'One of the most imaginative parades ever': Colour and cheer in Cork city for St Patrick's Day
of Joan Denise Moriarty School of Dance pictured in the 2025 Cork St Patrick’s Day parade which is organised by Cork City Council. Picture: Clare Keogh
From South Mall to Merchant's Quay, thousands of revellers, hailing from far flung corners of the world, came together to celebrate today's St Patrick’s Day parade in Cork city.
With spectators in their best shamrock shirts and Guinness hats lining the streets from early morning, the threat of a rainy day didn’t stop the festivities as this year’s celebration saw more than 3,000 participants from 57 groups band together to honour our patron saint.
This year’s parade, with a theme of , kicked off at 1pm from the junction of South Mall and Parnell Place, before following its usual route along Grand Parade, up Patrick St and finishing on Merchant’s Quay.
With flags flying and spirits high, the festivities began with a special performance from Cork’s own Kabin Crew, who, as grand marshalls, performed their hit song, .
Speaking to , Cyril Kavanagh from the northside of Cork city said the “atmosphere and the craic” is what brought him in to see this year’s parade.
“I’m not looking to see anyone in particular, I’m just in with my three grandkids and we’ll have a bit of fun together,” said Mr Kavanagh.
“There’ll be plenty of craic about, that’s what we all look for,” he added.
“I do think it’s good to celebrate St Patrick’s Day, [but] I'd celebrate anything.”
Other local groups and community associations featured in the parade included Connolly Dance Studios, the Cork Renegades, Sanctuary Runners, the Sudanese Community Association, Cork City Judo Club and the Ukrainian Community Choir ‘Kalyna’.
There were also a number of first-time participating groups from further afield this year, such as The High School Spartan Legion Marching Band from Colorado and Batala, as well as representation for the Armenian community in Cork.
The Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Dan Boyle said: “[This year was] one of the most colourful and imaginative parades we've ever had.
Spanish Au-Pair, Martha, who was ed by some of her friends from Seville, said she and her group were looking forward to a full day of St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
“I think St Patrick's Day is good craic, we’re out for the day to see the parade and the atmosphere is lovely,” said Martha.
“I don’t know who’s performing but we’re looking forward to seeing everything.
“When I first came to Cork last year, I didn't expect things to be like this – we don’t have an image of Ireland more than Dublin in Spain, so when I came over I was going in blind, but after a month of living here, I loved it.
“Tonight [after the parade] we’ll go for a pint, probably a Guinness or Murphys, and hang around to see what else is going on.”
Friends Eileen Fleming, Mark Hakim, Rob Wilkins and Elaine Wilkins, who travelled to Cork from the UK to attend the parade, said they were looking forward to checking off a few other stops on their bucket list over their three-night stay.
“We’re excited to be here, it’s something we’ve never done before,” said Ms Fleming.
“It’s my second time in Cork, but first time at the parade.
“I’m from St Helen’s [in Merseyside] but I’m 25% Irish - I’m an O’Neill, from Cork and Munster.
“We decided to come as part of our 40th wedding anniversary.
“We love the warmth of the people here [in Cork], it’s great.”
She added: “We’re just going to enjoy the craic [while we’re here], we’ll go for a drink [after the parade] - we’ll have to have a Guinness.
“Tomorrow then we’ll go visit Cobh, and I’d like to see the Blarney Castle too and kiss the stone."
Also travelling over from the UK, Cork native Amber O’Sullivan, who lives in London, said: “I’ve been saying for the last few years that I wanted to come back for St Patrick’s Day.
“We’re just here for the craic, to see what it’s about, see how many people turn up and to enjoy the enthusiasm.
“I expected the weather - to rain on St Patrick's Day, even a little, seems fitting for Ireland.”
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