Longford's upcoming St Patrick's Eve reveals family friendly line up

A family friendly line-up of music, entertainment and engaging street performers has been unveiled for Longford town on St Patrick’s Eve this year.

Kickstarting Longford’s St Patrick’s Eve celebrations, Music Generation Longford will take to the gig rig stage on Ballymahon Street at 4pm with a vibrant performance of traditional Irish music and song, showcasing the incredible talent of young local musicians.

This will be followed by the annual parade which gets underway at 5.30pm. Master of Ceremonies Daniel Considine of Shannonside FM will talk us through the procession of Longford’s finest characters, schools, community groups and performers.

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The parade will be led by the Peter Keenan Branch O N E, Longford Pipe Band and the 2025 Grand Marshal Lalin Swaris - Longford’s well known and much-loved community photographer.

In keeping with tradition, it 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 Street, before turning left onto Killashee Street and Harbour Row.

This year’s theme “The Luck of the Irish” embraces all of the fun around our favourite St Patrick’s Day myths, legends and characters with the man himself, leprechauns, pots of gold, snakes and much, much more.

The traditional interfaith blessing of the shamrock will also take place on stage, performed by the Very Reverend Simon Scott and Bishop Paul Connell.

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As usual, prizes will be on offer for the most colourful, creative, and humourous take on the theme, as well as for the most sustainable displays. This will be proudly sponsored by Longford Municipal District with support from Longford County Council’s Night Time Economy and Tourism Offices.

An additional special prize this year will also be offered to the most creative photograph of the celebrations 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.

Once the parade element concludes, Ballymahon Street will remain closed to traffic as it comes to life again for more live music, dancing, and street performances, creating a vibrant and family-friendly atmosphere.

Longford’s own NEON will take to the stage for the main performance of the evening, bringing their unique mix of funk, rock, and pop to the heart of the town. This five-piece local favourite is known for their high-energy performances and Valerie Shiels powerhouse vocals.

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Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Mark Casey welcomed the line-up announcement, “It’s wonderful to see so much local talent coming together for what is sure to be an evening of family-friendly fun and entertainment.”

To ensure everyone can enjoy the festivities, a sensory area will be made available, providing a safe and comfortable space for children and adults with additional needs.

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 online and in local media early next week.

Chief Executive Paddy Mahon said, “We look forward to seeing Longford shine as it offers something for everyone on St Patrick’s Eve – a truly inclusive and locally inspired celebration of our national culture and identity.”

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On-street parking restrictions will be put in place on Sunday, March 16 in Longford town centre to facilitate preparations for the road closures in the evening, however all off-street car parks will be open and freely available for use on the day.

In addition, intending 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.

Keep an eye on Longford Tourism social pages where regular information will be shared in the coming weeks.