Top Things To Do This March In Ireland

March is always a lively month in Ireland, with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations happening across the country and plenty of events and activities to enjoy as spring begins. Whether you’re planning to attend a parade, explore a festival, or organise a family day out, there’s plenty happening this month.

Dates and Holidays

St. Patrick’s Day falls on Tuesday 17th March 2026, and as always it is a national public holiday in Ireland. Many towns and cities host celebrations throughout the surrounding weekend, making it a great opportunity to plan a day out or short trip.

Chill Opening Hours

Our offices will be closed on St. Patrick’s Day (Tuesday 17th March). However, you can still get an online quote anytime with Chill for car, home, van, business, gadget, travel or life insurance.

What’s on St. Patrick’s Day Weekend

Across Ireland, communities celebrate with parades, music, festivals and family-friendly events. If you’re looking for ideas for St. Patrick’s Day Dublin events or planning to explore celebrations in other counties, here are a few highlights.

Dublin City Parade

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin is the highlight of the St. Patrick’s Festival. The 2026 festival runs from 14–17 March and features four days of celebrations including performances, street theatre and live music before the main parade on March 17.

Galway City Parade

Galway is known for one of the largest and most vibrant St. Patrick’s Day parades outside Dublin. Community groups, performers and musicians fill the streets with colour, creating a fantastic atmosphere throughout the city centre.The theme for the 2026 Galway parade is ‘Legends and Rising Stars’.

Céilí Mór with Dearbhla Lennon and Pipers Cross Céilí Band

One of the most popular cultural events during the festival is the Céilí Mór, where visitors can experience traditional Irish music and dance. Whether you join in or simply watch the performances, it’s a brilliant way to experience Irish culture.

St. Patrick’s Snake Trail, Birr Castle

If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity, the St. Patrick’s Snake Trail at Birr Castle Demesne in Offaly is a great choice. Kids can follow the trail through the gardens searching for hidden snakes and solving clues along the way.

City Funfair

The City Funfair at Custom House Quay in Dublin is another popular attraction during the St. Patrick’s Festival period. With classic rides like bumper cars, carousels and waltzers, it’s a fun day out for families visiting the city.

Other Things To Do In Ireland This March

You could try:

• A scenic walk through Killarney National Park
• Visiting Torc Waterfall on the Ring of Kerry
• Exploring coastal towns along the Wild Atlantic Way
• Enjoying a day trip to historic sites like the Hill of Tara

We hope you find this article handy to plan some fun trips this March. Remember you can get an online quote anytime with Chill for car, home, van, business, gadget, travel, health or life insurance.