Waterways Ireland Partners with St. Patrick’s Festival

Waterways Ireland is thrilled to support the national St. Patrick’s Festival in Dublin from 16-19 March, 2023.

This year, our partnership with the Festival team will celebrate our beloved Dublin Canals as one of 10 showpiece performances in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. With half a million spectators expected to line this year's route, we're proud to showcase and celebrate the history, heritage and recreational vibrancy of our Dublin canals as integral parts of our culture.

Look out for 'Uiscebhéal', a performance inspired by the values of sustainability and community that will highlight the role of the Grand and Royal Canals in the life of the city, as the parade passes by!

John Mc Donagh, Waterways Ireland CEO: “Our treasured historic canals are familiar welcoming places for generations, spaces for recreation, inspiration for artists and a sanctuary where nature can survive and thrive. It is a pleasure to have worked with the St. Patrick’s Festival team to recognise the significance of the Royal and Grand canals in Dublin through this wonderful performance.”

Richard Tierney, St. Patrick’s Festival CEO:

“We are delighted to partner with Waterways Ireland for another year, the team at St Patrick’s Festival has been working with its Dublin office to create an artistic piece celebrating the Dublin Canals. With Waterways Ireland support, the renown Autin Theatre Company will bring the tale of a 13 foot tall puppet surrounded by representations and performances of the Royal and Grand Canals; sharing Waterways Ireland vision of promoting life in the Dublin canals and the importance of our heritage. Our partnership with Waterways Ireland celebrates some of the most intrinsic and loved parts of Dublin and Ireland, we are thrilled to shine a light on the usage of the canals and the many ways we can all enjoy these great amenities.”

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Friday 17 March from 12 to 2pm, running from Parnell Square in the north of the city, down O'Connell Street and through the south side of the city, ending at the Cuffe St/Kevin St junction. The Parade will also be broadcast live on RTE One.