“We’re going for elevation this year”, Richard Tierney, chief executive of St. Patrick’s Festival, announced. “Every year I say the parade is going to be bigger and better. This year, I’m saying it’s going to be higher.”

The theme of the 2025 festival celebrates the “legendary adventurous spirit” of the Irish, with creative direction led by Aoife Carry, formerly of Cirque du Soleil. However, the Luas tram system’s overhead cables impose a 5.5 metre height restriction, which prompted organisers to incorporate robotic technology into some of the floats, allowing them to adjust their size along the parade route.

The festival takes place from Saturday, March 15 to 17, featuring activities spread throughout the city. For this edition, there will be “six or seven” performance areas in locations ranging from St. Stephen’s Green to the Hugh Lane Gallery, replacing the dedicated Festival Quarter at Collins Barracks, which was introduced in 2022.

Activities include free face painting, a funfair at Custom House Quay, and a Céili Mór at Merrion Square. The much-loved treasure hunt will also return on Saturday, kicking off at 10am.

A specially designated relaxed parade space at Bank of Ireland Collage Green will be available for neurodivergent individuals and their families, following its successful debut last year. “It’s probably the most meaningful thing I’ve done in my career”, Tierney stated.

The celebration is expected to attract 550, 000 visitors, and relies on public funding from Culture, Fáilte Ireland, and Dublin City Council.