All you need to know for Longford's St Patrick's Eve festivities

Parking directions, accessibility, sensory area and the full line-up 

Press Release: Tuesday, 11 March 2025 

It's all systems go for the St Patrick's Eve celebrations in Longford Town this Bank Holiday Sunday evening - with entertainment kicking off at 4pm on Ballymahon Street in advance of the parade that gets underway at 5.30pm. 

Parade organisers Longford Municipal District, with support from Longford Night-Time Economy and Longford Tourism, have compiled all the relevant information that you need to know before you go. We are also delighted to announce that all parade prize categories are kindly sponsored by North Midlands Credit Union. 

The vibrant St Patrick's Eve festivities will kick off at 4pm on Ballymahon Street with Music Generation first up on stage on the gig rig. While the parade makes its way through town, a host of spectacular street performers will keep crowds entertained, while face painting will also take place on the Market Square. 

This year's Grand Marshal, Longford's well-known community photographer Lalin Swaris, will lead the parade, with Shannonside FM's Daniel Considine serving as the MC. The on-stage event will feature the traditional inter-denominational Blessing of the Shamrock, and Gaelscoil Longfoirt will lead us with a rendition of the national anthem "Amhrán na bhFiann.' The parade will also feature the Longford Pipe Band with Peter Keenan O N E and none other than the man himself, St Patrick, among a host of other floats and street spectacle. 

For those who need a quieter space, a sensory area will be made available. It will be a calm and inclusive space designed for people with additional sensory needs. Slightly removed from the main crowds of spectators, it will be located between the cinema and the gates of Connolly Barracks, where the silent start of the parade will commence. A limited amount of seating will be provided under a gazebo for those who wish to avail of it. If you wish to confirm one of these limited spaces in advance, please contact Karen Keilly at kreilly@longfordcoco.ie. In addition to this, a wheelchair accessible viewing area will be made available outside AIB on Main Street. 

With a number of accessible parking spots out of action on the day due to crowd control barriers in place along the parade route, the Market Square car parks and the Longford County Council car park on Great Water Street will be solely designated for disabled parking all day to ensure access for all. A number of accessible parking spots will also be available in the Longford Centre Carpark (Tesco). 

Following the parade, world champion Irish dancer James Fox and his troupe will perform on the stage, setting the scene for the headline act of the evening. Local five-piece band NEON will take to the stage at 7:30pm, promising an electrifying performance. The celebrations will continue after the main stage event is complete, with after-party events taking place in venues around the town, including live music performances and sessions. 

Come join is in Longford Town for a weekend filled with music, dance, and community spirit as we celebrate St Patrick's Eve!

Some top tips for visiting Longford on St Patrick's Eve: 

1. The closest accessible car park to the Sensory Area is the Longford County Council car park on Great Water Street. 

2. The parade route starts quietly as it sets off from Church Street - for spectators looking forward to the full marching band experience, a viewing position further up Main Street, Dublin Street or New Street is recommended. 

3. Dress appropriately for Irish weather: as with all outdoor events in Ireland, there's always the chance of four seasons in one day, so lots of warm light layers and waterproofs are always recommended, just in case!

4. Designated off-street parking has been made available solely for people with additional needs in the Market Square car parks and in the Longford County Council Great Water Street Carpark. Please respect this so that everyone has a chance to enjoy St Patrick's Eve together in Longford. 

5. On-street parking restrictions on Main Street will be in place from early in the day, however, road closures will only take effect a few hours before the parade kicks off at 5.30pm. Stage building will take place on Ballymahon Steet early in the day, which may see traffic reduced to one lane for a time. In the interest of health and safety, please follow the directions of Gardaí and event stewards at all times. 

6. In keeping with tradition, the parade will set off from Battery Road/Church Street and will proceed down Main Street, continuing through Dublin Street and New Street. Finally, it will pass the gig rig on Ballymahon before turning left onto Killashee Street and Harbour Row. This means there is loads of space for everyone to gather along the route and get a good view so spread out, be safe and remember to follow the directions of the event stewards and Gardaí at all times. 

7. An additional special prize this year will be offered to the most creative photograph of the celebration in Longford Town, for both adults and under 18 categories. Keep an eye on social media for more details on this open photography competition and on how you can submit your photographs to judges after the event. 

8. Indending Irish Rail passengers, Expressway and Local Link bus service users are advised to check with their service providers prior to travel on Sunday afternoon for any alternative arrangements that may be in place to facilitate the necessary road closures for the parade. 

9. St Patrick's Eve in Longford is a family-friendly event designated to ensure that everyone enjoys this community celebration in a safe and pleasant way, representing our town, our environment and each other.