Plans being finalised for local St Patrick’s Day parades and festivals
As St Patrick’s Day nears, the communities of Westmeath are putting in the final preparations for the event.
Mullingar
The Mullingar St Patrick’s Day Festival 2026 brings a packed programme of entertainment. Celebrating Ireland’s Myths and Legends this year, the event attracts thousands of people into town. The parade is the highlight of the programme, but additions like the on-street music, circus performances and Ruth Illingworth historic walks on Saturday March 14 and Sunday March 15 make a packed weekend of entertainment.
The festival committee have announced the local legend that is Millie Walsh is the grand marshal for this year’s parade. A fantastic advocate for Mullingar and Westmeath, Millie ran the Maxol Garage on the Dublin Bridge for almost four decades, when his personality and charm earned him legendary status among locals and visitors alike.
Those planning to visit the county town have a chance to win a family pass to the funfair, which will be located near Expert Electrical; enter on the Mullingar St Patrick’s Day Festival 2026 social media.
The half marathon, a now well established event, will once again take place on the morning of St Patrick’s Day in Mullingar. Close to 2,000 people are expected to take part in the run, and when their families, friends and supporters, plus other spectators, are added in, it means many thousands around the town from early in the day, adding to the festive feel.
Castlepollard
The North Westmeath Parade in Castlepollard parade is on March 17 at 4.45pm. The public are invited along to celebrate with a day full of fun, laughter, and community spirit. Enjoy bouncy castles for the kids, colourful face painting, and plenty of craic agus ceol for everyone to enjoy.
The theme for this year’s parade in Castlepollard is ‘Entertainment Through the Ages’ and Mullingar Town Band will be among the many marchers to bring the festivities to life.
Cllr Alfie Devine says the public always get behind the event: “Castlepollard St Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the highlights of the year in the town. We bring the Mullingar Town Band out and they love to be a part of it.
“Castlepollard is an evening parade, there can be up to 2,000 or 3,000 people in the town on a good St Patrick’s Day.”Bring your family, wear your green, and be part of a fantastic festive parade filled with entertainment through the years.
Delvin
The Delvin St Patrick’s Parade is on Sunday March 15 at 3pm. The festival promises to bring vibrant floats, lively music, and spirited dancers filling the streets with craic agus ceol. The theme this year is movies and TV shows of the past and present. Enter a float and be in with a chance to win €500.
Chairperson of the Delvin St Patrick’s Parade Cllr David Jones, says a special guest from overseas is set to make an appearance.
The Main Street will be closed from 2pm to 5pm. Diversions will be in place and everyone is asked to follow the directions of the volunteer stewards. The parade is due to leave the assembly point, the Courtyard, at 3pm.
Dress for the weather, as previous parades have seen sun, hail and snow! Children must be supervised at all times.
Please remember to bring your sense of humour. If you are participating in the parade, ensure you have registered with the committee and arrive at the assembly point before 2pm.
There will be no general parking on Main Street. If you are a Blue Badge Holder, please alert stewards. A number of local bars will have entertainment over the weekend and beyond.
Kinnegad
Kinnegad is having its first St Patrick’s Day parade in decades. The parade is on Sunday March 15 from 3pm to 4pm. There will also be street entertainment, bouncy castles and live music. They hope to start a new tradition for generations to come.
“It’s been decades since there was a parade in Kinnegad, so a long time,” Niki Harris, a member of Kinnegad Town Team, says, “We’re just delighted to announce that the Kinnegad Town Team, Clonard Vintage Club and the wider Kinnegad Parish are all coming together to host a St Patrick’s Day parade.”
The grand marshal for the Kinnegad parade is a community man through and through, a pillar of Kinnegad, says Niki. “His name is Peter Dixon. He has been involved with the Town Council and the Tidy Towns for a long number of years.”
Moate
The Moate parade will be led by the local Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, featuring 60-plus talented musicians. As they make their way through the town, the group will pause at the viewing stand to deliver a performance. The parade starts at 1.30pm, though the festivities kick off at 12.30pm with a special performance from Castledaly GAA Club, offering a taste of high-quality traditional music before the main event.
To celebrate the national feast day and bring an atmosphere of cheer and goodwill the parade will feature marching bands, community groups and sporting organisations.
Athlone
The St Patrick’s Day Parade on the banks of the River Shannon in Athlone is a colourful and lively event, with floats, street performers, and marching bands that reflect the diverse cultural heritage of the town. The Athlone parade is at 12.30pm on St Patrick’s day, following a route from the gate of Custume Barracks on Magazine Road to Golden Island.
The section along John Broderick street will be a sensory friendly area, with all participants marching quietly through this section.
The five-day festival offers a mix of traditional and modern elements, with something for everyone.