Every spring, Dublin is proud to host the St. Patrick’s Day Festival, a 4-day international extravaganza. Imagine marching past Trinity College, Dublin Castle and City Hall while playing your music to a crowd of thousands! Travel with your band to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade for an experience of a lifetime. Plus, perform in the prestigious Limerick International Band Championship, explore Dublin and Belfast, and more. With Encore Tours, every detail of your trip will be expertly planned, so you can focus on making music and memories that will last a lifetime. Join us for an unforgettable journey to the Emerald Isle on your next performance tour. UPCOMING DATES 2025 Festival: Monday, March 17, 2025 (Closed) 2026 Festival: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 (Closed) 2027 Festival: Wednesday, March 17, 2025 (Open) About the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin In the past, more than 675,000 Dubliners and tourists worldwide have gathered to watch marching bands from Ireland, Europe and the US parade through Dublin’s musical streets. The music played at the parade ranges from Irish pipe and drum marches to current chart hits. In addition, bands join in the fun by competing with each other in costumes and dance routines. A typical Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade features a dozen or more floats and pageants, all extravagantly decorated. Festival Events Besides performance opportunities at the Limerick Marching Festival and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, events and celebrations highlighting Dublin’s rich culture and history are very much a part of the Festival. Events include films, folklore telling, comedy shows, special musical performances, boat races, funfairs, and more. The Parade Route The route for the Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade leads from Parnell Square on the city’s Northside down O’Connell Street, over the River Liffey via O’Connell Bridge into Westmoreland Street, past Trinity College at College Green and on to Dame Street. The parade route goes by Christchurch Cathedral before finally finishing at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Greening the City A highlight for many is the Festival’s tradition of “Greening the City.” All throughout Dublin, iconic buildings and monuments take part and illuminate green to show their support for the extended St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Free trip to Ireland for band leaders! Encore Tours cordially invites all band leaders who are taking their ensemble to the parade, plus a companion, to get a sneak peek of the action on a free trip to Ireland. Become familiar with Encore’s services while you stay in Encore hotels, meet an Encore Tour Manager, and eat in Encore restaurants.Talk to an Encore Tour Consultant to learn more!