Carlow St. Patrick’s Day Festival 

This year’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival is a vibrant celebration combining a spectacular parade and family fun. Kicking off at 1.30pm, live music fills the Liberty Tree area with performances from local bands, Irish dancers and a ukulele band.

The parade begins at 3 p.m. from the junction of Kennedy Avenue and Burrin Street and continues along Kennedy Avenue past the viewing stage, before turning left onto Barrack Street at the bus park roundabout. The parade proceeds up Barrack Street to Shamrock Plaza, where it turns left onto Tullow Street, continuing to the end of Tullow Street and down Castle Hill before dispersing.

A sensory-friendly zone on Barrack Street ensures inclusivity. Grand Marshall is Carlow Rose, Caoimhe Deering while lead band is the Killeshin Pipe Band. Live music on the main stage at the Liberty Tree follows the parade.

Entertainment includes ballads from John Kelly of Roisin Dubh and The Best Lab, along with many more in the Exchange. Festivities continue with street performers, face painting and  bouncing castles, continuing until 5.30 p.m.