Your Stress-Free Travel Partner
As the Emerald Isle gears up to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the festivities than by exploring Ireland’s vibrant cities, and we’re here to get you there. Let JJ Kavanagh take the wheel, ensuring you skip the traffic and enjoy a seamless journey to your chosen destination.
St. Patrick’s Day Parades Overview
Paint the town green this St. Patrick’s Day by joining one of these vibrant celebrations across Kilkenny, Carlow, Waterford, Limerick, and Dublin, or scroll down for more details on other top events happening in your destination of choice.
St. Patrick’s Festival in Kilkenny – 14-17 March 2025
At the heart of the St. Patrick’s Festival, the Kilkenny St. Patrick’s Day Parade will light up the streets on Monday, March 17th, starting at 1:30 pm. This vibrant procession will wind its way through Kilkenny’s historic medieval streets, showcasing the very best of Irish culture, music, and the rich diversity of our local community. Bursting with pageantry, entertainment, and creativity, the parade is a celebration of Irish heritage and community spirit. Join us this St. Patrick’s Day as we come together to honor our traditions, culture, and the unique energy that makes Kilkenny shine!
See the parade’s dedicated event page or follow St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny’s official Instagram page for further updates.
Carlow Town St. Patrick’s Day – 17th March 2025
Follow Carlow St. Patrick’s Festival’s official Facebook page for further updates.
Waterford St. Patrick’s Day Festival – 14-17 March 2025
The parade will start at 1pm, with entries gathering at the Bridge Street end of the Quay. The parade begins at the Waterford Bus Station and will proceed along the Quay, past the Clock Tower and the Plaza, moving around to the Mall. The viewing platform will be outside City Hall and the route will finish at the Parnell St. end of the Mall.
Click for information about the parade’s specific route, and follow Waterford St. Patrick’s Day Festival’s official Facebook page for further updates.
Limerick St. Patrick’s Day Parade – 17th March 2025
The Limerick St. Patrick’s Day parade will begin at Roden Street, move down O’Connell Avenue and O’Connell Street, turn left onto Glentworth Street, turn right onto Henry Street, continue down Henry Street, onwards to Liddy Street and Arthur’s Quay Park. The route then turns left onto Patrick Street before it ends at Rutland Street by Mathew Bridge.
See the parade’s dedicated event page or follow Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival’s official Facebook page for further updates.
Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade – 17th March 2025
The National St. Patrick’s Day Parade begins at 12pm on 17 March in Dublin City Centre, running from Parnell Square in the north of the city, down O’Connell Street, over O’Connell Bridge and through the south side of the city, ending at the Cuffe St./Kevin St. junction.
See the parade’s dedicated event page or follow St. Patrick’s Festival Ireland’s official Instagram page for further updates.
Other Top St. Patrick’s Day Events
Dublin: The Heart of Ireland’s St. Patrick’s Celebrations
Dublin is the ultimate destination for St. Patrick’s weekend, with a citywide festival transforming every street and square into a cultural wonderland. Beyond the famous parade, the city offers a spectacular lineup of entertainment, from immersive street performances and pop-up theatre to live concerts at Wood Quay Amphitheatre and Barnardo Square. For many, the highlight is the Big Céilí Mór at Merrion Square, where visitors can join a traditional Irish dance session led by champion dancers, creating an unforgettable communal celebration.
Adding to the spectacle, the festival showcases circus acts, acrobats, and high-energy performances from the likes of Cikada Circus and Tumble Circus, filling the streets with energy and excitement. Meanwhile, culture lovers can explore literary events, heritage talks, and special museum exhibitions, each offering a deeper dive into Ireland’s rich history. For those looking for a more hands-on experience, the Dublin City Treasure Hunt provides an interactive way to uncover the city’s past, while food enthusiasts can indulge in everything from artisan treats at the Irish Craft Beer Village to St. Patrick’s-themed afternoon teas at some of Dublin’s finest hotels.
JJ Kavanagh’s Route to Dublin: Travel into the capital with ease on our 717 or 736 services, which stop at Eden Quay (for Tara Street Station) and George’s Quay (for return journeys)—perfect for accessing festival hotspots. To ensure you don’t miss a moment, we’re also running late-night return services, leaving you free to celebrate until the early hours.
Limerick: A Weekend of Music, Dance, and Celebration
Limerick turns St. Patrick’s weekend into an all-out festival, with the city’s streets filled with music, dance, and entertainment for all ages. One of the biggest highlights is the International Band Championship, where marching bands from across the globe battle it out in a spectacular display of sound and showmanship. Meanwhile, traditional Irish folk sessions spill out of local pubs and into the city’s famed Milk Market, the festive buzz further enhanced by limited-time markets filled with local crafts, vintage finds, and antiques.
The city also bursts with street performers, pop-up theatre acts, and storytelling sessions, ensuring there’s something happening at every turn. Young adventurers will also love diving into the Kids’ Enchanted Zone, packed with face painting, puppet shows, and hands-on workshops, as well as the medieval-themed games and treasure hunts at King John’s Castle, both of which bring history to life.
JJ Kavanagh’s Route to Limerick: Our 735 service takes you straight into the city, with our stops at Arthur’s Quay and Henry Street located just steps away from all the main events. What’s more, we’re also offering extended services and late-night return options to keep up with the city’s electric festival energy.
Waterford: Where History and Celebration Collide
As Ireland’s oldest city, Waterford blends centuries of heritage with a festival atmosphere that makes St. Patrick’s weekend unforgettable. Nowhere is that rich history and cultural spirit more vividly brought to life than in the Viking Triangle, where costumed re-enactors and interactive exhibits immerse visitors in the city’s medieval past. That same vibrant energy also carries through to Apple Market, where the sound of traditional Irish folk music fills the air, setting the stage for an atmosphere of celebration.
That same lively atmosphere will no doubt reach new heights during FireDance, a mesmerising fire show set to provide an illuminating and unmissable spectacle for the whole family on March 15th. Beyond this spectacle, younger festival-goers will also enjoy participating in various other free activities, from hands-on craft workshops to enchanting storytelling sessions and much more.
JJ Kavanagh’s Route to Waterford: Our 736 service takes you straight into the city, stopping at Dooley’s Hotel and Parnell Street, both ideal for easy access to all the festival action. We’re also running extra routes and late-night services, leaving you free to celebrate without rushing to leave early.
Kilkenny: Medieval Magic Meets St. Patrick’s Fun
Kilkenny is one of Ireland’s most charming destinations, with its cobbled streets and historic castles serving as a magnificent backdrop to its lively arts scene. At no other time is that more evident than during St. Patrick’s weekend, when the Kilkenny Tradfest takes over the city’s venues and streets, turning them into a lively playground of traditional Irish music, dance, and live performances, all rounded off by a bustling funfair and magnificent fireworks displays.
Those seeking more unique experiences will also find themselves spoilt for choice, with The Museum of the Moon installation at St. Canice’s Cathedral creating a spectacular setting for a traditional concert with Sharon Shannon on March 14th. History lovers will also doubtless love taking a guided walking tour of Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile, just as kids will relish unearthing Viking treasures as part of the Big Dig experience, which will take place on March 15th and 16th.
JJ Kavanagh’s Route to Kilkenny: Our 717 service drops you right in the heart of the action, with our stops at Ormonde Road and Glendine Inn perfectly placed for festival-goers looking to soak up the atmosphere. What’s more, we’ll also be running additional services and late-night return journeys, leaving you free to enjoy the festivities without watching the clock.
Carlow: Small-Town Charm, Big Festival Energy
Carlow may be one of Ireland’s smaller cities, but it knows how to throw a St. Patrick’s celebration like no other. At the heart of its somewhat off-the-wall festivities is the Potato Market, which transforms into a lively carnival filled with food stalls, artisan crafts, and street performances. Families will also love the kids’ zone, where little ones can enjoy bouncy castles, face painting, and live magic shows, while music lovers can head to The Exchange stage for a mix of local bands, Irish trad sessions, and lively céilí dancing.
Beyond the bustling market, Festival in a Van also adds a unique twist to the celebrations, bringing pop-up music and performances to unexpected corners of the county. Those looking to slow the pace can also explore the Carlow County Museum, which offers a deep dive into the town’s rich heritage, or take a scenic stroll along the River Barrow Walk, where the festival lights cast a stunning reflective glow. Carlow offers the perfect mix of excitement and relaxation, whether you’re soaking up the energy downtown or enjoying a quiet moment by the river.
JJ Kavanagh’s Route to Carlow: Our 736 service takes you straight to the heart of the action, courtesy of our stops at Carlow’s Coach Park and SETU Campus. To make things even easier, we’re also running extra services and late-night return trips so you can enjoy the celebrations without worrying about the journey home.
Why Choose JJ Kavanagh?
Free Wifi
On-board wifi
USB Charging
USB points at each seat
Toilets
For your convenience
Comfort
Very comfortable seats
Baggage
Ample allowance
With an average vehicle age of less than four years, our coach fleet is one of the most modern, reliable, and comfortable in the European marketplace. We invest significantly in upgrading and expanding our fleet annually to provide you with the best travel experience. Our commitment to maintaining a young and technologically advanced fleet ensures that you receive top-quality service and comfort on every journey.
Book Your St Patrick’s Journey with JJ Kavanagh
Wherever you’re heading this St Patrick’s Day, be sure to book your tickets online before you travel to enjoy a stress-free, seamless trip into the city’s centre and beyond.