ST PATRICK’S Day is tomorrow, and many will flock to their local town or city centres to see the parade.
In Dublin, locals and tourists are set to crowd the streets of the city centre to see the famous St Patrick’s Day parade.
Organisers have said that the 2025 Dublin parade will be “bigger, better, and taller than ever”.
This year’s theme is Eachtraí – the Irish word for adventures – an effort to capture the adventurous spirit that defines the Irish.
Dublin actress Victoria Smurfit, has been announced as the Grand Marshal and will lead the parade.
It will start at 12pm, moving from Parnell Square to Kevin St Junction.
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain said: “The National St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the most significant events in our city’s calendar.
“It’s an exciting celebration of Irish creativity, culture, and community.
“As my first St. Patrick’s Festival as Lord Mayor, I’m particularly looking forward to witnessing the vibrant pageantry and incredible talent that will bring Dublin’s streets to life this St. Patrick’s Day.
“I encourage everyone to join us and be part of this unforgettable celebration.”
St Patrick’s Festival CEO Richard Tierney said: “Every year, the National St. Patrick’s Day Parade continues to grow and amaze spectators both at home and abroad, and 2025 will be no exception, with this year’s festivities set to be bigger, better, and taller than ever.
“Leading the Parade is the incredible Victoria Smurfit, an outstanding Irish actress who has captivated audiences worldwide and brings an infectious energy and passion to this role.”
Here is everything you need to know if you’re heading along to the parade tomorrow.
WHEN DOES IT START?
It will start at 12pm, moving from Parnell Square to Kevin Street.
It’s anticipated to last around two hours, so will finish around 2pm.
WHAT IS THE ROUTE?
The route will start at Granby Row before turning onto Parnell Square North and taking the turn for the east side.
It will then move down O’Connell Street, over O’Connell Bridge, past Trinity College at College Green and on to Dame Street before finishing near St Patrick’s Cathedral.
WHERE CAN I PARK?
Gardai are encouraging people to use public transport, or park and ride facilities if they can.
No vehicles are permitted to enter the parade route while it is ongoing, and there will be a number of closures in place.
If you are driving to the parade, you should check where to park outside the closed roads, and walk in.
A parade spokesperson said: “In order for the Parade to pass smoothly and safely through the streets of Dublin, it requires a number of road closures in the city centre, from early in the morning of the parade through until the late afternoon.”
WHAT ARE MY PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPTIONS?
Public transport in the city centre will be restricted due to the parade and closures.
Bus services and the Red Luas tram line are expected to be the most impacted.
DART services will remain operational.
Connolly and Pearse Street stations are the nearest DART stops to the parade.
If you are looking to see the parade from College Green and St Patrick’s Cathedral, the Green Luas line and bus routes to St Stephen’s Green are your best bet.
WHAT ROADS WILL BE CLOSED?
Granby Row, Parnell Square North, O’Connell Street, Westmoreland Street, Dame Street, Lord Edward Street, Nicholas Street, Patrick Street, Kevin Street and St Stephen’s Green will be closed off for a portion of the day as the parade travels through.
From 4am until 3pm on Monday, Cavendish Row, Granby Row, Mountjoy Street Middle, O’Connell Bridge, O’Connell Street, Palmerston Place, Parnell Square East, Parnell Square North, St Marys Place North and Wellington Street Lower will be closed.
Western Way will be closed from 7pm on Sunday until 3pm on Monday.
From 4am until 5pm, Christchurch Place, College Green, Dame Street, High Street, Lord Edward Street, Nicholas Street, Patrick Street and Westmoreland Street will be closed.
From 4am until 6pm, Clanbrassil St Lower, Kevin Street and New Street South will be closed, while Stephen’s Green South and Cuffe Street will be closed until 6.30pm.
Merrion Square West will be closed from 6am until a minute before midnight.
Custom House Quay will close at 7pm on Friday and won’t reopen until 6am on Tuesday.
