Sligo, Ireland – Sligo St. Patrick’s Festival is set to return this March with a vibrant programme of events, blending much-loved traditions with exciting new experiences for all ages. With the 2026 theme, “Legends Live Here”, the festival promises five days of celebration, culture and community spirit across Sligo town.

The Parade – March 17th

The centrepiece of the festival, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, returns on March 17th, following its traditional route through Sligo town. The parade will kick off at 12pm.

Family Fun & Cultural Highlights

• Sligo Rovers will be facing off against Shamrock Rovers on Friday 13 March in the Showgrounds. This is the one St. Patrick’s Festival event where wearing red is strongly encouraged over green!
• Music Generation Sligo will present a special showcase in a fully covered marquee at Queen Maeve’s Square on Monday 16 March, 6–8pm.This vibrant evening of live music will feature young musicians from across Music Generation Sligo programmes, including bands from the MGS Band Programme, a harp ensemble, youth and teen choirs (Sligo Youth Voices and Sligo Voice Collective), and 6th class students from Scoil Ursula, who take part in the Discovering and Performing Music primary school programme. The centrepiece of the event will be a special prequel performance offering audiences a first look at music developed through the Music Generation Sligo / Sligo Co Council Peace Plus project, Tuning into Social Inclusion, spearheaded by composer Stephen Doherty.
• After the parade on Tuesday 17 March from 2pm, families can enjoy the Shamrock Shuffle with Sligo legend Scruffy Duffy, featuring a kiddies’ disco and fun games.
• Sligo Abbey will open its historic doors for a special free family treasure hunt, complete with edible prizes, alongside a bespoke St. Patrick’s themed tour for history enthusiasts on Tuesday 17 March.
• The Avalon Centre will host a celebration of cultures from 2pm–4pm on Tuesday 17 March, with free entry for all.

Evening Entertainment & Trad Trail

As night falls, adults can enjoy live performances from Tumbling Paddies, One for the Road, and The Dublin City Ramblers in the Marquee in Queen Maeve Square.

A lively Trad Trail will run from Friday 13th to Tuesday 17th March, filling venues across town with traditional Irish music.

Free walking tours will take place on March 16th and 17th, with booking available via the official festival website.

A morning mountain hike hosted by North West Adventure Tours offers a unique start to your St. Patrick’s Day on March 17^th.

Accessibility for All

Through the Sligo NTE pilot, Accessoloo will operate in Queen Maeve Square from 12pm to 10:30pm on March 17th, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the celebrations. The fully accessible unit includes a lavatory, ceiling hoist, adult changing table, grab rails, and space for a disabled person and their companions or assistants.

Supporting Sligo’s Festival Spirit

The Sligo St. Patrick’s Festival is made possible through the funding and support of Sligo County Council, Sligo BID, Fáilte Ireland, and the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport. A special thanks is also given to the voluntary Festival committee.

SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division

Gates Open 6.30pm, Kick-Off 7.45pm.

SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division

Gates Open 6.30pm, Kick-Off 7.45pm.

SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division

Gates Open 6.30pm, Kick-Off 7.45pm.

Hosted by Mícheál Kearney, this event aims to create a more casual environment for teens to try out something new, further develop their current performance skills or simply support their peers doing the same. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a first-timer, this event is the perfect opportunity to showcase your talents in front of a supportive audience.

Matouš Pěruška        violin

Kristina Vocetková   cello

Jan Vojtek, piano       piano

Programme

Judith Weir:                             O Viridissima

Beethoven:                              Piano Trio No. 3

Piece by Irish composer: tbc

Schubert:                                  Notturno in E – flat major

Ravel:                                         Piano Trio in A minor

Con Brio and Music Network are delighted to present award-winning Czech chamber ensemble Trio Bohémo, known for their dynamic performances and mastery of the classical piano trio repertoire.

Formed in 2019, the trio quickly garnered attention for their deep musicality and captivating performances. They have performed at leading international venues including Wigmore Hall and appeared at major festivals such as Prague Spring and Aldeburgh and now they are bringing their expressive artistry and technical brilliance to Irish audiences.

The programme will feature Schubert’s serenely beautiful Notturno in E-flat major alongside inspirational and dramatic works by Ravel and Beethoven, performed with the sensitivity and passion that have defined the trio’s international rise.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear one of Europe’s most exciting young chamber groups as they perform in Ireland for the first time.

Venue:                                        The Model, The Mall, Sligo

Admission:                                 €20/€10 students

Booking:                        The Model 071-9141405 or www.con-brio.org

Followed by Meet the Artists reception. All welcome.

Supported by Music Network & the  Arts Council

Supported by Seamus Concannon

Michael Trainor violin

Emily Holland violin

Miguel Sobrinho viola

Jessie Ann Richardson cello

Programme

Brahms: Quartet No.1 in C minor

Phibbs: Quartet No.4

Dvořák: Quartet No.13 in G major, Op.106

The Piatti Quartet return to the ‘Con Brio’ music series with a thrilling and varied programme. Brahms, who reportedly burnt many previous attempts at composing a string quartet, finally made a breakthrough in the 1870’s with his Quartet No.1 in C minor. The outer movements are full of drama and a rhythmic propulsion which keeps you on the edge of your seat while the inner movements are brimming with achingly tender lyrical lines.

Joseph Phibbs, who has family roots in Sligo, returns to the series after the Piattis performed his hugely popular String Quartet No.1 in 2015. Now 11 years later they present his String Quartet No.4, recently awarded 5* in BBC Music Magazine, which comprises five fascinating and contrasting musical vignettes.

The second half features the mighty Dvořák Quartet No.13 in G major.  Dvořák was ecstatic to be back home in his Czech homeland, and this comes through in every nuance and phrase, right from the opening birdsong – one of the most popular works with audiences that the Piatti Quartet have performed over their career.

Venue:                                        The Model, The Mall, Sligo

Admission:                                 €20/€10 students

Booking:                        The Model 071-9141405 or www.con-brio.org

Followed by Meet the Artists reception. All welcome.

Supported by the Arts Council

Supported by Erika and Gerard Collins, John Sharkey