All you need to know about the St Patrick's Day parades in Laois

From Carnival in Portarlington to Legends in Mountrath and Abhaile in Portlaoise, St Patrick's Day promises to be a splendid celebration with all sorts of entertaining themes

Portlaoise
The Portlaoise St. Patrick's Day Parade & Street Festival is back for 2026, featuring a day packed with fun for the whole family. This year's theme is Abhaile or home.

The parade kicks off at 12:30m starting from the Laois County Council Plaza. It is followed by carnival rides, bouncy castles, food & craft stalls, live music & entertainment, Clown Jeca, and so much more spread throughout the town.

Local community groups and businesses interested in participating in the parade are asked to get in touch with the organisers by emailing paradeportlaoise@gmail.com

Portarlington
Carnival is the theme for the Port St Patrick's Day parade.

The Festivities commence on the Square at 1.30 pm, continuing to 6 pm. The traditional walking parade begins at  3 pm from the Library.

“Think colour, creativity and cheerful energy. Costumes, music, movement, smiles and imagination are all welcome. Bring the fun. Bring the flair. Bring the carnival spirit,” say the organisers.

Schools, youth groups, sports clubs, community and cultural groups, bands, dancers & performers are welcome to participate.

Details contact stpatricksdayportarlington@gmail.com MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Rathdowney
The Rathdowney St Patrick's Day Parade and Family Festival takes place on Tuesday, March 17, from 11 am.

The parade starts at 12 noon sharp. Join us for a festive celebration of culture and community. Family fun is promised for everyone!

Events include a children's village from 11 am-2 pm. There will be live music from 'The Deere Johns' from 12.45-1.30 pm. Claire's Irish Dancing School will entertain at 1.30pm with the Rathdowney Siege of Ennis taking place at 1.45pm.

The fancy dress showdown is fixed for the Main Stage at 2pm with a monster raffle draw with a top prize of €1,000 at 2.30pm.

Mountrath
The Camross Camogie All-Ireland champions and members of the Laois Junior Camogie All-Ireland winning team are Grand Marshals of the Mountrath Parade.

The Mountrath Festival Committee is preparnig for a vibrant celebration of community, creativity and local pride - and organisers are inviting everyone to be part of the tale.

The Committee invites volunteers to organise and support the parade to create memories and make history. The parade will begin at 12:30 pm from the grounds of St Fintan’s GAA, promising a lively afternoon of colour, music, entertainment and family fun.

The theme is “Legends Galore”. MORE BELOW PHOTO

Durrow
The biannual event returns this year with the Parade commencing at 1.30pm on March 17.

There will also be a market on the Green where post-parade activities feature music from Cullohill Comhaltas and Gaelic games starring juveniles from The Harps GAA.

Contact 087 9194428 for infor or to take part.

Stradbally Parish
Vicarstown starts at 9 am from the Bridge leading to 9:30 am Mass in The Church of the Assumption, Vicarstown.

Timahoe parade kicks off at 10 am from the community centre carpark, leading to St Michael's Church, Timahoe for Mass at 10:30 am.

Finally, the Stradbally Parade kicks off from the Top of the Town (Rathmore Rd) at 11 am, leading to St Patrick’s Day Mass in The Sacred Heart Church at 11:30 am.

Everyone is encouraged to participate in any way possible.

Clonaslee
St Patrick's Day promises to be as colourful as ever in Clonaslee.

There will be prizes for floats across several categories, including best vintage, best dressed dog, most original, most entertaining, best club and best school. There we be an overall cash prize of €600 for the best overall float.

Entries in the parade must meet at Clonaslee Community Centre from 11am with the parade starting at noon.

Rosenallis
All are welcome to take part which will be at the earlier time of 2.30pm.

Floats to assemble at Johnsgrove at 2 pm. Walkers to assemble at the Church of Ireland at 2:15 pm. Prizes for Best Floats and Best Dressed Dog.

Gather at the Community Centre from 3pm for entertainment and refreshments. Voluntary donations for refreshments are welcome to help send the Rosenallis NS pupils to the World Robotics Championship in St. Louis, Missouri.

Spink
St Patrick's day parade, Spink after 9.30 am mass (10.15), leaving church grounds via main road to Community Hall for refreshments. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Graiguecullen / Killeshin
Killeshin's parade assembles at the new school at 9.15 am to parade to Mass for 10am.

The Graiguecullen parade begins in Carlow town park, assembling from 10.30 am. The parade starts at 11 am, finishing at St Clare's Church for 11.30 am Mass.

Ballyroan
The parade starts after 9.30 mass at about 10.15 am at the Church grounds, going up and down Main Street to end at the old boys' school for refreshments and music.

The Grand Marshalls are social media influencers Charlie and Doireann O'Connor.

The Heath
The Parade returns again on March 17 with the organisers thrilled to announce fantastic prizes for the Best Floats sponsored by Keyes Transport. The event begins at the GAA Club at 8.45 pm and proceed to The Heath Church for 10.15 am Mass.

To get involved, contact Marie on 087-9747323.

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH ALL THE ST PATRICK'S DAY NEWS HERE

Abbeyleix/Mountmellick

Due to logistical and operational reasons, there will be no Parade in Abbeyleix. The town will still be decorated around the big day. Local businesses and households are encouraged to get in the decorating mood, with a small prize for the home and business that is deemed best decked out by the judges.

There will be a public consultation on future St Patrick’s Day festivities in the town later in the year.

At the time of going to press no parade was planned for Mountmellick