The Daily Star Ireland
The St. Patrick’s Festival has announced that Dublin-born actress Victoria Smurfit will serve as the grand marshal for this year’s parade, set to take place on March 17, 2025. Smurfit, known for her recent role as Maud O’Hara in the series “Rivals” alongside Aidan Turner and David Tennant—a performance that earned her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the Irish Film and Television Awards—expressed her excitement and honor at being chosen. She stated that leading the parade is a dream come true and looks forward to celebrating with both locals and visitors from around the world.
The parade is expected to draw approximately 500,000 spectators along its route, which begins at 12 pm in Dublin City Centre. The procession will start from Parnell Square on the city’s north side, proceed down O’Connell Street, cross O’Connell Bridge, and continue through the south side, concluding at the junction of Cuffe Street and Kevin Street.
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain, who will be experiencing her first St. Patrick’s Festival in this role, expressed her anticipation for the vibrant pageantry and talent that will enliven Dublin’s streets. She also praised the selection of Smurfit as grand marshal, highlighting her as an outstanding choice and a talented Irish performer who has achieved global recognition.
Established in 1996, the St. Patrick’s Festival has evolved from a single-day event into a multi-day celebration featuring music, performances, and dance suitable for all ages. This year’s festival is scheduled from March 15 to March 17 across various locations in the city center.
Ciara Sugrue, Head of Festivals and Events at Fáilte Ireland, noted that the 2025 festival is poised to be the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration to date. She mentioned that the previous year’s festival contributed €110 million to the Irish economy. The theme for this year’s global celebration of Irish arts, culture, and heritage is “Eachtraí,” meaning adventures, symbolizing the adventurous spirit inherent in the Irish identity.
The parade will feature performances from groups such as Macnas, Bui Bolg, Spraoi, Inishowen Carnival Group, The Outing Queer Arts Collective, Artastic, Art FX, and the Cork Puppetry Company. Additionally, there will be a special collaboration between the St. Patrick’s Festival and Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre, commemorating 40 years of Pavee Point. This partnership aims to celebrate the shared traditions and cultures of the Irish Traveller and Roma communities, with a focus on the iconic wagon wheel as a central symbol.
The 2025 parade will include over 23 artistic performances, 10 community group presentations as part of the St. Patrick’s Festival Community Arts Programme, and 12 marching bands from Ireland, North America, and Austria. To ensure inclusivity, Dublin City Council will once again provide a Relaxed Parade Space, offering a calm, sensory-friendly environment for neurodivergent individuals and their families to enjoy the festivities.
