Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Festival 2026: A Celebration of Roots

Dublin’s annual St. Patrick’s Festival returns from March 14th to 17th, 2026, promising a vibrant celebration of Irish culture and heritage. This year’s theme, “Roots,” will explore identity, belonging, and shared stories through a diverse program of events across the city. St. Patrick’s Festival is made possible through the support of the Government of Ireland, the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Fáilte Ireland, and Dublin City Council.

What to Expect at the 2026 Festival

The 2026 festival will feature over 150 artists spanning music, street theatre, dance, comedy, craft, and participatory performance. The iconic St. Patrick’s Day Parade will once again take center stage on Tuesday, March 17th, showcasing imagination and creativity.

Highlights of the Festival Schedule

Saturday, March 14th

• Dublin City Council St. Patrick’s Festival Treasure Hunt: Embark on a city-wide treasure hunt starting at the Wood Quay Offices at 10 am. Participants can choose between a short (approximately 1 hour) or full route (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes), with prizes awarded for each category. Pre-registration is required.
• St. Patrick’s Festival Family Village: Located at Wood Quay Amphitheatre, the Family Village offers a day of fun, games, and performances for families with younger children from 10 am to 4:45 pm. Food trucks will be available nearby.
• Spéirbhean/Skywoman: Witness stunning aerial artistry from Ireland’s leading aerialists at Wolfe Tone Park. Performances will take place on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
• The Dawson Chorus Pop Choir: Enjoy a performance by the 90-member Dawson Chorus on Parliament Street from 2 pm to 3 pm, featuring hits from the 70s to today.

Sunday, March 15th

• Your Roots, Your Story: Participate in an interactive storytelling workshop at the Abbey Theatre Rehearsal Room (suitable for ages 18+). Explore personal stories and learn theatre techniques to bring them to life. Tickets cost €25.
• Ukrainian Volunteers of Ireland: Experience lively performances by Ukrainian musicians and dancers in traditional attire at Stephen’s Green Bandstand from 2:20 pm to 2:40 pm.
• Cailleach: A Dance for the Witches of Ireland: SOTO Dance Company presents a live performance at Dubh Linn Garden, channeling the witches of Ireland through dance. Performances are scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday.

Monday, March 16th

• Paddy’s Eve at Pygmalion with Jayda G & Henrik Schwarz: Renowned music producer and composer Henrik Schwarz will perform at Pygmalion at 10 pm. Ticket prices start at €15 (plus booking fee).
• EPIC: The Cúpla Focal Guided Tour: Explore Ireland’s emigration story and learn simple Irish phrases on a special tour at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. This experience is available throughout the four days of the festival.
• The Cold Call: Encounter an interactive art installation featuring vintage telephones connecting two locations, allowing for spontaneous conversations between strangers.

Tuesday, March 17th

• The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade: The National Parade begins at 12 pm, starting at Parnell Square and traveling through Dublin City Centre, ending at the Cuffe Street/Kevin Street junction. Over 3,000 participants will be involved.
• Céilí Mór: Join a free, large-scale outdoor Céilí (traditional Irish dance) event from 2 pm to 5 pm, led by Dearbhla Lennon.
• After Dark: Enjoy jaw-dropping performances by professional fire artists in Wolfe Tone Park, South King St and Barnardo Square from 6pm – 9pm.

Throughout the Festival (March 14th – 17th)

• City Funfair: Enjoy traditional fairground attractions, including waltzers, bumper cars, and carousels, from 11 am to 9 pm each day.