With just one week to go until St Patrick's Day celebrations kick off throughout Northern Ireland, we've put together a list of what each council area has in store.
After a two year break, due to restrictions as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the first festivities since 2019 will definitely be enjoyed by many.
Celebrations are usually centred around a large parade in city and town centres with smaller events throughout the day, but many councils are planning a new approach for the year ahead.
Read more: St Patrick's Day: Belfast event returns with extended city-wide celebration
Here are the details we know so far for St Patrick's Day celebrations throughout Northern Ireland in 2022.
Belfast
St Patrick's Day events in Belfast this year will include a live concert, a trad music trail, and a community showcase event.
As a UNESCO City of Music, music plays a big part in this year's celebrations with a Féile Trad Trail running from March 10 and a St Patrick’s Eve concert at Custom House Square.
The free family-friendly concert will take place on Wednesday, March 16, at Custom House Square, 5pm-9pm, delivered by The Duncairn Centre, supported by the Arts Council NI.
The concert will feature some of the Island’s brightest voices with music from beloved duo Mick Flannery and Susan O’Neill, rising-star Tolü Makay and experimental folk artist Joshua Burnside.
On St Patrick's Day itself, Beat Carnival will have a pageant parade through the city.
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon
This year’s Home of St Patrick Festival runs from Monday, March 10, until Saturday, March 19, and combines live music, comedy, art, poetry, theatre, film, dance and thought with great debate, adventure and lots of family fun.
Armagh’s iconic Market Place Theatre will play a big part in this year’s festival, hosting performances from big name comedy acts including Jason Bryne and up-and-coming cult comedy hero Owen Colgan.
Click here for more information.
Antrim and Newtownabbey
Antrim and Newtownabbey Council has no plans for celebrating St Patrick's Day this year.
Causeway Coast and Glens
A number of events are happening in the Causeway Coast area in the week running up to St Patrick's Day this year.
The Family Music Session hosted by North Coast Trad - Portrush Yacht Club - March 10, 5pm - Free admission
The Seisiúin Clainne or Family music session provides opportunities for children and their parents to play traditional Irish music in a fun and relaxed community setting with guest appearances from world class performers of traditional Irish music. Just turn up at 5pm with your instrument and get ready to join in the craic!
Irish Music Session trails in Portrush – Friday March 11 - Portstewart and Portrush
With at least three professional musicians to lead the session, feel free to bring your instrument and get ready to join in with a performance of traditional tunes and enjoy a pint while learning about the instruments, language, customs and history that make up Ireland’s vibrant musical tradition. Choose from two trails in Portrush or Portstewart.
Portrush - Each trail lasts around two and a half hours and will take place at 5pm, Springhill Bar / 6pm Kiwis bar / 7pm in Portrush yacht club.
Portstewart - 5pm The Anchor Complex / 7pm Portstewart Arms
The Rise of the Ceili Band & The McCusker Ceili Band - Portrush Town Hall - Friday March 11, 3pm
Talk with performance on flute and piccolo with Martin Meehan MA
Free admission.
Weekend Wonders: St Patrick's Day Arts & Crafts Sessions for Kids at Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart
Saturday 12 March 12: 10:30 - 12:00 for 5-7yrs
Saturday 12 March 12: 13:00 - 14:30 for 8-12yrs
Cost: £17 (including materials)
Over two sessions, children will have the opportunity to experiment with a variety of different artistic materials, learn new creative techniques, have fun and develop their skills, before making their finished ‘product’. This St Patrick’s Day themed workshop will guide kids to create shamrocks and leprechaun hats.
Derry City and Strabane
A Spring Carnival Parade is set to take place in Derry City on the afternoon of March 17, and it aims to feature over 500 participants.
The parade, operated by North West Carnival Initiative, will set off from Bishop Street at 3pm and run until 4pm.
Mystical creatures will snake their way through the city’s streets along with a host of characters representing young people from fables and fairy tales from faraway lands. Today’s youth and culture will have pride of place, so expect to be delighted by dance moves from everything from ballet to hip hop.
Fermanagh and Omagh
Enniskillen
The celebrations which have been planned with Enniskillen BID and other local venues, will see an exciting day full of music, dance and entertainment for all the family.
Festivities on March 17 will run from 12pm to 4pm.
Town centre entertainment on the street will feature the best of local talent with music from Roslea CCE featuring Blathnaid, Saoirse and Darragh Rooney and other performers to be confirmed for the celebrations.
Irish Dancers Aoife Rooney and Caitlin Flanagan will be performing as well as Sophie Armstrong from Erne Highland Dancers.
The festivities are not just confined to the town centre as Enniskillen Castle will also be hosting an exciting programme for the whole family with food vendors, market stalls and live music ensuring a fun filled day for everyone.
Entertainment will continue into the evening with so much on offer in the wonderful hospitality and entertainment venues across the Island Town on this global day of celebration.
Omagh
Dún Uladh Cultural Heritage Centre, in partnership with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, are delighted to be hosting the St Patrick's Day Festival Omagh 2022.
An exciting day of music, dance, drama, amusements, and family entertainment planned between 12 pm – 4 pm in Omagh Town Centre, with so much more on offer in the numerous hospitality and entertainment venues throughout the town on this global day of celebration.
Lisburn and Castlereagh
On Saturday, March 19, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council are hosting the Mayor's St Patrick's Day Concert at Lagan Valley Island.
Doors will open at 6.30pm, with the concert set to kick off at 7pm.
Hosted by local celebrity Gyasi Sheppy of Cbeebies with performances by Wallace High School, Lisburn Ukes, Nik Parkes, Richard Allen and Tru the night promises to bring a spectacle of modern day celtic celebration.
You can enjoy some toe tapping fun by Charters School of Irish Dance and poetry by local artists too.
Tickets £15 per adult/£10 per child (Under18), with all proceeds in aid of the Mayor's Charities, in connection with Good Relations.
All proceeds in aid of the Mayor’s Charities. In connection with Good Relations.
Mid and East Antrim
Mid and East Antrim Council will be marking St Patrick's Day with their annual trek up Slemish on March 17.
Those attending can enjoy spectacular views on the one and a half kilometre round walk to the summit and back which takes approximately one hour in good weather.
Broughshane Community Association will provide the hub of the event, with outdoor entertainment for the whole family to enjoy all free of charge. Plan to spend the entire day or join in the afternoon and finish with some fine local food or a family meal.
Mid Ulster
At 8pm on Friday, March 11, Mid Ulster Council will be hosting a St Patrick's Day Celebration Concert.
The Burnavon has a fabulous night’s craic planned for the whole family with musical performances from Caitríona Lagan Music, magnificent Irish Dancing from Davidson Dance Academy and headlining the concert will be the talented Band Of Gold.
The event will also feature special guest compere, Malachi Cush. Tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £8 for children/concession.
On St Patrick's Day itself, the council will be hosting a free day of celebrations in Dungannon from 1pm to 5pm.
The outdoor event at the Hill of the O'Neill and Ranfurly House will feature musical entertainment and family fun including face painting, Irish dancing, amusements and more.
Stage performances include:
- 1pm - 1.45pm: Music Show
- 2pm - 3pm: Comhaltas
- 4pm: Muddler's Club
Newry, Mourne and Down
Celebrations are resuming right across Newry, Mourne and Down this year.
In Downpatrick, celebrations are set to commence at 12 noon on March 17, with residents asked to come along to St Patrick's Square for an array of free activities including face painting, walkabout characters, arts and crafts, balloon modelling and live performances.
Performing on stage will be the multi-platinum recording artist Brian Kennedy, folk rock legends, The Logues and Weston Loney plus many more.
This year will see the introduction of the Family Festival Village at Knocknashinna Park. From 12 noon there will be the very best in homegrown talent performing live music, circus skills, pop-up acts as well as many children’s activities to keep folks of all ages entertained.
The Downpatrick Parade will depart from the Ardglass Road at 1.30pm and will continue onto Edward Street, John Street, Irish Street, Market Street and finish at Rathkeltair Car Park.
In Newry, Hill Street will be the place to be on St Patrick’s Day. From 12 noon there will be a wide range of fun activities for the whole family in Marcus Square and Margaret Square.
Brian Kennedy and the Logues will also be headlining the main stage in Newry, supported by The Blues Katz and many more.
There will be pop up stages at Sugar Island and St Colman’s park with the best in local street entertainment and from 10am-2.30pm, Newry and Mourne Museum at Bagenal’s Castle will host free children’s arts and crafts workshops.
For full programme details click here.
Ards and North Down
Ards and North Down Council has no official events or celebrations planned for St Patrick's Day this year.
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