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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has unveiled its St Patrick's Day programme for 2026, with a packed schedule of parades, live music, markets and family activities planned across both Newry and Downpatrick on Tuesday, 17 March.
In Newry, the festival parade will be accompanied by live performances from Clonduff Comhaltas, Dara Hart and The Nooks, running from 12 noon to 4pm. Newry and Mourne Museum will host a range of family-friendly activities including Jumping Clay workshops, face painting, glitter tattoos and sensory play sessions from Mini Explorers, while an Artisan Market at Newry Market will add to the atmosphere in the city centre.
photographed in front of Down Cathedral in Downpatrick - the historical burial place
of Saint Patrick - to launch this year’s St Patrick’s Day Celebrations in Newry and
Downpatrick on Tuesday 17 March.
This year's celebrations carry particular significance in Downpatrick, where the festivities also mark the 25th anniversary of The Saint Patrick Centre, the world's only permanent exhibition dedicated to St Patrick. As the home of St Patrick, the district holds a unique place in Ireland's cultural story, and the 2026 programme has been shaped to reflect that heritage while bringing communities together.
Downpatrick's programme is equally impressive. Alongside the main parade, which will feature a specially commissioned float marking The Saint Patrick Centre's 25th anniversary, there will be a main stage programme with performances from Clann Uí hUiginn, Celtic Storm and Pure Blarney. An Artisan Market will take place at Grove Car Park at St Patrick's Square, complemented by arts and crafts, face painting, St Brigid's Cross making, Irish traditional music and street performances around Down Arts Centre. Down County Museum will also host Irish dancing, musical performances, street entertainers, face painting and further arts and crafts and sensory play sessions from Mini Explorers.
All events in Downpatrick also run from 12 noon to 4pm. The council is encouraging community groups, schools and organisations to take part in both parades, helping to reflect the creativity and diversity of the wider district.
Council Chairperson Councillor Philip Campbell said: "St Patrick's Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate who we are as a district. Our 2026 programme brings together music, heritage, creativity and community spirit. We look forward to welcoming everyone to enjoy the parades, performances and activities taking place and to share in a day of celebration and culture."
Beyond the main day itself, Down Arts Centre will host a wider programme of cultural activity throughout March, including live music and film screenings. And ahead of St Patrick's Day, on Saturday, 14 March, the council's Hidden Gems at Home event takes place at Down County Museum from 12 noon to 4.30pm, offering residents a chance to discover the people, places and lesser-known attractions that make Mourne Gullion Strangford special, from outdoor adventures and heritage sites to local food, drink and accommodation.
The full St Patrick's Day 2026 programme is available at www.visitmournegullionstrangford.com
