Communities across County Waterford are preparing for a full day of colour, music and celebration.
This comes as towns and villages host their annual St. Patrick's Day parades on Tuesday, March 17.
Thousands of spectators are expected to line the streets throughout the day right across the county.
Parade in Waterford City
The biggest celebration takes place in Waterford City, where the main parade will begin at 1pm.
Starting near the Bus Station, it travels along the Quay past the Clock Tower and finishing at The Mall.
The parade forms the centrepiece of the five-day St. Patrick’s Festival running in the city from March 13 to 17.
It features music trails, street entertainment and family activities.
Grand Marshal will be humanitarian vascular surgeon Dr Morgan McMonagle, recognised for his medical work in international conflict zones.
Organisers expect more than 2,000 participants including community groups, dancers and marching bands.
Parade in Tramore
In Tramore, the parade will begin at 1.30pm.
As always, it starts at Summerhill Junction and travels along the Old Waterford Road before finishing near the former Railway Station.
Music and entertainment will begin earlier at Cannon’s Field from around 12pm, creating a lively atmosphere before the procession sets off.
The parade traditionally features local sports clubs, community organisations and colourful floats celebrating the town’s community spirit.
Grand Marshall this year is the very popular Park Run group.
Parade in Portlaw
Over in Portlaw, the parade will start at 12 noon from the car park at St Patrick’s Church.
Floats and machinery gather near Coffey’s Corner while walking groups assemble at the church before the parade moves through Queen Street and Brown Street towards the Square.
John 'Corky' Corcoran will serve as Grand Marshal, boasting 56 years of unbroken service as Chair of Portlaw United FC.
The square is considered the best place to get a good viewing spot on the day.
Parade in Cappoquin
Further west, the town of Cappoquin will host its community parade at 12.30pm.
The procession will travel through the town centre and feature local schools, sports clubs, vintage vehicles and creative floats, with prizes awarded for the best entries.
Parade in Clashmore/Kinsalebeg
In nearby Clashmore/Kinsalebeg, the annual parade will assemble at the church at 11.30am before moving off along Main Street at 12 noon.
Organisers say the event continues to grow each year and highlights the strong sense of community in the Clashmore and Kinsalebeg area.
Maura McGrath is this year's Grand Marshall for the parade, which will also feature handmade bunting across the route.
A quiet area will be allocated to viewers who may prefer a quieter experience on the day.
Parade in Dungarvan
Meanwhile, Dungarvan will host its 47th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade beginning at 2pm, starting at Crotty’s Corner and finishing near St Mary’s Church.
The event typically draws large crowds and features marching bands, community groups and creative floats celebrating local culture and heritage.
A competition is running on the day for the Best Dressed Window in the town on the day.
Parades are running from late morning through the afternoon across the county, residents and visitors alike will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the festive atmosphere and celebrate Ireland’s national day in true Déise style.
Ollie and Dymphna previewed all of the parades this past week with each community.
City Road Closures for St. Patrick's Day
The parade begins at Waterford Bus Station and will proceed along the Quay, past the Clock Tower and the Plaza, moving around to the Mall, with entries gathering at the Bridge Street end of the Quay at the start of the parade. Optimum viewing positions are from the Quays, where there is plenty of room as well as at the Mall. The parade will end at the Mall / Parnell Street junction and we ask that patrons do not congregate in Parnell Street as this area is designated for post-parade and production staff. The following roads will be closed from 10am until 5pm to facilitate the parade. R680 – Merchants Quay R680 – Meagher’s Quay R680 – Coal Quay R680 – Custom House Quay R680 – Parade Quay R680 – The Mall R680 – Parnell Street R708 – Catherine Street L90025 – Colbeck Street L5530 – Lady Lane (from its junction with Bakehouse Lane to Colbeck Street) L90024 – Bank Lane L90307 – Beau Street L90023 – Mall Lane R683 – Lombard Street (from its Junction with Rose Lane to The Mall) L90022 – Adelphi Quay (from its junction with Rose Lane to Parade Quay) L90021 – Bailey’s New Street L90020 – Greyfriars L90019 – Coffee House Lane L90018 – Henrietta Street L90017 – Keyser Street L5534 – Exchange Street L5535 – Conduit Lane L91091 – Barronstrand Street L5501 – Gladstone Street L1502 – O’Connell Street L15021 – Thomas Hill (from its junction with Meeting House Lane to O’Connell Street) L5506 – Vulcan Street L5505 – Thomas Street L1503 – The Glen (Road No.1) L15033 – The Glen (Road No.3) Roads shall be closed by Waterford City & County Council Staff using Crowd Control Barriers, Traffic Cones and Road Closed Signs. The following road shall be closed from 2pm until 5pm on March 17th to facilitate St. Patrick’s Festival. L1528 – John Street from the Junction with Parnell St. to the Junction with New St Access to Spring Garden Alley via Colbeck St. The following road shall be closed from 5pm Friday 13th March to 12am midnight Tuesday 17th March 2026, to facilitate St. Patrick’s Festival. Road to be closed:- O’Connell Street, Waterford from its junction at O’Connell Street/Thomas Hill to the junction of Sargents Lane/O’Connell Street.
- Thomas Hill (L15021-1) from its junction with O’Connell street towards its junction with Meeting House Lane.
- Meeting House Lane (L-15022-1) from its junction with Thomas Hill towards its junction with Sargent’s Lane.
- Sargents Lane (L-15023-1) from its junction with Meeting House Lane towards its junction with O’Connell Street.
