St Patricks Day in Kerry

St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most beloved and widely celebrated holidays in Ireland and around the world, and there’s no better place to experience its magic than in County Kerry. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant local traditions, Kerry offers a truly authentic and unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day experience

The Story Behind Lá Fhéile Phádraig (St Patricks Day).

St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated each year on March 17th, is a cultural and religious holiday that honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.

At the age of 16 Patrick was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken to Ireland as a slave. After several years of hardship, he escaped but later returned to Ireland as a missionary, spreading Christianity across the island. He is credited with converting much of Ireland to Christianity, establishing churches, schools, and monasteries that played a key role in shaping the country’s religious and cultural identity.

One of the most famous legends associated with St. Patrick is that he used the shamrock, a three-leafed plant, to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) to the Irish people. Another well-known myth suggests that he banished all snakes from Ireland, though historians believe this to be a symbolic representation of his efforts to eradicate pagan practices rather than a literal event.

Originally, St. Patrick’s Day was a solemn religious feast celebrated mainly in Ireland, marked by church services and quiet reflection. Over time, however, it evolved into a worldwide celebration of Irish heritage, particularly in countries with large Irish communities, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. Today, St. Patrick’s Day is famous for its vibrant parades, traditional Irish music and dance, the wearing of green, and festive gatherings.

Despite its modern-day festivities, St. Patrick’s Day remains an important cultural event, bringing people together to celebrate Irish identity, history, and the enduring legacy of St. Patrick himself.

St Patrick’s Day Celebrations in Kerry

Get the real Irish St Patricks Day Celebrations this March in Kerry. Between early morining parades to mid day musical extravaganzas, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Killarney St Patricks Festival: 

Killarney St Patricks Festival is a jampacked family fun event. The festival runs for 5 days, starting on the 13th of March with an Evening of Artistic Performance with West End House School of Arts. The parade is scheduled for March 17th at 2pm and takes in the whole town. The theme of the parade is ‘Echoes of Killarney Present’ to highlight the town in the present day. Other events include ‘The Charity Duck Dash’ and ‘Plunge for Palliative’, which promise great fun and laighter for all. More information can be found on the St.Patrick's Festival Killarney | Official Website. 

Tralee St. Patricks Day Festivities:

Kerry’s capital Tralee will hold their St Patricks Day parade at 12:00pm on March 17th. The theme of this years parade is ‘Wave of Change’ with floats, costumes and performances all inspired by marine life underscoring the importance of protecting our oceans, beaches and ecosystems. The parade promises to be a great celebration of local talent. Tralee will also welcome Mr. Joshua A. Garcia, the mayor of Holyoke, Massachusetts as the grand marshal. 

Dingle St. Patrick Days Parades:

Want to get an early start to the St. Patrick Day Festivities? Dingle get off to a magical early start at 6am! The Dingle Fife and Drum Band lead the people on a musical around Dingle Town. This celebration keeps with a long standing tradition and will get you into the festive mood before celebrating the rest of the holiday in the Kingdom. Then at 12:30pm the main St Patricks Day parade takes off around the town spreading joyous cheer and entertainment. Music, song, dancing and laughter then continues on long into the night!!

March Events in Kerry

March is a fantastic time to experience County Kerry, with a diverse range of festivals, sporting challenges, and cultural events taking place across the region. Whether you're a fan of live theatre, adventure racing, astronomy, or music, there’s something to suit every interest.

Kerry Drama Festival

The Kerry Drama Festival, taking place from March 7th-10th in the Ivy Leaf Arts Centre Castleisland, is a highly anticipated annual event that brings together some of Ireland’s most talented amateur drama groups. Throughout the festival, audiences can enjoy a diverse selection of thought-provoking plays, classic dramas, and contemporary performances, showcasing the incredible depth of talent in Irish theatre. More information can be found on Home - RTE All Ireland Drama Festival

Paddy Casey Concert

Renowned Irish singer-songwriter Paddy Casey brings his soulful melodies to Killarney for an unforgettable evening. The concert takes place in the Gleneagle INEC Arena, Killarney on March 1st ticekts costing €28.00. More informatuion can be found at Paddy Casey - Gleneagle INEC Arena Killarney. 

Quest Kenmare

Quest Kenmare is an exhilarating multi-sport adventure race set against the breathtaking backdrop of Kenmare and the Beara Peninsula, taking place on March 8th, 2025. This race is part of the renowned Quest Adventure Series, attracting athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and adventure seekers from all over Ireland and beyond. More information and registration can be found on Quest Kenmare - Quest Adventure Series.

Skellig Coast Dark Sky Festival

The Skellig Cost Dark Sky festival takes place from March 27th-30th and is a magical celebration of astronomy, offering a unique opportunity to explore the universe’s wonders in one of the world's most pristine dark sky reserves. Hosted in Caherdaniel, this event takes place in the heart of Kerry’s International Dark Sky Reserve, an area renowned for its near-total absence of light pollution. This makes it one of the best places in the world for unobstructed views of celestial phenomena, from the Milky Way stretching across the sky to distant galaxies, planets, and shooting stars. The festival includes exciting evemts such as sargazing sessions and informative talks.More info: Skellig Coast Dark Sky Festival 27–30 March 2025

Animation Dingle Festival

Animation Dingle takes place from March 21st-22nd. The Animation Dingle Festival is made up of conferences, screnenings and workshops which celebrates animators creativity and dedication. The event is set against the backdrop of the beautiful Dingle Town, a town that prides itself in its ability to create an atmosphere of camraderuie and sharing. This promises to be an extrordinary event. More info: Animation Dingle – Ireland’s Top Animation Festival

Stay at Kilburn House – The Perfect St. Patrick’s Weekend Getaway!

Planning to visit Kerry for St. Patrick’s Weekend? Make your trip extra special by staying at Kilburn House, a stunning guesthouse perfect for groups looking for comfort, convenience, and a true Irish experience.

✅ Centrally located in Kerry, ideal for exploring St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Killarney, Tralee, and Dingle.
✅ Houses up to 14 people – perfect for families and friend groups.
✅ Features en-suite rooms, a games room, and a home cinema for relaxation.
✅ Only €550 per night, with even better rates available when booking directly!

📞 Contact: (066) 976 7364
🔗 Book now: Kilburn House on Airbnb

Secure your stay at Kilburn House today and experience an unforgettable St. Patrick’s weekend in Kerry! ☘️🎉