St Patrick’s Day Preparations Underway for Newry and Downpatrick

Everyone is welcome to this year’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Newry and Downpatrick on Monday 17 March.

As the home of St Patrick, the annual celebration is the cornerstone of Newry, Mourne and Down’s cultural calendar. It showcases the best of our local arts, heritage, food and music.

Our traditional carnival parades, with street performers, community groups, dancers and pageantry, will once again travel through the centres of Newry and Downpatrick, bringing locals and visitors out on our streets to honour our Patron Saint.  

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne said, “I am delighted that our traditional St Patrick’s Day festivities will return to the heart of Newry and Downpatrick on Monday 17 March.  All are welcome to come and celebrate with us and experience the spectacle of our parades, our cultural delights and free family fun activities.”

As in previous years, entertainment will be available in multiple locations within the city and town centres between 12pm and 4pm.

In Newry, families will enjoy the events and attractions happening on Hill Street and McClelland Park, including free face painting and climbing walls. Live music and traditional dance will attract crowds to Marcus Square and Margaret Square, featuring the ever-popular Ceili, quirky music from the Nooks, songs from Gavin Gribben, who is making waves in the country and Irish Music scene, and lively trad music from local band, Gaolta. Meanwhile at Newry and Mourne Museum, activities ranging from arts and crafts to music and sensory play sessions will be perfect for families with young children.

In Downpatrick, the main stage on St Patrick’s Square will host an array of eclectic acts, ranging from the leading lady of country music, Cliona Hagen, to the fantastic visuals of the Celtic Storm Dancers.  The craft and food village at the Grove will draw shoppers and food lovers to its laden stalls and live music and traditional dancing on The Shamrock Express will delight families on its journeys from Downpatrick to Inch Abbey.

St Patrick’s Village will be buzzing with street performers and arts and crafts activities for all ages. There will also be a full programme of events in the Down Arts Centre and Down Museum, including opportunities for play for children with additional sensory needs.

In addition, in the run-up to St Patrick’s Day, Down Arts Centre will be hosting a screening of the critically acclaimed Irish documentary, ‘North Circular’ on Friday 14 March.

And don’t miss the spectacular outdoor fire performance, Fireside Stories by renowned circus company, Nikki & JD and Lost Dog in Downpatrick, Newcastle and Newry from 14 – 16 March.

Full details on all events this month can be found: www.visitmournemountains.co.uk