Cork St. Patrick’s Festival 2023

Issue Date: 16th March 2023

The Cork St. Patrick's Festival commences today, Thursday, 16th March and runs through to Sunday 19th March, 2023, and all details of the different events in relation to the festival can be found here.

The Cork St. Patrick's Day Parade will take place on Friday, 17th March 2023 at 1pm in Cork City Centre. The parade will commence at Parnell Bridge / South Mall and continue along South Mall to Grand Parade, to St. Patrick's Street and will end on Merchant's Quay / Parnell Place.

If you are attending any St. Patrick's Day parade around the country:
• Plan your journey in advance.
• Select the area that you want to view the parade in advance of travelling.
• Arrive early.
• Keep children under close supervision. Where possible children should have phone numbers for their guardians in the event of accidental separation.
• Mind your personnel belongings.

General advice to motorists/ commuters:
• Gardaí are encouraging everybody who wishes to attend the St. Patrick's Day Parade to please use public transport.
• Please follow signage and all directions from Stewards and Gardaí.
• There will be road closures and traffic restrictions in Cork City Centre from early on the morning of Friday, 17th March 2023.
• If you need to travel through Cork City Centre on the morning of Friday, 17th March 2023, plan your journey in advance.
• Road closure and reopening will be staggered depending on the location.

Public Safety for all attending the St. Patrick's Day Festival Parade:
• The policing priority is to facilitate a family-friendly event and environment in which citizens can enjoy the St. Patrick's festivities and public realms.
• An Garda Síochána will have an extensive policing plan in place for all St. Patrick's Day parades nationwide.
• The consumption of alcohol in public places is generally restricted by local authority bye laws in most local authority areas, including Cork City Centre.
• An Garda Síochána will be enforcing these bye laws on the consumption of alcohol in public places.

Personal Safety Advice:
If you are socialising over this bank holiday festivity weekend PLAN your night out
• Drink alcohol responsibly
• Never drink and drive, no matter the time of the day/ night
• Plan your night out, tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back
• Don't let your friends or family walk home alone, there is safety in numbers.
• If you have to, walk in well lit areas and make sure you can be seen by passing traffic (wear reflective gear/ carry a torch).
• Take care when carrying personal property (handbag, smart phone or tablet) in crowded areas; keep them in a safe location within view.
• Watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas; keep handbags zipped and don't put your wallet in your back pocket. In bars and restaurants take care about where you store coats and handbags.
• Park and lock your car in secure, well lit areas. Keep valuables including bags and coats hidden.