St Patrick's Day 2023
08 March 2023
St. Patrick's Day is a time of celebration and festivities for the Irish community and people all over the world. And what better way to enjoy the festivities than with Iarnród Éireann, with road closures and traffic diversions throughout the weekend, the most relaxing way to enjoy all the activities is by rail. Rediscover the joy of the train and check out our low fares for the family.
Dublin City
The biggest St Patrick's Day party on earth will take place around Dublin city. Running over five great days and nights, the St Patrick’s Festival has something for everyone. You can enjoy some great music from the Festival Quarter at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks. And of course, the highlight of the festival will be the extraordinary parade that will wind its way around the streets of the city from 12 noon on St Patrick’s Day.
With road closures and traffic diversions throughout the weekend, the most relaxing way to enjoy all the activities is by rail. Rediscover the joy of the train and check out our low fares for all the family.
For a change of scenery, hop on the DART to Bray over the weekend. The coastal town has five days of family friendly activities planned, including a funfair and plenty of live music. Find out about using a Leap card on the DART and save money on your travel.
Services Arrangements
Additinal services will operate in the morning of 17th March on the following routes. Please use our Journey Planner to view the timetable.
- Sligo/Longford/Maynooth to Dublin Connolly
- Belfast to Dublin Connolly
- Dundalk to Dublin Connolly
- Bray to Dublin Pearse
- Malahide to Dublin Connolly
- Howth to Dublin Connolly
Late Night Services
- 00:20 Dublin Pearse to Maynooth
- 00:30 Dublin Connolly to Greystones
- 00:30 Dublin Pearse to Howth
- 00:40 Dublin Pearse to Dundalk
- 00.50hrs Dublin Pearse to Kildare
Note: Tara Street station will be closed until 16:00 on Friday 17th March
Cork (Kent)
The Cork St. Patrick's Day Festival 2023 promises to be an unforgettable experience, with an incredible line-up of local and international musicians, dancers, and performers under the ‘Century of Stories’ theme. The festival-goers will be treated to an amazing display of talent, as they kick off the festivities at 1pm with a spectacular parade through the streets of Cork on March 17th. Be sure to check out The Lee Session traditional Irish music performances in the cork city pubs from the 16th- 19th of March which are sure to add to the festive spirit of the occasion.
.jpg)
Find more information on the Cork St. Patricks day parade here.
Each-way web fares to/from Dublin from €21.49
Each-way web fares to/from Tralee from €13.99
Each-way web fares to/from Limerick €9.99
Galway (Ceannt)
The Galway St. Patrick's Day Festival in 2023 promises to be an electrifying experience with the vibrant parade through the streets beginning at 11:30am on March 17th filled with various entertaining performers, traditional Irish dancers, and live music, creating a festive atmosphere that will be hard to forget. There are also free concerts and other weekend entertainment such as Curry’s funpark making it a perfect night out with friends and family.
.jpg)
Stroll along the River Corrib, taking in the breath-taking sights, such as `Eyre Square` or the `Galway Cathedral`. As the festival draws to a close visitors can look forward to a night of live music and dancing in the city's pubs and clubs, soaking up the local Irish culture and celebrating St. Patrick's Day in true Galway style.
Find more information on Galway St. Patricks day parade here.
Each way web fares to/from Dublin from €13.99
Each way web fares to/from Athlone from €8.49
Limerick (Colbert)
The Limerick St. Patrick's Day Festival 2023 promises to be an exciting event. This year's theme “Discover Limerick” will set as a reminder of the Vikings, who discovered Limerick first. It is sure to be a memorable experience for locals and tourists alike.
There are many interesting landmarks in Limerick, such as the 13th century fortress at King John’s castle, the Limerick city gallery, or the vibrant live music scene.
.jpg)
Find more information on the Limerick St. Patricks day parade here.
Each way web fares to/from Dublin from €12.97
Each way web fares to/from Galway from €7.49
Waterford
The Waterford St. Patrick's Day Festival 2023 is themed “The Best of Waterford”, with a three-day festival spanning from the 17th-19th of March, the days will be filled with music, entertainment and tradition to showcase everything Waterford has to offer.
Find more information on the Waterford St. Patricks day parade here.
Each way web fares to/from Dublin from €12.39
Each way web fares to/from Carlow from €8.49
Sligo
The Sligo St. Patrick's Day Festival 2023 is gearing up to be a fantastic celebration of Irish culture and tradition. The theme of the festival is “Together”.
All in all, the Sligo St. Patrick's Day Festival 2023 promises to be an unforgettable experience. With its colourful parade through the town and lively entertainment, this festival is a true celebration of all things Irish.
After the Parade be sure to check out some of Sligo’s many interesting historic landmarks, such as Sligo Abbey, a 12th century Dominican convent in Sligo. Whether you're a local or a visitor, come embrace the Irish spirit by joining in the festivities in the heart of Sligo.
Find more information on the Sligo St. Patricks day parade here.
Each way web fares to/from Dublin from €14.49
Each way web fares to/from Carrick-on-Shannon from €7.65
Please remember:
- If you are travelling on Intercity, we recommend that you book your travel in advance, including holders of free travel passes or existing valid tickets.
- Bikes must be booked online prior to travel
Sunday schedules are in operation with some additional services for DART and Commuter services, please check our journey planner for a full list of services that will operate during the day both pre & post parade.
Tara Street Station is closed until 16:00, please use Connolly or Pearse.
For Intercity journeys you can enjoy great fares by booking online with Iarnród Éireann.
Then all that’s left is to sit back and enjoy the festivities - Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona daoibh go léir!
Leap Card
Customers can save up to 24 percent on DART and short hop zone rail journeys in the Dublin area when using Leap card instead of single or return tickets. Check out current Leap Card fares and see what you can save now.
Save time and money when you use a Leap Card to pay.
Family Tickets
Take the family on a day out by train with our fantastic family tickets valid for 1 or 2 adults and up to 4 children. For more information on prices and a full list of destinations.
If you cannot find the information you require please see our Fares and Ticketing page or email info@irishrail.ie.
Alcohol Policy
Customers are reminded that in the interests of the comfort and safety of all on board, alcohol will not be permitted on board.
Left Luggage
Disclaimer: Event details correct at time of publication. Due to the nature of these events they may be cancelled or rescheduled at short notice. Always confirm the details before you travel.