval vessel,” said Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council. Don’t miss out on the excitement of St Patrick’s Day in Dún Laoghaire this Sunday. Come and see the talents of various local groups and clubs on display in the parade”.

This year, the L.E. George Bernard Shaw, will sail into Dún Laoghaire for the celebration and host two open days for the public to tour the ship on Saturday from 12-3pm and on Sunday from 1.30-4pm.  This naval ship is 90m in length and is designed as an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV).  The public will be able to access the ship via Carlisle Pier. Tours are free of charge; no booking required and take approximately 20 minutes.

Chair of the St Patrick’s Day Organising Committee, Councillor Lorraine Hall said,

“Almost 50 local groups will get involved in our Parade on Sunday. It promises to be a fun filled family event celebrating everything Dún Laoghaire is about. I would like to thank the Organising Committee for all their work over a number of months to deliver this event. Please come along with your family and friends to enjoy this special occasion”.

After the parade why not take a break at the Dún Laoghaire CoCo Markets or try a new virtual experience which will take place in the People’s Park from 12-4pm featuring the hunt for the Carlichaun Leprechauns through a fun mobile APP.  Additionally, Fossett’s Circus will be at Dún Laoghaire Harbour from March 20th until March 24th providing entertainment for all ages.

Quiet Space: We have a quiet space in front of the dlr LexIcon (coast side) which will allow neurodivergent families and individuals and those with sensory processing differences to enjoy the parade from a distance (ear defenders available).

Public Transport: Please use public transport where possible. The car parks at dlr LexIcon and the Pavillion Theatre will be closed during the parade.

This event is organised by the Dún Laoghaire Business Association & Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.