Find everything you need to know about the St Patrick’s Festival in Downpatrick and Newry City with this handy Frequently Asked Questions section. From parade times and locations to parking, accessibility and family-friendly activities, this section will help you to plan a smooth, enjoyable St Patrick’s Day experience in the heart of Mourne Gullion Strangford.
Downpatrick
When is the St Patrick’s Festival Parade in Downpatrick?
St Patrick's Festival in Downpatrick takes place on Tuesday 17 March 2026 from 12noon to 4pm. St Patrick's Parade departs from Downshire Estate, Ardglass Road at 1.30pm.
What is the St Patrick’s Festival in Downpatrick?
The St Patrick's Festival in Downpatrick is set in the traditional home of St Patrick himself, the festival consists of a fabulous community parade at the heart of a day of music, family activities and craic, as well as the Artisan Market at The Grove Car Park.
Find out more about St Patrick's Parade in Downpatrick
How do you get to Downpatrick for St Patrick's Festival?
Downpatrick is less than an hour from Belfast and 2.5 hours from Dublin. There are good bus connections every 1–2 hours from Belfast City centre direct to the Downpatrick Bus Station, the bus takes around an hour. For more information go to www.translink.co.uk or call +44 (0) 28 9066 6630.
Where can I park at St Patrick's Festival in Downpatrick?
Street parking is available in Downpatrick town centre for St Patrick's Festival. Details of charged and non-charged car parking can be found here. Please note: Grove Car Park will be unavailable due to the Artisan Market. Visitors are strongly advised to use the specially organised free Park and Ride site to the south of Downpatrick town at the Downpatrick Racecourse. This is a free service with busses departing regularly to/from the town centre throughout the afternoon.
Accessible parking is available at Down Leisure Centre. Visitors can enjoy the parade from a dedicated accessible viewing stand at Southern Regional College.
Where are the toilets for St Patrick's Day in Downpatrick?
Toilets are available in the Down Arts Centre, Down County Museum, The Saint Patrick Centre and in Market Street. Additional toilets including fully accessible Changing Places facilities, are also available at Market Street.
What activities are happening in Downpatrick on St Patrick's Day?
Newry City
When is the St Patrick’s Festival Parade in Newry City?
St Patrick's Parade in Newry City takes place on Tuesday 17 March 2026 from 12noon to 4pm. St Patrick's Parade departs from Albert Basin at 1pm.
What is the St Patrick’s Festival in Newry City?
The St Patrick's Parade will be at the centre of celebrations in Newry City along with live music, dance and ceili. Newry and Mourne Museum will host a programme of free, bookable family activities throughout the day.
Find out more about St Patrick's Parade in Newry City
How do you get to Newry City for St Patrick's Festival?
Newry City is just under one hour from Belfast and around 1.5 hours from Dublin. It is well served by both bus and train. The Bus arrives and departs from the Bus Station in the city centre and there is a free shuttle bus from the train station to the bus station. For more information go to www.translink.co.uk or call +44 (0) 28 9066 6630.
Where can I park at St Patrick's Festival in Newry City?
Street parking is available throughout Newry City. Details of charged and non-charged car parking can be found here.
Where are the toilets for St Patrick's Day in Newry City?
As well as public toilets, and those in Newry Town Hall, Newry & Mourne Museum, and Newry Variety Market, additional toilets including specially accessible toilets (changing places toilets) will be available on Hill Street.
What activities are happening in Newry City on St Patrick's Day?
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Community parade departing Albert Basin (beside The Quays Shopping Centre) at 1pm.
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Family-friendly entertainment in Marcus Square, and Margaret Square (off Hill Street) from 12noon till 4pm.
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Free family activities at Newry and Mourne Museum (advance booking essential).
Find out more about St Patrick's Festival here and read our 'Things to do at St Patrick's Festival' blog here for inspiration.
