St Patrick's Day 2025: Traffic And Travel Disruption Across South Area

Motorists across the southern region of Northern Ireland are advised to expect significant traffic disruption on St Patrick's Day, Monday, 17 March, due to numerous parades and processions. The PSNI has released detailed information regarding road closures and potential delays in several key towns.

D District (Newry, Mourne, and Down):

• Downpatrick:

– The Downe Old Car Club Cavalcade will commence at 12:00 pm, followed by the main parade, both starting on Ardglass Road and proceeding through town centre streets until approximately 3:30 pm.

– Family entertainment will be available in St Patrick Square and behind The Grove Shopping Centre from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

• Newry:

- The parade will assemble at Buttercrane Quay at 1:00 pm, proceeding through the city centre until approximately 2:30 pm.

• Kilkeel:

– Multiple parades will take place from 10:30am, including the Banna Fliuit Naoimh Padraig, the Ancient Order of Hibernians Glasdrumman, St Joseph's Pipe Band Longstone and St Joseph's Flute Band. These parades will all cause disruption in the town centre until around 11:45 am.

• Warrenpoint:

– The parade will begin at the Police Station and proceed through the town centre, concluding at The Square by 1:45 pm.

E District (Armagh):

• Armagh City:

– The 1st Armagh Scouts will parade from Navan Street at 10:00 am, culminating in a service at St Patrick's Cathedral at 11:00 am, with a return parade at 12:15 pm. – The St Patricks Day Celebrations Committee Parade will assemble at Christian Brothers Primary School car park from 1:00 pm, moving off at 2:00 pm, and ending at Sherry's Fields/Cathedral Road Recreational Centre.

– The Cormeen Rising Sons of William Flute Band Parade will assemble at Mall East Orange Hall at 7 pm and follow a route through the city centre.

F District (Magherafelt and Dungannon):

• Magherafelt:

– The parade will assemble at the Parish Centre Car Park on King Street at 2:00 pm, proceeding through the town centre until approximately 4:00 pm.

• Dungannon:

– Delays are expected from 4:00 pm, with the parade leaving O'Neill Park at 5:00 pm and proceeding through the town centre until approximately 6:30 pm.

G District (Omagh and Enniskillen):

• Omagh:

– The parade will assemble at South West College at 1:30 pm, moving off at 2:30 pm and proceeding through the town centre until approximately 5:00 pm.

• Enniskillen:

– Delays are expected from 2:30 pm, with the parade leaving Enniskillen Castle car park at 3:30 pm and proceeding through the town centre until approximately 6:00 pm.

The PSNI advises motorists to consider alternative routes to avoid unnecessary delays. Parking restrictions will be in place along parade routes, and the public is asked to respect designated parking areas. Street traders are reminded that they must possess a valid Street Traders License and ensure their stalls do not obstruct roadways.