St Patrick’s Day is celebrated in towns, villages and cities right across Ireland, and in plenty of cities around the world too. The centrepiece of the day is usually the parade — local, national and international clubs, schools, businesses and community groups turn out to showcase music, dance, drama and all sorts of skills. Crowds of hundreds or even thousands gather to enjoy the spectacle, which makes it a brilliant family day out, but one that goes a lot more smoothly with a little planning.
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Between us, we’ve watched and taken part in more St Patrick’s Day Parades than we can count over the years. They’re always great fun for kids and adults alike, and a day to celebrate being Irish. Having stood through rain, hail, snow and blistering sun, here are our top 10 essentials for the St Patrick’s Day Parade.
Essentials for Going to a St Patrick’s Day Parade
#1. Put Your Best Foot Forward
Comfortable shoes are top of the list when it comes to going to the St Patrick’s Day Parade. You could be standing or walking for a couple of hours, and if you’ve got little ones in tow, you’ll probably end up carrying them at some point too.
#2. Layer Up
The weather in March is always unpredictable. The best way to combat this is to wear layers of clothing that can be easily added to or removed as you freeze or bake. Remember to pack the sunscreen and the umbrella too — you may well need both in the same afternoon.
#3. Fly the Flag
If your children are in school or preschool, they’ll most likely arrive home with flags, badges, hats and other bits and pieces in green, white and gold, made especially for St Patrick’s Day. If the weather allows, get them out to wave as the parade goes past, or pick up a small tricolour to shake and join in the fun.
#4. Something Green
Whether you go all out with a full green outfit or just pin on a bunch of shamrocks, it’s good fun to get into the spirit of the day by going green. From hats and hair slides to green shoes or wellies, jumpers, jackets, and face-painted flags and shamrocks — get creative this St Patrick’s Day!
#5. Thirsty Work
All that waiting, shouting, walking and cheering is thirsty work. If you’ve children with you, chances are it will be strictly water for the day! Pack drinks for yourself and the kids, as nearby shops can sell out fast on parade day. Do keep an eye on how much everyone drinks though — you don’t want to lose your spot to a string of toilet trips, especially if facilities are hard to find nearby.
#6. Get There Early!
No matter how big or small your local parade is, one thing is guaranteed: the crowd will be two or more deep in places. To get your perfect spot, get there early.
For younger children, bring a buggy. It may be a bit cumbersome to manoeuvre, but you’ll be glad of it after the first hour of waiting for the action to start. Slightly older children usually end up sitting or standing along the kerb — just make sure you can see them at all times, and agree on a meeting point in case you get separated.
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#7. Make Some Noise
Get into the party atmosphere with a whistle, hooter, horn or other “musical” instrument. It’s a great way to cheer on those marching, and it saves your voice too!
#8. Food Glorious Food
Pack plenty of snacks and small bites — crackers, sweet treats, filled rolls, fruit — to keep the troops fuelled and happy for the parade. Stock up in advance where you can, as shops near the parade route may be tricky to get to on the day itself.
You may also enjoy — 8 Fun and Easy St Patrick’s Day Recipes the Kids will Love
#9. Power Up
You’ll want plenty of photos and videos of the parade as it passes, and of the kids enjoying it. Make sure your phone has lots of storage and a full battery before you head out, and it’s no harm to pack a portable power bank just in case.
#10. Stepping Up
Our final suggestion might sound a bit unusual, but it’s a genuine parade day-saver we’ve seen in action: a small, sturdy step stool. One family we spotted had three children — one in a buggy, one tall enough to see over the crowd, and for the child in the middle, a small step stool set up right in front of a parent. The little one was able to stand tall and see every act as it passed.
A portable stool works just as well. Plenty of families already use one for sports days or swim meets, and it earns its place at the parade too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to a St Patrick’s Day Parade with kids?
Comfortable shoes, layered clothing, drinks, snacks, something green to wear, a flag or noisemaker, and a fully charged phone are the real essentials. A buggy or a small stool for younger children makes a big difference too.
How early should we arrive to get a good spot?
Parades tend to draw large crowds quickly, so arriving well ahead of the start time gives you the best chance of a spot where children can actually see the action.
What if the weather is bad?
Irish March weather can swing from sunshine to showers in the same afternoon, so dressing in layers and packing both sunscreen and an umbrella covers most eventualities.
Is it easy to buy food and drink near the parade route?
Nearby shops can sell out quickly on parade day, so it’s worth packing your own snacks and drinks in advance rather than relying on buying them on the day.
Related Articles
- Download Your Free St Patrick’s Day Word Search
- 8 Fun and Easy St Patrick’s Day Recipes the Kids will Love
- More St Patrick’s Day activities and family days out
Save These Ideas for Later
Heading to a parade this year? Save this list of essentials so it’s handy on the morning of St Patrick’s Day, and browse our other St Patrick’s Day activity ideas while you’re planning your day out.
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