New Organising Team Secures Return of Arklow St Patrick’s Day Parade

The Arklow St Patrick’s Day Parade, which had been at risk of cancellation earlier this year, has now been confirmed to go ahead after the Arklow Town Team stepped in to take on the role of organising committee.

The popular annual event will take place as planned at 1:30pm on Monday, March 17th, bringing welcome relief and excitement to the town after weeks of uncertainty surrounding its future.

As previously reported by Arklow News, the long-standing parade committee had announced its resignation after 10 years, citing increasing workload, rising insurance costs, ongoing inflation and a lack of new volunteers. At the time, concerns were raised that the 2026 parade may not go ahead unless a new organising group could be formed in time.

Those fears have now been allayed, with the Arklow Town Team confirming that it has stepped in to ensure the continuation of one of the town’s most important community events.

The move has been widely welcomed, with the parade seen as a key celebration for Arklow and the surrounding areas, regularly drawing large crowds and showcasing local clubs, businesses and community groups. Recent years have also seen positive developments such as the introduction of a sensory-friendly viewing area.

Organisers are now encouraging anyone who would like to take part in the parade whether by entering a float, volunteering as a steward, or joining the organising committee, to get in touch.

Anyone interested can email stpatricksdayarklow@gmail.com for further information or follow their Facebook page.

With new leadership in place and preparations underway, Arklow can now look forward to celebrating St Patrick’s Day together once again this March.