Northern Ireland

St Patrick’s Day festivities bring out the crowds in Downpatrick, Armagh and Derry

PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 17-03-24
St Patricks Day Celebrations - Downpatrick
Led by St Patrick himself, the St Patrick's Day Parade in Downpatrick offers swirling dancers, community floats and costumed characters entertain the crowds. 
Photo - Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press
Sunday saw the annual St Patrick's Day parade in Downpatrick make its way though the town's streets. PICTURE: ANDREW MCCARROLL/PACEMAKER (Andrew McCarroll/Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Pres)

Revellers have turned out across the north to celebrate Ireland’s patron saint, including in the town where his remains reputedly lie buried in the shadow of Down Cathedral.

Downpatrick’s parade for St Patrick’s Day saw colourful dancers and spectacular floats wind their way from Downshire Estate on the outskirts of the town, to its centre, where a special St Patrick’s Village was erected for people to celebrate the festivities with music, dancing and a artisan market.

PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 17-03-24
St Patricks Day Celebrations - Downpatrick
Led by St Patrick himself, the St Patrick's Day Parade in Downpatrick offers swirling dancers, community floats and costumed characters entertain the crowds. 
Photo - Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press
St Patrick's Day Celebrations in Downpatrick. PICTURE: ANDREW MCCARROLL/PACEMAKER (Andrew McCarroll/Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Pres)

The town annually highlights its special link to St Patrick, for whom it is named and where his grave is said to be.



Among those who viewed the parade was SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath, who said in a Facebook post: “Thank you to all who participated for all the colour! Enjoy the rest of the day!”

PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 17-03-24
St Patricks Day Celebrations - Downpatrick
Led by St Patrick himself, the St Patrick's Day Parade in Downpatrick offers swirling dancers, community floats and costumed characters entertain the crowds. 
Photo - Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press
St Patrick's Day in Downpatrick. PICTURE: AMY WRIGHT/PACEMAKER (Andrew McCarroll/Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Pres)

In Armagh, home to two cathedrals named after the patron saint, hundreds viewed Sunday’s parade, which took place on the penultimate day of the city’s annual St Patrick’s Festival.

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Heavy Showers doesn't deter the big crowds at St Patrick's Day Parade


 Armagh  Ireland
17 March 2024
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com
Heavy Showers failed to deter crowds at Armagh's St Patrick's Day parade. PICTURE: LIAM MCARDLE (Liam McArdle/LiamMcArdle.com)

Armagh also celebrates a proud link to the saint, who is said to have founded his first stone church there.

Heavy Showers doesn't deter the big crowds at St Patrick's Day Parade


 Armagh  Ireland
17 March 2024
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com
St Patrick leads Sunday's parade in Armagh. PICTURE: LIAM MCARDLE (Liam McArdle/LiamMcArdle.com)

Meanwhile, crowds lined the streets of Derry city centre for the St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival.

Scenes from the Derry St Patrick's day parade 2024
Colourful St Patrick's Day celebrations in Derry. PICTURE: MARGARET MCLAUGHLIN (Margaret McLaughlin Photography )

Along with the traditional parade, which saw thousands view participants along the route, revellers enjoyed gigs at the city’s Guildhall Square.

Scenes from the Derry St Patrick's day parade 2024
Two young revellers in costume for Sunday's parade in Derry. PICTURE: MARGARET MCLAUGHLIN (Margaret McLaughlin Photography )


The Flute Band Association of Northern Ireland took part in the parade in Dublin.