What's St Patrick's Day without a parade? In Galway, the city's theatrical heritage guarantees a spectacular one, with street performances by the Macnas theatre group, who will be marching with their giant puppets and Youth Ensemble. The parade is the climax of a four-day celebration across the city, featuring family entertainment, vintage amusements and an outdoor craft village.

Experience the energy of Dublin's St Patrick's Festival, the world's largest celebration of Irish culture. A weekend of festivities, from traditional music and dance performances, treasure hunts and talks, culminates on Tuesday with Ireland's biggest parade through the streets of the capital, which kicks off at noon from Parnell Square. Highlights include pageants from Macnas, Bui Bolg, Spraoi and the Inishowen Carnival, as well as performances from global marching bands such as the Campo Verde High School Coyote Pride Marching Band, Morrison's Academy Pipe Band and the Pendleton Heights Marching Band. 

Of course, the fun doesn't stop with Galway and Dublin. The whole country comes alive with their own twist on St Patrick's Day, with parades that represent the history behind each county. 

There’s plenty taking place in Limerick over the long weekend. With the theme 'Legends of Limerick', this year's St Patrick's Festival Limerick will be a celebration of the people, stories and moments that have shaped the Treaty City. On Sunday, the 54th edition of the Limerick International Band Championship will see marching bands from all over the world taking to the streets in the hopes of winning the big title. 

In medieval Kilkenny, the St Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny will include acrobatic performances, American marching bands, street food and a vintage carousel alongside the centrepiece parade, all following this year's theme of 'Together – Le Chéile'. There will also be a special walking tour which will dive into the city's medieval (and sometimes magical) past.  

The city's Smithwick's Experience is also getting in on the action by hosting their own St Patrick's Day Festival over the weekend. In the home of Ireland's oldest ale you can catch live music sessions, including a performance from Irish folk group Abbeyfolk. Plus, you get free entry if your name is Patrick, Patricia or any variation of the patron saint's name.

Alongside the St Patrick’s Day festivities, the concurrent Kilkenny Tradfest brings free trad gigs, live sessions and folk music in several venues around the city, including trad pubs and St Canice's Cathedral.

Arthur Guinness' birthplace will come alive for the Celbridge St Patrick's Day Festival in Kildare. Taking place on March 17, the day's schedule is full of a variety of family-friendly entertainment, including international marching bands, homegrown musical talents and a pre-parade concert. Then it's time for the main event: the parade. This year's spectacle is inspired by Gulliver's Travels, so bring the kiddos along and admire the other worldly floats. 

The streets of Sligo will turn into a sea of floats and performers for the Sligo St Patrick's Festival parade on March 17. This year's festivities will explore local Irish folklore along the theme of 'Legends Live Here'. Head to Queen Maeve Square for headlining acts like The Tumbling Paddies, The Dublin City Ramblers and One for the Road. 

There’s a jam-packed schedule of events in Cork, from the main parade on St Patrick’s Day to a flurry of activity all over the city. Take a guided tour of Blackrock Castle Observatory or head to Nano Nagle Place and browse work from Irish designers. Little ones can follow the Snake Hunt, while adults can enjoy a chuckle at a stand-up gig in the City Limits – The Cork Comedy Club's. Plus, trad sessions will be held throughout the festival at pubs around the city.

Down in West Cork, you can celebrate at the Kinsale St Patrick's Day Parade with face painting, balloon modelling and live music. The colourful town is also hosting a special Evening Maritime Parade on March 16. Kicking off at 7.30pm on Kinsale Harbour, lit up boats will dazzle on the water while musical performances and family activities will be in full swing on land, all before the incredible fireworks display wraps up the evening. 

Although Waterford hosted Ireland’s first-ever St Patrick’s Day parade in 1903, the St Patrick’s Day Festival Waterford has much more on offer than its parade.

Take in sweeping festival views from the comfort of a river cruise, pick up a new skill at the Celtic Knotwork workshop or admire the talent showcased at the Irish Dancing Booley House Trad Show. Younger visitors will be drawn to the City Centre Fairground and the Wobbly Circus, while those keen on history can explore the county’s heritage on one of the walking tours over the five-day celebration. 

In Kerry, St Patrick’s Festival Killarney will celebrate with 'Echoes of Killarney Future', where colourful floats to imagine what's next for Killarney in the years to come. 

The festival kicks off on March 13 with an evening of artistic performances delivered by the West End School of Arts in the Great Southern Hotel. Then it's time for Ablefest, Ireland's first-ever inclusive festival for people with additional needs. This daytime festival takes place on the 15th and features sensory rest and accessible spaces, food and dancing. 

If you have little ones, bring them along to the Great Duck Dash on March 14, and cheer on your selected champion as a family. 

Over in Sneem, the love of St Patrick will be fully on display during the village's parade and day fair. From live animals and street entertainment to a wide range of market stalls, there will be plenty to keep you occupied. 

For the devout (and those who love climbing hills), climbing Croagh Patrick is a St Patrick’s Day rite of passage. Every year, hundreds of people climb Westport’s holy mountain, where St Patrick is said to have fasted at the summit for 40 days. It’s a challenging climb but the views from the top are spectacular, with all of Clew Bay spread out before you. 

If you don’t want to climb all the way to the top, you can hike to the first viewpoint to get a sampling of the scenery and the smattering of tiny islands in the bay.  

On March 14, the entire country will be on tenterhooks as Ireland squares off against Scotland in their final Six Nations rugby championship match on home turf. Get into the match-day spirit by watching with other rugby fans in one of Ireland’s cosiest pubs or one of Dublin's best rugby pubs. 

The parade in Wexford town is set to take place again this year, following the scenic route along the quayfront. While the parade itself will be bustling with street performers and musicians, there will also be a designated quiet area for people with sensory issues. 

Gorey is hosting a colourful celebration, with this year's parade theme set as "Carnival," and all attendees are encouraged to wear their most vibrant outfits possible. Plus, there will be prizes given throughout the day so you may walk away a winner. 

Fancy getting active on the Bank Holiday weekend? The Mullingar Half-Marathon is taking place on St Patrick's Day, with a 21km route on flat but beautiful terrain. You’ll start in the town centre before taking in the nearby countryside, weaving along the Royal Canal and then back into Mullingar Town Park. There’s also a 5km run, if you’re not quite up for the full 21km. 

This particularly special parade links not only two towns, but two counties. The parade route connects the twin towns of Ballina in Clare and Killaloe in Tipperary, crossing the Killaloe Bridge over the River Shannon at the mouth of Lough Derg. There are prizes awarded on the day for the best floats, with plenty of local businesses and clubs getting into the creative spirit. After the parade, be sure to take the time to wander around both towns, where local homes and shops go to town with their patriotic decorations in the hopes of winning the prize of Best Dressed Window.