Marching bands – it’s your lucky day! If you’ve been waiting to perform in Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day, now is the time to plan for 2025-26!  

About the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Ireland

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off on March 17^th at 11:00 am at the northern edge of Parnell Square and the parade gets under its raucous way at 12:00 noon.  It winds through the streets of Dublin, spreading its unique brand of magic and joy to all until wrapping up at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Many bands from the United States make the St. Patrick’s Day Parade a “must-have” pin in their marching repertoire.  Each is sure to be featured on the parade broadcast seen around the world.  It’s an incredible performance experience and a lifelong memory! While most 2025 spots are already filled, applications are open for 2026 and beyond. Now is the time to submit yours for review.

Other Parade and Performance Experiences in Ireland

Dublin isn’t the only way to experience Ireland at its finest.  There are regional parades and celebrations throughout the country ready to host your band.

Perform in Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day

Take Your Band to Perform in Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day

There are so many beautiful and exciting things to see and do in this magnificent place!  Plan stops in Galway, Belfast, Derry, Kilkenny, and Waterford to fully embrace all that Ireland has to offer. Regardless of where you land, your band is in IRELAND FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY!!  An international audience, rich culture, fabulous food, beautiful backdrops, and music are at the core of all the excitement… How could you possibly get luckier than that?

Plan your band’s trip to Ireland with our in-house expert on all things Irish – Keith Kelly.

Keith Kelly lives in Galway, Ireland.  He has worked with marching and concert bands for more than 20 years.  Kelly performed with Dublin’s famous Artane Boys Band, served as principal clarinetist in the Irish Defence Forces Band, and founded several award-winning Irish concert bands.  He served as general manager of the Artane Band and School of Music and established the Irish Symphonic Wind Orchestra.

Kelly currently works as a consultant and advisor to many arts organizations.  He also directs the Celtic Band Festival, welcoming marching and concert bands from around the world to Ireland each year. 

During the spring of 2020, Kelly launched The Global Bandroom community and podcast to develop international virtual performance and education opportunities for bands and musicians. As part of The Global Bandroom, Keith hosts Finding Drum Corps.  He uses this platform to advocate for and connect with the International Drum Corps community.  He plans to help expand KA’s sponsorship and support of Drum Corps International.