Why not celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Armagh City – the home of the Saint himself? Get ready for a week-long celebration between March 9th-17th with an exciting lineup of music, art, theatre, and cultural experiences that promise to captivate and inspire!
Armagh, the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland and the only city in the world with two cathedrals dedicated to St Patrick, is gearing up to welcome thousands of visitors for its Home of St Patrick Festival!
Home of St Patrick
St Patrick is known around the world, but Armagh is where his story truly began. It was here that St Patrick began his mission and with two cathedrals bearing his name, with the city offering an authentic connection to his story. For centuries, Armagh has been a place of pilgrimage and celebration, and the festival proudly continues that tradition. This year’s diverse programme—featuring everything from live music trails to sunrise storytelling at Navan—ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy, all while honouring St Patrick’s enduring influence.
What’s On
One of the most significant events in the Festival’s programme is the Vigil Walk. The torch-led walk takes place on Sunday 16th at 7.30pm and connects Armagh’s two breathtaking Cathedrals – St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral and St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral – in a symbolic reflection of St Patrick’s own journey to unite people through Christianity.
Guided walking tours of the Cathedrals and surrounding areas will also take place throughout the Festival and offer insights into why St Patrick chose Armagh to build his first stone church, along with stories, myths, and legends from his time here.
Dawn Light
On St Patrick’s morning, March 17th, Navan Centre and Fort will explore what drew the Saint to the area to build his first church as it hosts its Dawn Light event. Through drama and live music, the event will bring to life the ancient story of St Patrick’s arrival, and how he asked the local chieftain, Daire, for the Hill of the Sallows to build a church.
Parade
Organised by the local community, the festivities will culminate with Armagh’s iconic parade on the 17th. Starting early afternoon, the parade will begin at the Christian Brothers’ School, joyously weaving its way through the city, pleasing onlookers with music, entertainment, and colourful displays.
Pilgrim’s Walk
The Pilgrim’s Walk, a 132km (82-mile) trail that stretches from Navan Fort in Armagh to Down Cathedral in Downpatrick is a once in a lifetime experience inspired by St Patrick’s time in the area. While this sacred walk is a special feature of the festival, it can also be enjoyed throughout the year, offering visitors the unique opportunity to retrace St Patrick’s steps and connect with the spiritual journey he once made.
Live Irish music Trail
Why not make a weekend of it? From March 14th to 16th, Armagh’s live Irish music trail will fill the city’s welcoming pubs with performances by artists like Gary Owen and Eoin Ogs Kelly. The lively atmosphere continues on March 14th with St. Patrick’s Shindig in Market Square, featuring electrifying performances from popular Irish bands The High Stool Prophets, Pure Blarney, and The Reillys.
A stunning concert by Malachy Cush at St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral will kick-off the festival on March 9th. Other events include an enchanting performance by the vocal ensemble SYSTIR at St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral on March 15th and the contemporary Irish dance show JigJazz on March 16th, which promises to leave audiences spellbound.
Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the spirit and legacy of St. Patrick in the city where it all began! For full details of the 2025 Home of St Patrick Festival programme visit visitarmagh.com/festivals/st-patrick.
