St Patrick’s Day Parades Accessibility Information 2018

La Fhéile Pádraig sona daoibh!
We are getting ready to celebrate. The following St Patrick’s Day parades have special measures in place to ensure that their events are as inclusive as possible. Here’s what you need to know about…
 

Dublin

 

The theme for this years Dublin parade is ‘Home is Where the Heart is’. Bands from far and wide and extravagant floats will entertain the hundreds of thousands of people who line the streets.
Everyone can enjoy this magnificent spectacle. There are a number of designated viewing areas for people with disabilities with 3 locations for wheelchair users. They are on O’Connell Street, Westmoreland Street and in front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
For people with special needs, but who are not dependent on a wheelchair, there is  an area on O’Connell Street which is referred to as Priority Viewing.
However all of these areas have limited capacity, so they are available on a first come first served basis.
You can apply here. But act fast as this is likely to book out soon.
 
A special mention this year must go to the Tallaght St Patrick’s Day parade. Their parade will be one of the first festivals in the country to be ‘fully accessible’, thanks to a new public toilet facility for adults and children with physical disabilities called Mobiloo. This would be a perfect parade for anyone in Dublin who wants to avoid the city centre. Find out more here.
 

Cork

 

Celebrating the theme of ‘Democracy For All – 100 Years of the Vote for Women’, the Cork City Parade will be a carnival of colour, music,  pageantry and comic fun.
An area on Patrick’s street will be designated for wheelchair users and those with special needs. Furthermore there will be ISL interpreter services at the Viewing Stand (Located on St. Patrick’s Street in front of Carey’s Lane). For further information on accessing this service, contact the Cork St. Patrick’s Festival office at stpatricksfestival@corkcity.ie or telephone 021-4924344/021-4924736.
Find out more about the parade here.
 
 

Waterford

The theme of this year’s parade in Waterford is ‘Our Viking Heritage’. The action starts at 1pm. A fantastic family spectacle with lots of great places to view the parade along the route. There will be a designated area on the Mall (outside Waterford Crystal) for wheelchair users. No advance booking is required. Find out more here.
 

Limerick

 

 
Limerick’s St. Patrick’s Festival celebrations will burst into life at midday. ‘Circus 250’ is the theme for this year’s parade, commemorating 250 years since the first circus was performed.
The Parade will start at O’Connell Ave. (Wolfe Tone St. junction) at 12 noon and end at Merchant’s Quay.  Limerick has lovely wide streets and excellent paving in the city centre.  As a result you are sure to find a good spot to watch the action. This year the viewing area is on O’Connell St (outside Penny’s)  If you require any further information, have specific requirements or want to reserve a place contact festivalsandevents@limerick.ie or call (061) 525031 for assistance.
Find out more about the parade here.
 

Kilkenny

 

The theme for the 2018 parade is ‘Kilkenny through the Ages’. Along with the parade the city will be buzzing with food stalls and street performers.  There is even a gorgeous Vintage Fairground as well! The main viewing stage will be relocated this year to the crossing area between Left Bank and Willobeys. There will be a designated viewing area for wheelchair users and those with special needs in front of the stage near the castle. Definitely  you will get a great view of all the day’s action from here.  You do not need to book in advance.
Find out more about the parade here.
 

Galway

 

The city of Galway is adept at parades, festivals and celebrations.  This year the iconic fountain in Eyre Square will even turn green as part of the St Patrick’s Day celebrations.  The Parade will start at 11.30am and finish at approximately 1.00pm. This year’s parade highlights include Macnas, Galway Arts Centre, Colours Street Theatre, An Taibhdhearc Theatre and Galway Theatre Festival with community groups such as Foróige, GAA clubs, Amnesty International and The Russian Culture Club creating a kaleidoscope of of Galway’s rich mix of cultural and ethnic diversity.
Of course the organisers have thought of everyone. A designated viewing area is located on Eyre Square for wheelchair users and those with special needs across from the Grandstand.  The bus shelters will provide protection from the elements. So even the rain won’t dampen your spirits! Also, ramps will be in place for ease of access. There is no need to book in advance.   Furthermore an Irish Sign Language interpreter will be on the Grandstand ensuring that no-one will miss out on the festivities!
Find out more about the parade here..
 
Obviously these are just a few of the hundreds of parades taking place all over the country on St Patrick’s Day. We have over 140 listed in 2018 Parades Blog. Sign up here to save your favourites.
 
And for a full list of events visit here. We try to include accessibility information on all events throughout the year.
Finally all details were correct at time of publication. Please confirm with the organisers before you travel.
 

Happy St Patrick’s Day