Cork St Patrick’s Festival 2023

Cork – St Patrick’s Day Parade

The Cork St Patricks’ Day Parade 2023 has chosen A Century of Stories as it’s theme

This reflects the last phase of the ‘Decade of Centenaries’ programme, a most significant time in which we have grown as a nation.

The Cork City St Patricks’ Day Parade is an annual pageant presented by the wonderful and varied communities who make up our ‘beautiful city, so charming and pretty’. A vibrant and colourful display, Cork’s parade features members of communities from all walks of life across the city – sporting groups to dance schools, new communities, our long-established brass bands, and special guests from around the world.

2023 updates on the way

Come join Cork as the centre of the city is set to become transformed by a riot of colour and sound. There will be something for everyone with food markets, street performers, musicians and marching bands bringing high-octane entertainment and lots of laughs. Watch the comedy antics of circus workabouts or get creative at a children’s workshop. This year’s festival will be bigger and better than ever.

With so much to choose from and free events, Cork is definitely the place to be for St. Patrick’s weekend

To Find Out More About …. Cork St Patrick’s Festival

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The main event, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, will take place on FridayMarch 17 at 1pm. You will marvel at the spectacular performances, which will include arts, community and sporting groups from all over the city and county, along with specially commissioned giant art pieces, created by renowned street theatre companies.

The parade runs from the South Mall to the Grand Parade, along St. Patrick’s Street and finishes at Merchant’s Quay.

On the Streets

The festival kick-starts with FREE family fun on Friday 17th, Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th of March when the streets of Cork come alive with big band sounds and the best of traditional Irish music. Sample some tasty treats at the Festival Market while you enjoy the comedy antics, circus performers and music performers at this year’s Festival

While the Parade kick’s off at 1pm in the heart of the City Centre, the festival continues on the Grand Parade and Bishop Lucey Park.

Take a stroll through the festival market and sample Cork’s food culture as you enjoy some local trad music, live swing or the onstreet comedy.

There will be a great selection of craft stalls to browse around.

Come join in on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th March as the Cork St Patrick’s festival continues in Emmet Place with the festival market, music and free family entertainment.

The fun continues on Sunday 19th March with music, street performances and free family entertainment.