The weather looks promising too, with only a few scattered showers expected, so whether you’re attending a parade or enjoying a family day out, it’s set to be a great weekend. From lively parades to exciting festivals and hands-on activities, there’s something for everyone. Below are a selection of some of our favourites and you can find more things to do on YourDaysOut.com

St. Patrick's Day Parades and Festivals
Various | March, 15th - 17th

Cities, towns and villages across Ireland will be painted green this weekend as St. Patrick’s Day parades and festivals take over the streets. From dazzling floats and marching bands to fire-breathing performers and traditional music sessions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The main event takes place in Dublin on Monday 17th, with a spectacular citywide parade drawing thousands of spectators, but there are plenty of other celebrations happening nationwide.

Cork, Limerick, Galway and Belfast all host impressive parades, while smaller towns bring their own charm with community-led festivities. Weekend-long festivals will feature live music, street performances and family-friendly activities, with plenty of food, fun and ceol to soak up the atmosphere. Whether you’re after a lively city celebration or a more local experience, find the perfect St. Patrick’s Day event near you at YourDaysOut (and you can create and publish your own St. Patrick's event for free!)

Newgrange Farm
Meath | Saturday 15th, Sunday 16th & Monday 17th

Reopening for the season this weekend, Newgrange Farm offers a fun, hands-on day out for all the family with a chance to experience real farm life in the heart of the Boyne Valley. Set in Ireland’s Ancient East, this family-run working farm lets visitors bottle-feed lambs and calves, cuddle kittens, pet rabbits and even try their hand at milking a cow. Spring is the perfect time to visit, with plenty of newborn animals to meet, including playful lambs and fluffy chicks. Nestled beside the famous Newgrange monument, it provides a unique insight into both modern and traditional farming.

Children will love exploring the farm’s play areas with sand pits, toy tractors, mazes and go-karts. Whether enjoying a picnic, stopping by the café for coffee and cake, there’s plenty of space to relax and take it all in.

St. Patrick's Day Family Fun Day
Festina Lente | March 17th

Festina Lente in Bray is hosting a family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day celebration on March 17th, perfect for a day of fun and creativity. Set within the beautiful gardens, the event features a range of activities for children, including pony rides, face painting and shamrock decorating. Kids can also get involved in crafting eco-friendly St. Patrick’s badges, making wildflower seed bombs and creating bird feeders to support local wildlife.

The day is designed to bring nature and creativity together, with activities like sowing microgreens, making rainbow catchers and crafting shamrock nature wands. Families can also take part in a green scavenger hunt through the gardens. Parents are welcome to enjoy the day with their children, as entry for adults is free. With places limited, booking is essential.

Seachtain na Gaeilge
Various | Until March 17th

Seachtain na Gaeilge, the largest Irish language festival in Ireland and worldwide, celebrates Irish language and culture through a wide variety of community-led events. From traditional music sessions to classes, workshops and historical tours, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

This weekend, events include Lá na Teaghlaigh at Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA Club, offering a day of fun for all ages this Sunday. The event features a mixed-team football match, along with colouring and music activities for younger attendees. In the evening, a Gaeltacht pop-up will bring lively traditional music and craic, creating a festive atmosphere for all to enjoy. Other events on Sunday include Lá Clainne/Family Day at St. Vincent’s GAA Club, with sport, spraoi agus ceol. Highlights include a treasure hunt, family céilí and the chance to try the pipes with Na Píobairí Uilleann (NPU). A full list of events is available at peig.ie/snag/.

The Irish National Heritage Park
Wexford | Open Daily

This St. Patrick’s Day weekend is the perfect opportunity to visit the Irish National Heritage Park and immerse yourself in 9,000 years of Irish history. The park offers a unique opportunity to compare a Stone Age settlement with a Viking settlement, highlighting both the differences and similarities in their ways of life. Explore Viking ships, crannogs and much more as you step back in time and discover the rich, diverse heritage of Ireland’s Ancient East.  During St Patrick's Weekend (15th-17th inclusive) there will be talks about "St Patrick, Separating Fact From Fiction", held by the guides in the Monastery site. The talks will take place daily at 12:00 and 14:00. It’s a fascinating way to connect with Ireland’s history during this special weekend.