What time are the Kildare St Patrick's Day parades taking place?

KILDARE’s favourite time of year has arrived. When shamrocks stamp the faces of young and old, tricolour scarves wrap around necks, pints are poured, and most importantly: the best of Irish talent and entertainment parade the streets, showing what’s good about our county.

This year is no different, with a mighty list of parades in the north and south of Kildare to keep the family entertained.

Starting in the very south of Kildare, the Castledermot Vintage Club is planning its brilliant St Patrick’s Day Parade and Road Run. 

Starting at 2pm on Monday 17 March, people are invited to line the streets for the parade which will be followed by a music session at Teach Diarmada offering “ceol, tae agus cácaí” for all attendees. 

Free face painting will also be available from 12.30pm on Hamilton Road ahead of the parade.

In Athy, the parade will begin at 3pm, and is expected to host an array of different floats and vehicles with its broad and inviting theme of “pulling together”. 

Residents can expect music on the streets from 2pm, face painting, and a sensory area at Athy Industrial Estate for anyone needing it. There will also be an award up for grabs for the best Patrick’s Day window display in the town.

In Monasterevin, the parade will set off at 2pm. This year’s parade is a special one as the town celebrates its 10-year anniversary of the Monasterevin Patrick’s Day Parade. Expect a vibrant display of floats, music and good craic.

Next up is Newbridge with their parade that gets more impressive year after year. The parade is set to kick off at 12pm. With over 70 entries lined up for this year, parade-goers will be treated to an excellent array of floats and displays for the day that’s in it.

Clane’s Patrick’s Day Festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary in style this year with wonderful events including Mick Dunne in Concert, a history walk of Clane, family yoga and mindfulness, a theatre performance for children, storytime in the library, a table quiz, and more. 

The parade will start at 3pm, but those attending should head into the town for 2pm so they don’t miss a special presentation given by the football team as well as street entertainment to hype everyone up for the parade.

Celbridge is following suit with their parade that is lining up to be a brilliant day. 

All involved will get to enjoy a pre-parade concert from 2.30pm to 3.45 pm on the main street along with face painting, balloon sculpting, and appearances from the likes of Spongebob, Peppa Pig and Mickey Mouse. After the concert the parade will begin with a special welcome to three international marching bands joining from the Dublin Patrick’s Day parade.

Out in Kilcock, we come to the end of our county-wide events with an exciting parade kicking off at 1.30pm with the theme ‘Raiders, Pirates, Traders and Explorers’. 

Attendees can expect a brilliant show of adventure and fancy dress with the unique theme, which is expected to be fun for all the family.

With Kildare folk spoiled for choice, this year's Patrick's Day will be a day to remember.