Gardaí reveal policing and safety measures ahead of national St Patrick's Day parade

An Garda Síochána has an extensive policing plan in place across Dublin City Centre since 7am this Friday morning, March 14, 2025 in anticipation of thousands of people visiting the city to enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day festivities this bank holiday weekend.

In the region of 1,000 members of An Garda Síochána will be out on the beat throughout the long weekend to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time.

While public events are due to be held across the weekend, Monday’s national St. Patrick’s Day Parade through Dublin City Centre is expected to draw large crowds into the capital.

READ MORE: Handy tip for families planning on travelling to St Patrick's Day parade this weekend

The parade will commence at 12 midday at Parnell Square North and finish at Kevin Street Lower.

The parade will assemble beforehand at Western Way, Dublin 7 and disperse afterwards at St Stephen's Green West, Dublin 2.

An Garda Síochána is advising those attending the parade to:

• Pick an area along the route to view the parade ahead of time
• Arrive early
• Plan the journey into the city in advance
• Use public transport or ‘Park and Ride’ facilities where possible
  Keep children under close supervision to avoid being accidentally separated in the crowd
• Pack sensibly and mind personal belongings
• Follow the instructions of Gardaí and Stewards

To allow for the parade, Gardaí will have a number of rolling road closures and traffic restrictions in place across the city centre from early morning on Monday.

All motorists planning on making their way into or through the city are to be aware that parking will not be permitted along the parade route, and any vehicles will be towed.

All traffic will be diverted through the North and South Circular Roads for the duration of the St Patrick's Day parade. Local access and egress to streets affected by closures will be facilitated.

No vehicles can enter the parade route while closures are in place.

Gardaí are advising motorists and those that must commute by car into or through the city over the weekend and on Monday in particular:

• Plan your journey in advance
• Please follow all road signage
• Adhere to the instructions of Gardaí and/or parade stewards
• If legally parking - park and lock your car in secure place. Do not block access which may make it difficult for emergency services or residents.

If you are socialising this St. Patrick’s Day weekend please follow and share our guidance amongst your group:

• Plan the night out - tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back
• Be careful of your personal belongings especially when in crowded areas or busy premises
• Do not under any circumstance drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Don’t let any friend or family member walk home alone - there is safety in numbers
• If you must walk home only walk in well lit, populated areas and where you can be seen by traffic
• If you have had drinks on a night-out, please be mindful of driving the morning after. Do not drive until you have fully rested and hydrated.

Speaking ahead of the St. Patrick’s Bank Holiday Weekend in Dublin, Assistant Commissioner Paul Cleary said: "Dublin is a vibrant city, and we’re looking forward to helping to welcome thousands of visitors to our capital over the next three days to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

"With dozens of exciting family-friendly events due to be held, we have a carefully planned and fully co-ordinated plan in place to ensure that everyone can have a safe and enjoyable time. An Garda Síochána has worked very closely with the St. Patrick’s Festival organisers in the lead up to this year’s schedule.

"We are on-hand 24-7 so please contact us or stop us on the street if there is anything that we can do."