Organisers in Armagh City plan a St Patrick’s Day parade for Tuesday, March 17. Participants will assemble at Christian Brothers School car park at 1.15pm for a 2pm start. The route follows Irish Street, turns at Ogle Street, passes through the city centre and ends at Sherry’s Field Recreation Centre near St Patrick’s cathedrals.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council schedules events in Newry and Downpatrick from 12 noon to 4pm on the same day. In Newry, the parade departs from The Quays at 1pm and proceeds through the city centre. Entertainment at Marcus Square includes performances by Clonduff Comhaltas, Dara Hart, The Reillys and The Nooks. Rozlyn Sheridan will host the stage.

A céilí marquee at Margaret Square features the Kilted Dance Troupe and Oisín McCann Céilí Band. Additional music occurs at Buttercrane Shopping Centre with Casino Dixieland Jazz Band, at The Quays Shopping Centre with Carroll School of Harp and at Newry Variety Market with Yew Tree Yukes. An artisan market runs at Newry Variety Market from 11am to 4pm. Family activities include street trading, stalls and funfair rides on Hill Street.

In Downpatrick, the parade starts from the Downshire Estate at 1.30pm. St Patrick’s Square hosts performances by Newcastle Comhaltas, Celtic Storm, Clann Uí hUiginn and Pure Blarney. An artisan market operates at Grove Car Park from 11am to 4pm. Downpatrick Arts Centre offers arts, crafts, face painting and music. A static display by the Old Downe Car Club appears at Rathkeltair Car Park. A park and ride service runs from Downpatrick Racecourse.

Councillor Philip Campbell, chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, stated that the district marks St Patrick’s Day to celebrate culture, music and traditions. He noted that the events highlight community spirit and invited attendance to support local traders.

Both locations provide accessible facilities including AccessoLoo and sensory sessions at Newry and Mourne Museum and Down County Museum. Organisers in Armagh welcome volunteers via email at stpatrickmarch387@gmail.com or by calling Stephen Fields at 07759949314.