New look and feel to St Patrick’s weekend celebrations in Longford

Longford Town will be treated to a brand-new format for the St Patrick’s celebrations this year, with the main event set to rock the town, with a procession, live music, dancing and family fun taking place on the evening of Sunday, March 16. 

The annual celebration of our patron saint will involve a new look community event, embracing all our favourite St Patrick’s myths, legends and characters under the banner of ‘The Luck of the Irish’, starting with an evening procession kicking off at 5.30pm. 

This participative event will involve pre-registered community groups, schools, businesses and performers representing the beloved symbols of St Patrick including the man himself, leprechauns, pots of gold, snakes and much more. 

As usual, prizes will be on offer for the most colourful, creative and unique spin on the theme. The event is proudly sponsored by Longford Municipal District with support from Longford County Council’s Night Time Economy and Longford Tourism Office. 

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The procession, will follow the traditional parade route, beginning at 5.30pm on Battery Road/Church Street, proceeding down Main Street, and continuing through Dublin Street, New Street, and Ballymahon Street. It will then turn left onto Killashee Street and Harbour Row.

A highlight of this year’s celebration will be live music and dancing on the gig rig on Ballymahon Street. Once the procession concludes, Ballymahon Street will remain closed for live music, dancing, and street performances, creating a vibrant and family-friendly atmosphere.

To ensure everyone can enjoy the festivities, a sensory area will provide a safe and comfortable space for those that need it. 

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Accessible parking spaces will also be highlighted, and traffic management will be in place to facilitate safe pedestrian movement around the town. Full details of all these arrangements will be publicised in advance of the event. 

Some on-street parking restrictions will be put in place on Sunday in Longford town centre to facilitate preparations for the road closures in the afternoon, however all off-street carparks will be open and freely available for use throughout the day. 

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Welcoming the new format event, Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Mark Casey said, “The elected representatives of Longford Municipal District are to be commended for their foresight in supporting this new and improved format for the St Patrick’s Day festivities in our county town. We hope to see everyone coming along to experience an evening of family friendly fun and entertainment.”   

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Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon added, “With events like the annual Longford Lights Festival, the Dead of Night Festival and Samhain Procession among others, Longford has a great track record of entertaining people in a safe and family friendly environment. I look forward to seeing Longford shine as a small county leading the way with new and innovative ideas for the 2025 St Patrick’s Day festivities.”