Newry and Downpatrick Ready to Pay Homage to St Patrick

Don’t miss our 2023 St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Newry and Downpatrick this Friday.  With a packed programme of events, including our fabulous cross community parades led by St Patrick himself, there will be plenty for everyone to enjoy!

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Michael Savage said, “Newry and Downpatrick are renowned for their St Patrick’s Day celebrations and this year will be no different as we play homage to our patron Saint. As always there will be a variety of events and activities to enjoy but our headline acts will be our bright and colourful cross community parades featuring members from our own local communities.”

In Downpatrick, there will be five zones to keep the whole family entertained as well as a full programme of activities at Down County Museum and Down Arts Centre.

From 12noon come along to St Patrick’s Square and enjoy an afternoon of music, song and dance. Performing on stage will be local rock and soul legends, The Gold Tips, traditional four piece set, Clan O’Huigin, the String Ninjas and dance troupe, Celtic Storm plus many more. There will also be the very best in homegrown talent performing on the live music stage at De Courcy Square.

The Family Festival Village returns to Knocknashinna Park, where there will be live music, workshops, arts and crafts as well as many children activities. In addition, face painting, dance workshops and children’s events will be in full swing from 12noon to 4pm in the Kids Zone at Journey Church, Market Street.

Local broadcaster, Gerry Kelly will keep spectators entertained along the parade route as it moves from the Downshire Estate at 1.30pm, onto Edward Street, John Street, Irish Street, Market Street and finish at Rathkeltair Car Park. There will be a host of floats, sports groups and community groups to join in the fun. 

The Shamrock Express Experience is offering steam train rides with a difference in conjunction with Downpatrick and County Down Railway. Onboard, passengers can enjoy music, storytelling and more running between 12noon to 4.30pm from the station in Market Street to Inch Abbey - a must for all steam train enthusiasts and those looking for a great day out.

In Newry, four zones will offer a wide range of events and activities in Marcus Square, the Kids Zone and Open Ceili at Margaret Square and the Family Festival Village at McClelland Park - all kicking off from 12noon. There will also be pop up stages at Sugar Island and on the main stage, live music will keep things upbeat throughout the day from More Power To Your Elbow, pop sensation, Paper Tides, Junior Eurovision star, Sophie Lennon, Comhaltas Trad as well as many more.

With all the things to see and enjoy, don’t forget to pick your spot along the parade route which will set off from The Quays Shopping Centre at 1pm. It will then move along Buttercrane Quay, Merchants Quay, Sugar Island to Kildare Street supported with hilarious running commentary from broadcaster and TV personality, Julian Simmons.

Make sure you drop into Newry and Mourne Museum at Bagenal’s Castle between 10am-4pm where a full programme of activities will run throughout the day including live traditional music, children’s sensory workshops as well as arts and craft workshops. These sessions are free of charge, but numbers are limited to 10 children so pre-booking of places is advisable.

Newry and Downpatrick are not the only places to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Newry, Mourne and Down so make sure you check out our website for a full programme of events across the destination, including lots of ideas to immerse yourself in our great outdoors.

For full programme details visit https://www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/whats-on/st-patricks-festival.