Gardai issue warning ahead of St. Patrick’s Festival in Kildare and nationwide

The St. Patrick's Festival commences today, Thursday, March 16 which runs through to Sunday March 19, 2023 and An Garda Síochána have issued warning for people planning to attend both local in Kildare and national events over the weekend.

The 2023 National St. Patrick’s Festival Parade will take place on Friday, March 17 2023 from 12pm noon until 2.30pm in Dublin City Centre. The parade will commence at 12pm at the junction of Granby Row and Dorset Street.

The National St. Patrick’s Day Festival Parade will follow the following route this year: Granby Row, Parnell Square North, Parnell Square East, O'Connell Street Upper, O'Connell Street Lower, O'Connell Bridge, Westmoreland Street, College Green, Dame Street, Lord Edward Street, Christ Church Place, Nicolas Street, Patrick Street, Kevin Street Upper Kevin Street Lower and finishing on Cuffe Street St.

To assist Gardaí with the policing of the parade, licence holders are requested to voluntarily refrain from selling off sales until after 4pm on March 17. Normal pub licensing hours are not affected. If you are attending any St. Patrick’s Day parade around the country:

• Plan your journey in advance.

• Select the area that you want to view the parade in advance of travelling.

• Arrive early.

• Keep children under close supervision. Where possible children should have phone numbers for their guardians in the event of accidental separation.

• Mind your personnel belongings.

In particular, if attending the National Parade in Dublin:

• Gardaí are encouraging everybody who wishes to attend the St. Patrick’s Day Festival Parade to please use public transport.

• The National Transport Authority (NTA) in association with all public transport providers have developed a significant public transport network for the day and can be found here.

• If you live outside the M50, try to leave your car outside the M50 zone.

• If you live inside the M50 zone on the Southside, aim to leave your car outside the Grand Canal zone and if you live on the Northside, aim to leave your car outside the North Circular Road zone. The parade route is accessible by public transport/ walking from these areas.

• Please follow signage and all directions from Stewards and Gardaí.

General advice to motorists/ commuters:

• There will be road closures and traffic restriction in Dublin City Centre from early on the morning of Friday, 17th March 2023.

• If you need to travel through Dublin City Centre on the morning of Friday, 17th March 2023, plan your journey in advance.

• Road closure and reopening will be staggered depending on the location.

Public Safety for all attending the St. Patrick’s Day Festival Parade:

• The policing priority is to facilitate a family-friendly event and environment in which citizens can enjoy the St. Patrick’s festivities and public realms.

• An Garda Síochána will have an extensive policing plan in place for all St. Patrick’s Day parades nationwide.

• The consumption of alcohol in public places is generally restricted by local authority bye laws in most local authority areas, including Dublin City Centre.

• An Garda Síochána will be enforcing these bye laws on the consumption of alcohol in public places.

Personal Safety Advice:

If you are socialising over this bank holiday festivity weekend PLAN your night out

• Drink alcohol responsibly

• Never drink and drive, no matter the time of the day/ night

• Plan your night out, tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back

• Don’t let your friends or family walk home alone, there is safety in numbers.

• If you have to, walk in well lit areas and make sure you can be seen by passing traffic (wear reflective gear/ carry a torch).

• Take care when carrying personal property (handbag, smart phone or tablet) in crowded areas; keep them in a safe location within view.

• Watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas; Keep handbags zipped and don’t put your wallet in your back pocket. In bars and restaurants take care about where you store coats and handbags.

• Park and lock your car in secure, well lit areas. Keep valuables including bags and coats hidden.