Dundalk St. Patrick’s Day parade not ruled out as latest update emerges

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

The return of Dundalk’s St. Patrick’s Day parade hasn’t been ruled out as ‘potential options’ for a festival programme are being explored.

Louth County Council has issued an update on what appears to be a developing situation, confirming that it is “disappointed that the current Dundalk St Patrick’s Day committee was not in a position to deliver a festival programme within the available budget for 2026.”

In a statement the local authority said: “It is important to clarify that Louth County Council is not responsible for the organisation or delivery of St Patrick’s Day parades in any town or village across County Louth. These events are traditionally community-led and delivered by local committees.”

However the council said it is “fully supportive of events that contribute to the local economy and promote tourism within the county and is actively engaging with other stakeholders and organisations to explore potential options that could result in a St Patrick’s Day festival that is appropriate and fitting for the people of Dundalk.”

The local authority said it will continue to provide updates.