Athy gears up for another fantastic St Patrick’s Day Parade

Get your float ideas ready for the upcoming parade!
Athy gears up for another fantastic St Patrick’s Day Parade

Big crowds are expected once again for the Athy St Patrick's Day parade Photo: Aisling Hyland

PLENTY of hard work and effort is going on behind the scenes as Athy Town Promoters prepares to celebrate another St Patrick’s Day next month.

Organised by Athy Town Promoters, this year’s festivities will take place throughout the town on Tuesday, 17 March at 3pm.

The theme for 2026 is “Community Spirit,” celebrating unity and togetherness. As everyone knows, Athy’s strongest point is its community spirit, which shines through at all of our community events year after year.

The St Patrick’s Day parade is always a highlight of the local calendar, attracting huge crowds and fantastic support, and the 2026 edition promises to be bigger and brighter than ever.

Athy Town Promoters is calling on all community, sporting and cultural organisations in the town and surrounding areas to join in and help showcase the very best that South Kildare has to offer.

In addition, a special appeal is being made to local businesses to take part in the town’s annual parade, which attracts many visitors and is regarded as one of the region’s best family events.

“Like many others, I always look forward to the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Athy – the atmosphere is fantastic, with thousands of people of all ages coming out to line the streets and celebrate as a community,” said Ivan Keatley, Cathaoirleach of Athy Municipal District and Chair of Athy Town Promoters.

“A lot of hard work goes into planning and running the festivities, and we would like to thank everyone who has given, is giving, and will give their time to ensure another memorable 17 March.” 

Clubs, community groups, charities, sporting organisations, tourism groups, schools, businesses, or even groups of friends with an idea for a float are urged to book their spot. Contact Patricia Berry on 086 8470232 or pberry@kildarecoco.ie, or reach out to any member of Athy Town Promoters.

This exciting event is free to attend and is supported by Athy Municipal District Local Property Tax (LPT) funding.

The organisers also acknowledge the hugely important assistance of An Garda Síochána, Civil Defence, the Kildare County Show Team, and the Order of Malta.

More in this section