Excitement Builds for a record breaking Sligo St. Patrick’s Festival!

Seo Seo — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 07:30:39 +0000

Excitement Builds for a Record-Breaking Sligo St. Patrick’s Festival!

Sligo is gearing up for an unforgettable St. Patrick’s Festival, with exciting events and activities happening across the town. From football, walking tours to live music, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this March!

Bit O’Red Goes Green for One Night Only!

The excitement kicks off on Saturday, 15th March, as Sligo Rovers turn their home match against Derry City Football Club into a fun-filled celebration for St. Patrick’s weekend! Kick-off is at 7:45pm, but fun for the evening also includes an attempt to break the leprechaun record. Fans are encouraged to come dressed as leprechauns—wearing green, leprechaun hats, and beards (if possible) for the chance to be part of this magical moment. A lively leprechaun band will also be there to welcome all participants to the match. Get your bit o’ green ready!

River Art Exhibition – A Creative Showcase!

Get into the festive spirit with a viewing of the creative art display along Rockwood Parade and JFK Parade. As part of a Creative Ireland funded initiative, five local primary schools have created stunning pieces of St. Patrick’s Day-themed art, so make sure to keep an eye out while strolling through town.

Walking Tour – Discover Sligo’s Heritage!

If you’re keen to learn more about Sligo’s rich history, join the free walking tour of the town. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this is a fantastic opportunity to explore the heritage of the area. The tour will cover historic and iconic buildings of Sligo town, each having its own story to tell. The tour duration is one hour and 45 minutes. The tour departs from the Sligo BID Tourist Office at 11am on Saturday 15th, Sunday 16th, and Monday 17th. There’s an additional 4pm tour on Monday 17th for those who prefer an afternoon outing.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade – A Colourful Spectacle!

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade promises to be a vibrant and joyful celebration with a record breaking number of 70+ groups registered to take part. The parade will start at 12pm on Monday, 17th March. Please note that street closures will be in place in the town from 11:30am to accommodate the festivities, so arrive early to secure the best viewing spot! The parade route can be viewed on the Sligo St. Patrick’s Festival website.

For accessibility, Quay Street Carpark will be designated as disabled parking only between 10am and 2pm. Only Blue Permit holders will be allowed access. Accessible viewing areas will be in place on O’Connell St and Teeling St (outside the Courthouse).

Quiet Zone for Sensory Sensitivity

To ensure everyone can enjoy the parade, a Quiet Zone will be available on Lower Quay Street where we ask for no noise from parade participants. This is designed to ensure that individuals with sensory sensitivities can fully enjoy the festivities in a supportive and welcoming environment.

Roaming face painters will be around from 11.30am to 2.30pm on O’Connell St, Castle St and Wine St.

Festival Gig Rig – Live Music for All!

Get ready to enjoy live performances at Queen Maeve Square throughout the festival! The ‘Gig Rig’ stage will feature an exciting lineup of acts, including Sharon Shannon, the Pound Street Boys, and Ruaille Buaille. Music will take place on Saturday 15th, Sunday 16th, and Monday 17th March.

Tickets & More Information

Tickets for the Festival Gig Rig performances are available now! Visit Sligo St Patrick’s Festival website for more details and to learn about additional events within the town.

Join us in celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in style with fantastic events, great music, and plenty of fun for all ages.

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Sligo St. Patrick’s Festival: Three Days of Fun, Music, and Celebrations

Seo Seo — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 10:14:42 +0000

Sligo St. Patrick’s Festival: Three Days of Fun, Music, and Celebrations

Sligo, Ireland – The Sligo St. Patrick’s Festival is back this year, offering four days of fun-filled festivities for everyone. The highlight of the weekend will be the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which returns under the theme of Queen Maeve, with over 750 participants bringing Celtic colour and creativity to the streets of Sligo.

The festivities will include live music at Queen Maeve Square, where the ‘Gig Rig’ stage will host an incredible lineup of performers. Notable acts include Sharon Shannon, the Dublin City Ramblers, the Pound Street Boys, and Ruaille Buaille.

Event Details:

Sat March 15th – World Record Leprechaun Attempt

Sligo St. Patrick’s Festival is teaming up with Sligo Rovers for a world record attempt at the largest gathering of people dressed as leprechauns. The current record is held by 1,263 participants, set in Bandon, Ireland, on March 17th, 2012.

Sligo is aiming to break that record during the Rovers’ home match against Derry City Football Club at the Showgrounds on Saturday 15th March (Kick off 7:45pm). To participate, attendees must wear a leprechaun hat, green clothing, and, if possible, a beard. Join the fun and be part of history!

Sat March 15th – The Pound Street Boys

The ‘Gig Rig’ stage will come alive with the sounds of The Pound Street Boys and The Atlantic. The Pound Street Boys, a local Sligo band formed in 2022, are known for their dynamic performances and vibrant energy. Their lineup features three fathers and three sons, as well as singer Aoibhinn Mc Donagh, adding a different flavor to the band.

Sun March 16th – Ruaille Buaille

Ruaille Buaille, a twisted-trad band from Ireland, will bring their lively mix of traditional Irish tunes and modern twists to the festival. The group formed in 2011. In 2021, world renowned musician Cathal Guinan (Fiddle) joined the band, followed by Seán Bourke (banjo) in 2023. Along with original members Niall Kelly (Vocals and Guitar), Jack Godley (Percussion) and Shane Lynam (Vocals and Bass), the quintet are entertaining audiences with a bigger than ever sound.

From upbeat old Irish favourites, ground thumping trad, and unique twists on recent day classics, this collective are bringing their energy to masses to Sligo, Ireland and further afield.

Mon March 17th – Sharon Shannon & Dublin City Ramblers

No St. Patrick’s Day celebration would be complete without Sharon Shannon. Known for her mastery of the accordion and her genre-blending style, Sharon Shannon has captivated audiences worldwide, blending Irish folk with a variety of musical genres, from reggae to classical. Her live performances are celebrated for their energy, spontaneity, and the seamless fusion of tradition and innovation.

Joining her on stage will be the legendary Dublin City Ramblers. They have blazed a trail in folk music for over 50 years with their unique style and unmistakable delivery of Irish music. Continuously performing at the highest level, The Ramblers are ambassadors of Irish culture and have gained the love and respect of loyal fans and fellow artists worldwide.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The festival’s crown jewel, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, will once again take centre stage. The parade kicks off at midday on Mail Coach Road and will wind through the streets of Sligo, including Temple St, Wine St, Quay St, O’Connell St, Grattan St, and ending on Pearse Road. It’s the largest event in Sligo each year, full of music, dance, and fun for the whole family. For those who can’t attend in person, the parade will be streamed live on www.sligostpatricksday.com.

Pop Up Events

Throughout the weekend, there will be a series of traditional Irish music sessions and St Patrick’s themed events across Sligo’s town

centre. Keep an eye on the Sligo St. Patrick’s Festival website and social media for updates on times and locations.

Don’t miss out on this exciting, action-packed weekend of music, culture, and community! The committee would like to recognise and thank Fáilte Ireland, Sligo County Council and Sligo BID for their continued support of the festival. The Sligo St. Patrick’s Festival is set to make this year’s celebration the best one yet!

For more information and to keep up-to-date with all the events, click here.

For press queries for organisers or artists, please contact edel@sligobid.ie

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