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About Our Festival

The iconic St. Patrick’s Day Parade

About Us

St. Patrick’s Festival Waterford is a vibrant celebration of Irish culture, creativity, and community, taking place each March in Ireland’s oldest city.

The festival features a wide-ranging programme of family-friendly events, live music, street performances, cultural showcases, and the iconic St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Set against the backdrop of Waterford’s historic streets, the festival brings locals and visitors together to mark Ireland’s national day with energy, colour, and a strong sense of place.

It is a cornerstone event in the city’s annual calendar and continues to grow in ambition, diversity, and audience reach each year.

A round stone tower is illuminated with green and yellow lights at night during the St Patrick’s Day Festival Waterford, with streaks of car lights passing by in front, creating a dynamic effect.
Sailing boats decorated with bright green lights for the St Patrick’s Day Festival Waterford are moored along a waterfront at night, their reflections vivid on the calm water. Buildings lit with warm yellow and orange tones line the background.

About Us

What makes us our festival different?

Waterford enjoys a special relationship with St. Patrick’s Day as it was local Franciscan Friar, Luke Wadding, who compiled the liturgical calendar while working in the Vatican.
 
He listed 17th of March as St. Patrick’s Day, this ensured formal recognition despite the fact that our Patron Saint was never formally canonized. 
 
 
A group of children and adults in green sportswear hold a "Villa F.C." banner and Irish flags at an outdoor event, likely a parade, with parked cars and colourful buildings in the background.
A night-time street scene shows people in black holding torches, with a flaming structure in the centre. Spectators line the street, watching the fire display. Buildings and lights are visible in the background.

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Early Life and Captivity

Many years later Waterford Corporation declared 17th March as a public holiday and the first municipal parade took place in Waterford City in 1903. 

Walking tours in the Viking Triangle during the festival give extra emphasis to the important local connections to St Patick’s Day and the fact that the Mall was the location where Thomas Francis Meagher first flew our national flag in 1848.

Waterford Crystal also enjoys a special connection to St Patrick’s Day as shamrock is gifted to the White House incumbent each March in a Waterford Crystal Bowl.

The first person to gift shamrock to an American president was Waterford’s John Hearne, Ireland’s first U.S. ambassador and the author of the Irish Constitution.

About Us

First Official St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Ireland:

Waterford holds the historic honour of hosting Ireland’s first official St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1903 — giving the festival added cultural significance.



Strong Community Roots:

The festival is deeply community-driven, with local schools, artists, performers, and groups shaping the programme, creating an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere.


Two people in leopard costumes, one doing a handstand and the other standing with a drum, participate in a lively street parade with a crowd of onlookers in blue shirts in the background.
An older man and woman, both smiling, walk outdoors at a parade. The man wears a green scarf and furry hat with greenery; the woman wears a green hat and patterned shawl. People and festive decorations are visible in the background.
A man dressed as a bishop walks in a parade, leading a float shaped like a giant blue and white birthday cake with “Happy Birthday Ireland” written on it, surrounded by people and flags on a city street.
Two musicians wearing green jackets, brown kilts, and hats play bagpipes whilst marching in a parade. People watch from behind barriers and festive bunting hangs in the background.
A white pipe, three green shamrocks of different sizes, and a golden horseshoe are illustrated on a transparent background, evoking the festive spirit of the St Patrick’s Day Festival Waterford.

we had some craic’

Real Tales from Leprechaun Believers

Vibrant Atmosphere

Attending the St. Patrick’s Festival in Waterford was an unforgettable experience! The vibrant atmosphere, filled with music and laughter…

Megan Taylor
London

Diverse Events

I loved the diverse events, from the colourful parade to the engaging workshops. It was a perfect celebration of culture and joy!”

Mike Fairbanks
Derry

Full of Energy

The parade was vibrant and full of energy, especially the spectacular performance by the local dance troupe.

Trev & Lisa
USA

Local Culture

Watching the little ones explore the local culture and join in the festive fun with friends and family was a joy. We’re already counting down to next year!”

Joanne & Family
Leeds

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Frequently Asked Questions

The city is easily accessible for families to enjoy the festivities. We are here to help, with any questions.

The festival runs for four fun-filled days, typically starting before St. Patrick's Day. 

Events and activities generally run throughout the day and into the evening.

  • Day 1 (Friday): Events usually kick off in the evening, with walking tours and ticketed performances starting around 6:30 pm and live music continuing late.
  • Day 2 & 3 (Saturday & Sunday): Daytime activities, workshops, and markets often start around 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Live music and street performances continue through the afternoon and into the evening.

Day 4 (Monday – St. Patrick's Day): The main St. Patrick's Day Parade starts at 1:00 pm sharp. Daytime workshops and the city fairground typically begin around 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

The full schedule detailing locations and specific times for each day can be found on the festival's dedicated Programme of Events page.

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