Moville prepares to celebrate St Patrick’s Day, with live music and events for all

Moville is preparing for its annual St Patrick’s Day parade, with thousands expected to arrive in the town to join in the celebrations for our Patron Saint by the shores of Lough Foyle.

Organisers have planned a weeklong series of events in addition to the main parade, which kicks off at the traditional time of 2.30pm on Tuesday, March 17.

The 2026 programme will feature a variety of community events, as well as open-air live music, marching bands, colourful floats and much more, with festivities taking place from March 13-20.

The festival also includes a float competition with a top prize of €1,000 for the winner and €500 for the runner-up. Floats may follow themes such as topical, original, traditional, artistic, humorous, or sustainable, and floats from all areas are encouraged to take part.

Chair of the organising committee, Eamon McLaughlin, has been playing the role of St Patrick in Moville for more than three decades.

He says the day brings everyone together in good spirits, while also providing a timely economic boost for the town.

“It’s a great opportunity for our entire community to come out together to celebrate our national day, along with people from throughout the country, and indeed throughout the world,” Eamon said.

“It’s nice to be a part of that locally, nationally and to have that link with our diaspora. It’s an occasion for all age groups, for everybody; it’s just a fun day out.”

Eamon says people need a lift after the winter, and with all the doom and gloom in the world today, and St Patrick’s Day helps to provide that.

“There’s always a feel-good factor throughout the day; people are in good spirits, with smiles on their faces, and they’re all dressed up.”

“I think it’s important to have that wee boost now and again, and a community day out is good for doing that.”

The committee is encouraging people from far and wide to come to Moville for St Patrick’s Day this year, with top prizes on offer for the best floats once again.

“We do want people to know that it’s a parade that’s held in Moville, but it’s not just for Moville, it’s for the wider community in the north-west and beyond.”

“We want floats from everywhere; they’re more than welcome,” Eamon added, before praising the work of the committee.

“I couldn’t praise them high enough for all the time and effort they’ve put into it this year. They have dedicated themselves to making the day special for everyone.”

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The festival begins on Friday, March 13, with a book launch (Seoladh Leabhair) at the Maritime Museum at 7pm. Later that evening, bingo will take place in St Eugene’s Hall at 9pm, followed at 10pm by an Irish-themed quiz in Rosato’s.

On Saturday, March 14, a Pop-Up Gaeltacht will be hosted in Annie’s Bar at 7.30pm, providing an opportunity for people to gather and speak Irish in a social setting.

Events continue on Sunday, March 15, with a 5km Fun Run starting at The Big Tree at 10am, while the following day, on Monday, March 16, there will be an evening of traditional Irish music and dance (Ceol agus Rince Traidisiúnta) in Annie’s Bar from 9.30pm.

The main St Patrick’s Day celebrations will take place on Tuesday, March 17. The parade will begin at 2.30pm, with music in the Square by Irish folk rock group ‘The Porter Bellys’ from 2pm-5pm.

The festival will conclude on Friday, March 20, with the presentation of prizes at The Corner Bar at 9pm.

Spectators on the big day are asked to follow directions from Gardaí and stewards, while everyone is encouraged to support the Lucky Shamrock Draw to keep the festival going.