St. Patrick’s Day 2026: Parades, Grand Marshals, and Celebrations Across Ireland

Ireland is gearing up for a vibrant St. Patrick’s Day celebration on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, with parades planned across the country and a national focus on community and culture. This year’s festivities include the announcement of Vogue Williams as the Grand Marshal for the National Parade in Dublin, and unique celebrations in cities like Cork, Waterford, and Monaghan.

National Parade in Dublin

Vogue Williams, a Dublin-born media personality, fashion icon, and entrepreneur, will lead the National St. Patrick’s Day Parade through the heart of Dublin. The 2026 festival theme, “Roots,” explores identity, belonging, and shared stories across generations. The parade will feature 12 large-scale floats from independent parade companies, with over 150 artists and 3,000 participants.

Rotunda Hospital’s First Parade Appearance

In a historic first, the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin will participate in the national parade with a special float celebrating the institution’s legacy.

Celebrations in Cork

Cork City’s St. Patrick’s Day parade will have the theme “Marsh, myths and magic,” referencing the city’s origins and Irish name, “Corcaigh.” Organizers anticipate the largest parade in the city’s history, with over 3,600 participants and floats featuring “herons,” “frogs,” and other “bogland beasts.” The Grand Marshals will be 16 assistance dogs and their owners from the Irish Guide Dogs.

Other City and Town Parades

• Waterford: The Waterford parade, starting at 1pm, will culminate five days of festivities, with the theme “Waterford; Where St. Patrick’s Day Began,” honoring Luke Wadding, who added March 17th to the liturgical calendar. Dr. Morgan McMonagle, a humanitarian medical worker, will serve as Grand Marshal.
• Kilkenny: The Kilkenny parade, beginning at 1:30pm, will feature local personality and livestock auctioneer George Candler as Grand Marshal, with the theme “Together – Le Chéile.”
• Carlow: The Carlow parade’s theme is “A Place for Everyone,” emphasizing inclusion and community.
• Monaghan: Helen Drumm, a local businesswoman and TikTok star, will be the Grand Marshal for the Monaghan parade, themed “Made in Monaghan.”
• Dundalk: Dundalk FC will be honored as the Grand Marshal of the town’s parade, celebrating the club’s 100th year in the League of Ireland.
• Kells: The Kells parade will encourage participants to blow bubbles as part of a sensory experience. The Kells Handball Club will serve as Grand Marshal.
• Cavan: The Cavan parade will focus on St. Patrick and Irish music.
• Sligo: European Surf Champion Gearóid McDaid will be featured in the Sligo parade, themed “Legends Live Here.”
• Letterkenny: Honorary gardaí from the Little Blue Heroes Foundation will lead the Letterkenny parade.

Numerous smaller parades will also take place in towns and villages throughout Ireland, including Cobh, Youghal, Kanturk, Newmarket, Skibbereen, Bandon, Bantry, and more.