Ireland’s national st patricks day parade steps off in Dublin on Tuesday at 8: 00 am ET, with rolling road closures, a high-visibility policing plan and delayed off-licence alcohol sales shaping a family-focused celebration in the capital.
What To Know For St Patricks Day In Dublin
Tens of thousands are expected to line the streets for the centerpiece parade, which is set to run for about two hours. This year’s theme is “roots, ” with 12 large-scale floats and performances from groups including Macnas, Bui Bolg, Spraoi, Inishowen Carnival Group, Curious State, Volkidana, The Outing Queer Arts Collective, Artastic and ArtFX, alongside new entries from Lumen Street Theatre and Show CoMotion.
Podcast presenter and Howth native Vogue Williams serves as grand marshal. She called the role “a huge honour, ” adding that leading the parade through her home city is “something I’ve always dreamed of. ”
The route begins at Parnell Square North on the north side, proceeds down O’Connell Street, crosses O’Connell Bridge and continues through the south side, finishing at the Cuffe Street/Kevin Street junction.
Parade Route, Start Time And Safety Guidance
An Garda Síochána has urged attendees to plan ahead: pick a viewing spot in advance, arrive early, use public transport or park-and-ride where possible, supervise children closely and ensure they carry contact details for a responsible adult. Attendees are also advised to pack sensibly, mind personal belongings, follow instructions from gardaí and stewards, and take time as crowds disperse after the parade passes.
Rolling road closures and traffic restrictions will be in place across the city centre from early Tuesday. No parking is permitted along the parade route; vehicles will be towed. Traffic will generally be diverted through the North and South Circular Roads for the duration, with local access facilitated. No vehicles can enter the route while closures are active. Police plan to maintain a high-visibility presence after the parade.
Key parade start times elsewhere on Tuesday include:
- Galway: 7: 00 am ET (theme: legends and rising stars)
- Dublin: 8: 00 am ET
- Cork: 9: 00 am ET
- Kilkenny: 9: 30 am ET
Separately, a 26 km Harbour2Harbour charity walk between Howth and Dún Laoghaire is also scheduled in Dublin on Tuesday.
Alcohol Sales Delayed And Local Restrictions
With festivities underway, off-licence and supermarket alcohol sales follow the holiday’s special hours. On March 17, off-licences may sell alcohol from 8: 30 am ET until 6: 00 pm ET. In Dublin city centre, off-licences will voluntarily delay sales until 12: 00 pm ET, a measure aligned with the policing plan to support a family-friendly atmosphere until after the parade.
Pubs and restaurants are expected to operate as normal on the day, serving alcohol between 6: 30 am ET and 7: 30 pm ET. Acting Assistant Commissioner for the Dublin Metropolitan Region Jonathan Roberts welcomed visitors and emphasized the event’s family-friendly nature, noting a significant policing plan is in place to keep people safe. He thanked licensing partners for supporting the city-centre restriction and appealed for road safety on the holiday.
For those heading into town, officials encouraged st patricks day attendees to plan journeys carefully, allow extra time and be mindful of the crowd management measures throughout the city centre.
