North Cork communities are gearing up for a series of vibrant St. Patrick’s Day parades and celebrations on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, with events taking place across Mallow, Charleville, Boherbue, Kanturk, Ballyhea, Churchtown, and Newmarket.
Locals in Charleville are invited to wear their favourite green outfits and take part in this year’s parade under the theme ‘One Community, Many Voices’, celebrating the town’s diversity, unity and strong community spirit. Festivities will begin with Mass at 12pm, after which the parade will get underway, with all participants asked to assemble at the church beforehand. Following the parade, the celebrations will continue in the Town Plaza, where the Charleville One Town One Voice Choir will perform. Other local groups and individuals are also welcome to share music, dance and entertainment as part of the day’s festivities.
Officials and organisers have encouraged locals to come out and show support, saying the theme perfectly captures the spirit of Charleville and that the parade offers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the town and showcase its many organisations and businesses.
In Boherbue, the Annual St Patrick’s Day Parade will feature two Grand Marshalls, Theresa Hickey and Theresa Cashman, in recognition of their services to local organisations. Donal Curran will proudly wear the St Patrick’s cloak, with flag bearers Jack Vaughan, Daire O’Keeffe, Barry Buckley, and Cathal Aherne. The Cullen Pipe Band will provide music as participants pass the viewing platform, with refreshments and entertainment to follow in the hall. The parade is organised by the local Festival Committee, who thanked stewards, volunteers and local businesses for their support in helping make the event possible.
The 2026 Mallow St Patrick’s Day Parade will take place at 2.30pm along the main street, with participants asked to assemble at 2pm at the Co-Op Superstores entrance on Park Road. Music will begin from 1.30pm, performed by Cuisle Avondhu and Sheila Fitzgerald, with face painters available at St Mary’s Church. A sensory-inclusive viewing area will again be provided in the West End near Food Capers, with noise levels reduced for those who prefer a quieter environment. Local Paralympian Jack Cronin, recently featured in the Mourneabbey Movie Awards community fundraiser, will serve as Grand Marshal. Committee Chair Cllr Gearóid Murphy expressed his excitement for another colourful and vibrant parade, praising the support from local groups, businesses and Cork County Council, and encouraging volunteers to assist as stewards. Remaining participants who have not yet registered are asked to contact Máire Uí Bhriain.
Other North Cork towns are also hosting St Patrick’s Day parades, with Kanturk assembling at the Aldi Car Park at 2.20pm for a 2.30pm start, Ballyhea at 10.30am, Churchtown at 12pm, Newmarket at 12.30pm, Knocknagre at 11am, and Boherbue at 10.45am. These parades highlight the rich community spirit, traditions and talents of North Cork, offering residents of all ages the opportunity to celebrate the patron saint, enjoy music and entertainment, and come together in a shared sense of local pride.