An bhfuil tú réidh don Chraic? Tá Féile Pádraig Bhré 2026 deimhin linn!
Tá Bré réidh d’Fhéile Phádraig 2026, agus í ag filleadh le clár fairsing imeachtaí! I mbliana, tá muid bródúil as onóir a thabhairt dár n-oidhreacht agus dár spiorad pobail le ceiliúradh fuinniúil ar éagsúlacht chultúrtha.
Ón Aoine, an 13ú Márta go dtí an Chéadaoin, an 18ú Márta, beidh Bré ar bís le sceitimíní. Cuireann féile na bliana seo sé lá de spraoi teaghlaigh gan stad ar fáil—ón bparáid iomráiteach go ceolchoirmeacha fuinniúla agus sult cois trá.
Tum tú féin san atmaisféar féiltiúil agus glac páirt i ngníomhaíocht uathúil folláine nó siúlóid stairiúil léargasach.
Ready For The Craic? St. Patrick’s Festival 2026 Has Arrived!
Bray is ready for the 2026 St. Patrick’s Festival, returning with an extensive programme of events! This year, we are proud to honour our heritage and community spirit with a high-energy celebration of cultural diversity. From Friday, March 13th to Wednesday, March 18th, Bray will be buzzing with excitement. This year’s festival offers six days of non-stop family fun, from the legendary parade to high-energy gigs and seafront thrills. Dive into the festive atmosphere and join a unique wellness activity and an insightful historical walk.
Jonathan Donnelly, President of the Bray & District Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to kick off 2026 with such a massive burst of energy! This festival is our chance to show the incredible heart and soul of Bray. It’s about more than just a celebration; it’s about a community coming together to create something truly electric that sparks joy for every visitor and gives our local economy a fantastic green boost!”
Pictures above are Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Melanie Corrigan; Bray Chamber President Jonathan Donnelly; Bray MD Cathaoirleach, Cllr Erika Doyle; and Brian Wildes of Wicklow County Council with Saint Patrick, showing off the 2026 festival guide.
The 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the festival’s crown jewel and a definitive highlight for the community. Kicking off at 2 pm from Town Hall, this vibrant procession is a masterclass in community spirit and cultural diversity. Don’t miss the spectacle as over 2,000 participants showcase their talents while winding their way down to the Seafront in a brilliant display of colour and creativity. To ensure everyone can enjoy the festivities comfortably, a Quiet Zone will be located along Seymour Road for those who prefer a lower-sensory experience, and a dedicated wheelchair-accessible viewing area is located adjacent to the main viewing stand. Space in these areas is limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
We are incredibly proud to announce Dylan Kavanagh as our 2026 Grand Marshal. As the reigning Bray Person of the Year, Dylan is being honoured for his selfless dedication to families navigating health crises through The Shauna Kavanagh Foundation.
Road closures will be in place on Tuesday, March 17th, from 1 pm until after 3 pm to facilitate the Parade route. Roads affected include Main Street, Florence Road, Eglinton Road, Quinsboro Road, Seymour Road, Seapoint Road, Strand Road and surrounding junctions.
Cllr Erika Doyle, Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District, added: “There is a magic in the air in Bray during St. Patrick’s week that you just won’t find anywhere else! Our 2026 lineup is bursting with inclusivity and pride, offering a spectacular mix of tradition and modern flair. I can’t wait to see the streets filled with smiles as we welcome the world to join our incredible celebration of heritage and home!”
Festival Guide (Click on the image to download)
Having trouble accessing our festival map above? Download it here – Please consider the environment before printing!
This year’s St. Patrick’s Festival has something for the whole family. Take a look at the line-up:
Friday, March 13th
Bird’s Euroshow Funfair: Making its welcome return to Bray Seafront, opening on Friday, March 13th, at 2 pm, then daily from 11 am to 10 pm until Tuesday, March 17th. Top-class family entertainment is assured, featuring numerous children’s rides and family attractions.
Mixed-Media Magic Workshops: Head to Bray Chamber House at 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm for a colourful blast with White Doodle Art for ages 5+. Sign up for free here!
Funny Focail Comedy Gig: Kick off your festival celebrations with Funny Focail, a unique free bilingual comedy night at Frank Duffs that blends Gaeilge and English for a night of accessible, high-energy laughs. Headlined by the “terrifically impressive” Aideen McQueen—a regular on RTE and TG4 and a Dublin Fringe nominee—the show is expertly guided by Bray’s own Louise O’Toole and co-founder Diane O’Connor. Whether you are a fluent speaker or just looking to revive your “rusty” Leaving Cert Irish, this free event offers the perfect space to practice a cúpla focal in a hilarious, welcoming environment. Doors open at 7:30 pm for an 8:30 pm start in the new function room. This is a free event, but capacity is limited. Please register here for a free ticket to guarantee entry.
Live Music Sessions: Nightlife kicks off with Music Bingo at The Palm and Goldsmiths (9 pm), Robin McGuinness and Scott Maher at The Martello (9 pm), and Mute the TV at The Harbour Bar (9:30 pm).
Saturday, March 14th
The seafront stays buzzing as Bird’s Euroshow Funfair opens at 11 am until 10 pm, offering a full day of high-flying thrills, classic carnival games, and family-friendly attractions.
Vintage Car Display: The Bray Vintage Car Club showcases a stunning collection of classic vehicles opposite the Bandstand from 2 pm to 4 pm.
Rugby on the Big Screen: Cheer on the boys in Green as the Six Nations clash between Ireland and Scotland is shown live on a large outdoor screen at the Bandstand at 2 pm!
Live Music Sessions: Evening highlights include Mac Fhearraigh (6 pm) and Body & Soul (9:30 pm) at the Boomerang Bar, Derek Quigley in the Beer Garden and the Juke Brothers in the Piano Lounge at the Martello (9 pm), Take Two at the Promenade Bar and Grill (9 pm), Seb & Sam at The Palm (9 pm), Simon Gin at Butler & Barry (9 pm), The Led Bellies at The Harbour Bar (9:30 pm), and VOCI at The Wild Goose (10 pm).
Sunday, March 15th
Seafront Rise and Reset: Join Macha Yoga Studio and Helios Saunas on Bray Seafront for an invigorating morning of wellness. This revitalising morning features heart-opening kirtan with Manasi Sridhar, uplifting yoga led by Alice Vignoles, and restorative sound healing by Dervila O’Sullivan. Two session blocks (starting at 9:00 am and 10:10 am) offer participants the perfect opportunity to find balance and connection ahead of the Spring Equinox.
To complete the experience, guests can book a complimentary 30-minute session at the Helios Rooftop Sauna, featuring panoramic sea views, hot pools, and cold plunges. (Sauna pre-booking required at heliossauna.ie).
Participants should meet on the north side of the green (opposite Catalyst) with a yoga mat and warm layers. The morning concludes with a community gathering at Catalyst for coffee and conversation.
Head to the promenade from 11 am to experience the electric atmosphere of Bird’s EuroShow Funfair, where world-class rides provide the ultimate Sunday afternoon of entertainment.
Free Family Entertainment at the Bandstand: Enjoy a Puppet Show by Julie-Rose McCormick (12 pm), free face painting (12 pm – 2 pm), a Hip Hop Dance Off with Studio X (1 pm), and an Open-Air Céilí (2 pm).
A Celebration of Traditional Music: A free, informal session showcasing Wicklow’s finest talent at the Mermaid Arts Centre from 2 pm to 4 pm. Read more here.
Guided Historical Walk & Talk: Explore the rich history of Bray with the Bray Cualann Society. Meeting at Bray Chamber House at 3 pm.
Live Music Sessions: As evening approaches, the music continues with house favourites at The Harbour Bar (from 4:30 pm), LR Project (6:30 pm) and The Ceolin’ Stones (8 pm) at Frank Duffs, Scott Maher at the Martello Beer Garden (6:30 pm), Gypsy Lacy at The Promenade Bar and Grill (9 pm), and Ed Keating Jnr at the Boomerang Bar (9 pm).
Monday, March 16th
The Bank Holiday buzz reaches the shore at 11 am as the Bird’s Euroshow Funfair serves as the heart of the St. Patrick’s Eve celebrations, offering a spectacular array of world-class rides and festive energy late into the evening.
Live Music Sessions: The music continues with Niall and Tom at The Palm (8 pm), the Trad Session at The Promenade Bar and Grill (9 pm), live sessions at The Harbour Bar (9:30 pm), and Stereo Jacks at The Wild Goose (10 pm).
Tuesday, March 17th – St. Patrick’s Day
Catch the final day of Bird’s Euroshow Funfair from 11 am to 10 pm, as the promenade reaches peak excitement for one last blast of world-class rides and festive seafront thrills.
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade: The definitive festival highlight kicks off at 2 pm from Town Hall.
Post-Parade Music: The town erupts into celebration with Derek Quigley (4 pm), Leah & Will (6:15 pm), and the Juke Brothers (8:30 pm) at the Martello Beer Garden, Paul & Friends at The Palm (4 pm), live music at The Harbour Bar (from 4:30 pm), and Paddy O’Byrne at The Promenade Bar and Grill (6 pm).
Wednesday, March 18th
A Musical Farewell: The Boomerang Brass Band provides a grand finale with performances at The Martello Hotel (2:30 pm) and The Boomerang Bar (5:30 pm).
Multi-Day Activities
Don’t forget the festival staples: the Family Treasure Hunt, offering an adventurous day for all ages (Questionnaire can be accessed here). It’s all just for fun—and a great way to see the best of Bray while celebrating the festival weekend!
Bray Goes Green, where local landmarks are lit spectacularly in green nightly.
While the Mermaid Arts Centre is at the heart of the action all weekend long. From high-energy FREE trad sessions featuring Wicklow’s finest musicians to the vibrant New Gallery exhibition opening of A Playful River, there is something for everyone to discover! See the full schedule here.
Scroll down this page to view and download the festival map, participate in the festival competition to win a Funfair Family Golden Ticket, listen to the festival’s Homegrown Irish Music Spotify Playlist, learn how to get to Bray and more.
All events are subject to change without notice and may be dependent on weather.
Be sure to stay up to date with Bray’s St. Patrick’s Festival event news and updates by following bray.ie on X, Facebook or on Instagram.
Birds Euroshow Funfair Golden Ticket Giveaway
The giveaway for the Birds Euroshow Funfair Golden Ticket is now officially closed. We’d like to thank everyone who participated.
The competition deadline of 6 pm on Sunday, March 8th, 2026, has passed.
Festival competition comprised of a Funfair Family Golden Ticket (unlimited funfair access throughout St. Patrick’s Day (Tuesday, March 17th 2026). A family can consist of only two adults and up to three children!
Important Information
The winner will be contacted directly via the contact information provided.
Please note that the Golden Ticket is non-transferable and remains subject to the full terms and conditions.
A huge thank you to Bird’s Euroshow Funfair for partnering with us to provide this prize and for their continued support of the festival.
The full terms and conditions are available to read here.
Homegrown Irish Music Spotify Playlist 2026
Listen up, are you a local artist or band and want to feature on our #PaddysBray ‘Homegrown Irish Music’ Spotify playlist for 2026? Well, send your Spotify link to info@bray.ie for consideration. Listen to the playlist here.
2026 Festival Map – (Click on the image to download)
Having trouble accessing our festival map above? Download it here – Please consider the environment before printing!
There’s plenty to keep you and your family busy between events, so why not make a break for Bray this St. Patrick’s long weekend
Take a dip in the waters of our beach if you’re brave enough, explore our incredible coastline or open up your imagination by exploring the award-winning Brave Maeve Story Trail. Go Tenpin Bowling at Bray Bowl, enjoy a world of entertainment all under one roof at Star Amusements or make a splash with family and friends at Shoreline’s swimming pool.
Bray is the perfect destination, whether it’s a family holiday or simply a weekend break this spring. Why not plan your visit by utilising our award-winning website? Simply hit the menu button to explore things to see and do, eat and drink, places to stay + more.
Traffic Restrictions
Road closures will be in place on St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th) from 1 pm until after 3 pm to facilitate the St. Patrick’s Day Bray Parade. Roads affected include Main Street, Florence Road, Eglinton Road, Quinsboro Road, Seymour Road, Seapoint Road, Strand Road and surrounding junctions. Further details regarding the closures can be found here.
Getting to Bray
Getting to Bray couldn’t be simpler as the town has a substantial public transport network, both north from Dublin and south from County Wicklow and County Wexford. Please plan your journey here.
Bray’s St. Patrick’s Festival is proudly brought to you by Bray and District Chamber of Commerce, bray.ie and Bray Municipal District, Wicklow County Council. Bray.ie is the trading name of Bray Tourism.
Join the conversation – Festival hashtags are #StPatricksFestivalBray #PaddysBray #PaddysBré #Bray #LoveBray.
Thank you!
A huge thank you goes out to our incredible sponsors, committee members, volunteers, council clean teams, service providers, participants, and emergency services—it’s your passion and hard work that bring this festival to life!
Parade Participating Groups
The St. Patrick’s Festival Committee is proud to acknowledge the essential contributions of our partners across the business, artistic, and civic sectors. A production of this scale requires immense coordination and generosity; our success is a direct reflection of the commitment shown by the local clubs and organisations involved. We are sincerely grateful for the vital role you play in upholding this tradition and ensuring a world-class parade for all to enjoy.
Your participation was vital, and we couldn’t have achieved it without your help:
- 5th Wicklow Bray Sea Scouts
- 11th Wicklow Kilmacanogue Scout Group
- 12th Wicklow Scout Group
- Ardmore Rovers Football Club
- ATC Language School
- Bears of Bray
- Bray Emmets GAA Club
- Bray Fire Service
- Bray Hockey Club
- Bray Irish Girl Guides
- Bray Lions Club
- Bray Tidy Towns
- Bray Vintage Car Club
- Ciranda Ireland
- Crumlin Community Band
- Dancers Workshop Academy
- Defence Forces Colour Party
- East Coast FM
- Fragarach Medieval Armoured Combat
- Gerry Martin and Ruby the Collie
- Grand Marshal – Dylan Kavanagh
- Greystones/Wicklow Coast Guard Unit
- Imperial Bathrooms and Floorings
- Ireland China Education College
- Jai Sua Martial Arts
- Lakers Social & Recreational Club
- Lawless Academy of Irish Dancing
- Living Life Counselling Centre Bray
- Masters Temple Martial Arts
- Scoil Rince Fáinne Irish Dancing
- Shankill GAA
- Shauna McGauran Irish Dancing School
- Signal Arts Centre
- Southside Chinese Residents Association
- Square One Theatre Group
- St Patrick’s Loreto Primary School
- Studio X Dance Group
- Takedown Martial Arts
- The Boomerang Band
- The Daredevil Circus
- The Over the Hill Motorcycle Gang
- Wicklow Civil Defence