St Patrick's Day celebrations are set to take over Northern Ireland this weekend. There are plenty of fun activities for all ages to get involved with this St Patrick's Day as parades and events will be taking place for those planning on grabbing their green and taking part in celebrations. From music events to possessions to cultural celebrations, there is no shortage of fun things to do in the lead-up to the big day if you are trying to get into the spirit. Read more: Belfast St Patrick's Day events confirmed with over two weeks of celebrations Read more: NI staff members help create UK brand’s first-ever St Patrick’s Day range Here are only some of the things happening across Northern Ireland for St Patrick's Day 2025: St Patrick's Day Parade - March 17 Enjoy a dazzling display of costume, music, dance and theatrical performances at our annual parade. There will be amazing creations, a colourful live performance and a high energy soundtrack from LUXE. Local dance troupes, schools, community groups and musicians will also take part in the spectacle. Everyone is welcome to this diverse multi-cultural, cross-community celebration of Saint Patrick. The event is free and you don't need a ticket. Seachtain na Gaeilge le Energia 2025 - March 1-17 Seachtain na Gaeilge le energia is the largest celebration of Irish language and culture, with events taking place throughout Ireland and all across the world. Whether you have a cúpla focal, are fluent or want to simply find out more, there is an extensive programme of events taking place across the city between 1 and 17 March. Féile Trad Trail - March 10-17 Féile an Phobail will be bringing the city to life with world-class Irish Traditional music and workshops in venues right across the city in the lead up to St Patrick's Day. From the 10 to 17 March 2025, over 100 sessions are planned with some of Ireland’s finest Irish traditional musicians. St Patrick's Music Festival 2025 - March 14-17 Belfast City Council has partnered with Belfast TradFest to deliver St Patrick’s Music Festival, as part the UNESCO City of Music’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations. The festival programme includes a variety of indoor and outdoor traditional arts events. It will be a diverse, cross-cultural and cross-traditions celebration in honour of St Patrick. SPAR Craic 10k 2025 St Patrick’s Day 2025 will see over five thousand runners ‘back for the Craic’ as the SPAR Craic 10k road race returns in its full green glory to the streets of Belfast. The St Patrick’s Day race will begin at City Hall and end at Ormeau Park. The race is part of the wider Belfast City Council efforts to create an all-inclusive celebration of the national saint's day. An inclusive, fun event which attracts all levels of runners from across the island and beyond, SPAR Craic 10k is Belfast’s premier urban run. As runners take to the road again, we issue the warm, Irish welcome of ‘céad míle fáilte — come along for the Craic’. McConnell's St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations - March 15 McConnell’s Distillery at Crumlin Road Gaol has a full day of festivities lined up—whether you’re shaking up cocktails with friends, catching the rugby, or savouring a whiskey tasting, there’s something for everyone. Signature Tours – 12PM / 2PM / 4PM / 6PM Dive into the rich history of McConnell’s Irish Whisky. St. Patrick’s Day Cocktail Experience – 1PM Shake things up with a festive St. Patrick’s Day themed cocktail. Live Six Nations Screening – 2:15PM / 4:45PM / 8PM Catch all the action on the big screen. St Patrick's celebrations at St George's Market - March 15-16 Enjoy live traditional music, dancing and family fun over the weekend. Events will be happening in St George's Market on: Saturday 15 March from 9am to 3pm Sunday 16 March from 10am to 3pm There will be special traditional Irish music performances by Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) on both days from 11.30am to 1pm. Antrim and Newtownabbey Exhibition of Irish Dancing Dresses - March 14-April 13 This exhibition of historic Irish Dancing costumes has been curated in celebration of St Patrick’s Day. The collection of antique Irish Dancing costumes have been made available for viewing to the public for free at Theatre at the Mill. The costumes were worn by performers from the Festival Tradition of Irish dancing, are being displayed throughout March and April. The costumes, some of which date back to as early as the 1940s, were donated over the years by dance schools and individual performers from across Northern Ireland. St Patrick's Day Family Festivities - March 16 Searching for fun family activities to keep your little leprechauns entertained this St. Patrick’s Day? You're in luck! We will be hosting a fabulous festival of celebrations at both Antrim Castle Gardens and Mossley Mill on Sunday 16 March 2025. The Rapparees St Patrick's Day Special - March 17 This St Patrick's Day, join at Theatre at The Mill for a special performance from The Rapparees. Belfast born and bred, The Rapparees have been putting their own spin on folk & traditional Celtic music for 15 years. Theirs is a distinctive sound, the kind forged growing up together. Mid and East Antrim St Patrick’s Day at Slemish - March 17 Celebrate St Patrick’s Day this year by taking part in the annual Slemish climb on Monday 17 March. The hub of entertainment will take place at Slemish Car Park, with performances from local musicians; Portglenone Comhaltas, Counties Antrim and Derry Country Fiddlers Association and the Doone Brothers and children’s face painting. Steam Whitehead St Patrick's Weekend - March 15 Visit the picturesque seaside town of Whitehead to experience the magic of steam. On the historic 1907 platform at Whitehead Excursion Station you’ll board our train for a short (10 to 15 minute) trip within our premises. Hauled by our 104 year-old locomotive No.3BG "Guinness", you will travel in a carriage which a certain famous wizard would feel at home in - you will be transported to a bygone era. Afterwards, you can treat yourself to tea/coffee and snacks in our café. Get ready for an unforgettable experience! This will be a day like no other, full of excitement and memories waiting to be made. Leprechaun Fun Run - March 15 Limber up in the beauty of the Palace Demesne as part of St Patrick’s Festival 2025 and get involved in the weekly 5KM timed run. Lace up your running shoes and join us at the Palace Demesne to get your St Patrick’s celebrations up and running. Green tutus, shamrock singlets and even emerald-dyed hair will be most welcome! Children are encouraged to participate. After running 5KM, the finish line will feel like you've found a pot of gold St Patrick's Day Parade - March 17 This parade is a celebration of our patron saint with a spectacular display of colour, music and entertainment for all to enjoy. The City's wonderful home grown parade makes its way through the city centre with a route starting at the Christian Brothers' School. It makes its way through the City onto Cathedral Road, past the Shambles Market before finishing at the grounds of Cathedral Road Recreation Centre. St Patrick's Day - Walking Tour - March 17 Armagh City is the “Home of St Patrick.'' We have countless links with the patron saint of this island and are the only city in the world to have two Cathedrals named after the same saint. On this leisurely walking tour we delve into the history of St Patrick and his connection with both Cathedrals (we do not go into any buildings). En route we can appreciate the wonderful panoramic views of this city, the ecclesiastical and spiritual capital of Ireland. You will hear why St Patrick chose this as the location to build his first Stone Church in 445 AD and be regaled with myths, legends as well as some unusual and quirky facts surrounding St Patrick. St. Patrick’s Festival Live Music Trail - March 14-16 The Home of St.Patrick’s Festival is pleased to present an action packed “Live Irish Music Trail” featuring over 20 acts across 13 venues. Come along and enjoy tunes from a range a local musicians who will bring a unique atmosphere to the City. All gigs are free to attend. The Trail takes place from Friday 14th March through to Sunday 16th March. St Patrick's Day Celebrations - March 17 Come along to our St Patrick’s Day celebrations on Hill of The O’Neill from 1.30pm - 4.30pm! This is a FREE event and therefore no booking is required. Festivities commence at 1.30pm on Monday 17 March 2025. There will be live music, face painting, amusements, arts and crafts, food stalls, and more. This is sure to be fun day out for all the family to enjoy. Headlining this year’s concert is Irish Trad and Folk band, The Muddlers Club. Well-known on the traditional circuit, The Muddlers Club play festivals, concerts, gigs, and weddings across the country and beyond. Causeway Coast and Glens North Coast Trad Session - March 17 North Coast Trad Live Join Sorcha Meehan, Martin Meehan and Steve Iveson as they play an exclusive St Patrick's Day Session at Portrush Yacht Club on Sunday 16th March between 5.15-7pm. Free admission. St Patrick's Day Festival Weekend - March 15-17 Celebrate St Patrick's Day Weekend at the Giant's Causeway, with lots of family-friendly activities spread across 3 days! Across the weekend, follow a whimsical Leprechaun Trail and discover enchanting surprises along the way - keep an eye out for mischevious leprechauns up to no good! On Saturday 15 March, Annie's Delights, a single-handed producer of award-winning jams, curds, marmalade, chutneys and breads/bakes based in Portglenone, will be centre-stage in a Meet the Maker event from 10:00 - 13:00 On Sunday 16 March, Photographer and Filmmaker, Conor Edgell will also be participating in a Meet the Maker session from 10:00am - 3:00pm. St Patrick's Day is a go! On Monday 17 March, there is lots going on throughout the day. Embark on an exciting quest to find hidden treasures scattered throughout the Visitor Centre. Follow the clues and you might just have the luck of the Irish! St. Patrick's Celebration in Limavady - March 15 Celebrate a Mini St. Patrick's Festival in Limavady on Saturday, March 15th, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, taking place at the vibrant Drumceatt Square. This exciting, family-friendly event will feature a full afternoon of fun, entertainment, and celebration of Irish culture. Enjoy live performances from talented local musicians, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the day with traditional Irish tunes and contemporary hits. Be sure not to miss the spectacular Irish dance showcase, featuring the impressive skills of dancers from the renowned Allen School and the Solas group. There’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy! Kids can play to their heart’s content on a giant bouncy castle, get their faces painted with colourful designs, and embark on a fun treasure trail around the square. Derry City and Strabane St Patrick's Day Spring Carnival - March 17 Celebrate the spirit of Spring this St. Patrick's Day with a magical programme of music, dance and festivities for the whole family. Join us on Monday, the 17th of March, for an unforgettable day filled with colour, culture and community. This year’s St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival is packed with unmissable festivities, offering something for everyone to enjoy. From live music to captivating street performances and walkabout characters, the city will come alive with energy and excitement. Savour mouth-watering food from local vendors, explore the charm of traditional Irish music and be part of the magic as the St Patrick’s Day Parade winds through the streets, showcasing dazzling displays of colour, creativity, and culture. St Patrick's Day Parade Strabane 2025 - March 17 Join us in Strabane this St. Patrick’s Day for a vibrant celebration of Irish culture. On Monday 17th March, enjoy a lively parade, traditional music, dancing, and plenty of festive fun for all ages. From local culture and heritage to family-friendly activities, the town will be buzzing with energy, offering a perfect mix of tradition and community spirit. Don’t miss the craic – come and celebrate in Strabane! Ards and North Down St Patrick's Day at Ulster Folk Museum - March 17 Celebrate a St Patrick's Day steeped in history, folklore and tradition on Monday 17th March at Ulster Folk Museum! Watch Irish dancers, listen to traditional music and hear folklore tales this St Patrick's Day at the Folk Museum. See demonstrations including ploughing and horse shoeing in our rural area. There'll be a craft station to get involved in, demonstrations by our talented makers and samples of colcannon to taste! Stop by McCusker's fully-licenced pub (please drink responsibly) before you leave and bring a shamrock home with you. St Patrick's Day Weekend at Mount Stewart - March 16 Join us on St Patrick's Day weekend for a family friendly garden tour and discover the stories behind the curious statues in the formal gardens, steeped in Irish and world mythology. Then head over to the tea-room to sample some traditional Irish and Northern Irish cuisines including Stew, Wheaten Bread and not forgetting a good old Fifteen. Garden Tour is free, sign up at reception on arrival. Newry, Mourne and Down St Patrick's Day Parade in Downpatrick - March 17 St. Patrick's Day parades will be the centre of celebrations in Downpatrick and Newry City on St Patrick’s Day. Led by St Patrick himself, the St Patrick's Day Parade in Downpatrick on Monday 17 March 2025 will offer a feast for eyes and ears as swirling dancers, community floats and costumed characters entertain the crowds. In Downpatrick, the St Patrick's Day Parade departs Downshire Estate, Ardglass Road at 13:30 and follows the main route into town, finishing at Rathkeltair Car Park, Lower Market Street. Festivities across Downpatrick will run from 12:00 to 16:00. A full programme of events has been scheduled at both Down County Museum and Down Arts Centre, offering an exciting range of activities and entertainment to celebrate St Patrick. St Patrick's Day at Down Arts Centre - March 17 Join us at Down Arts Centre, nestled in the heart of Downpatrick, this Saint Patrick's Day for a delightful celebration of creativity and culture. Enjoy a range of activities, including arts and crafts, captivating street performers, demonstrations of St. Brigid’s Cross-making with Stages Cafe set to pop up again this St Patrick's Day! As part of the festivities, and in collaboration with Film Hub NI, the centre will also host a special screening of the film North Circular on Friday 14 March 2025 at 8pm. St Patrick's Day Parade in Newry City - March 17 In Newry City, the St Patrick's Day Parade departs from Albert Basin at 13:00 and will proceed along Merchants Quay, Sugar Island, ending at The Mall. St Patrick's Festivities will be happening in Newry City from 12:00 to 16:00 on St Patrick's Day.The are plenty of St Patrick's festivities planned for Newry City including the St Patrick's Day Parade, live music, dance, family friendly entertainment zone, ceili, climbing wall and family activities at Newry and Mourne Museum. Main Festival Stage will be located at Marcus Square. Fermanagh and Omagh St Patrick's Day at Ulster American Folk Park - March 16-17 Celebrate a traditional St Patrick's Day with us at the Ulster American Folk Park (Omagh) on Sunday 16th & Monday 17th March. Learn about the history of the shamrock as you take in the sounds of traditional Irish music across Ulster and America. Watch Irish dance performances and see traditional craft demonstrations like basket weaving throughout the day. Stop by the Mellon House where the table will be filled with traditional foods like colcannon and apple tart, follow the 'Shamrock Selfie Trail' and get involved in our St Patrick's themed crafts. Fermanagh’s St Patrick’s Day Festival Enniskillen - March 16-17 Festivities are kicking off officially on Sunday, St Patrick’s Eve with our glistening flotilla on Lough Erne from 6.30pm. Taking the baton onto land at 7.30pm will be an inaugural illuminated Tractor& Truck Run in aid of Stroke Warriors organised by Coa Community Association. The event will be best enjoyed from the external grounds of Enniskillen Castle where there will be al fresco food, drink and entertainment on offer, so wrap up warm. Our famous free family fun day takes place on Monday 17th March from 1.30-3.30pm where an incredible array of fun stuff is on offer thanks to the generosity of our local businesses. The hour long (plus) parade starts at 3.30pm and is a growing blend of traditional floats and modern carnival style entries snaking their way across the bridges of our island town and enjoyed from anywhere on route. St. Patrick’s Day Festival – ‘In the Heart of Tyrone’ - March 17 Sponsored by Arbour, Radius, Apex, and Alpha Housing with the theme, “Snakes Alive ’25”, taking inspiration from the 2025 Luna New Year of the Snake and of course St Patrick, promises a lively family-friendly festival packed with music, dance, and community spirit at Omagh Town Centre & Strule Arts Centre. 1:00 PM – Entertainment begins 2:00 PM – St. Patrick’s Day Carnival Parade 3:00 PM – ‘Ceili on the Cobbles’ (Court House Stage) Lisburn and Castlereagh St Patrick's Day Celebrations at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens - March 16 Join us at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens for a fun-filled family day out, with stories, music and celebration, in honour of St. Patrick's Day! Immerse yourself in the magic of traditional Irish storytelling with renowned storyteller Eamonn Keenan, accompanied by the captivating music of Aodan MacSeafriadh.Perfect for families with children aged 3+, there are six performances throughout the day. Plan your visit to make the St Patrick's Day one to remember! For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our What's On newsletter