St. Patrick’s Day in Kildare: Celebrate, Stay and Make a Weekend of It

St. Patrick’s Day in Kildare is not one to be missed. Rather than being centred on a single large event, celebrations unfold across towns and communities throughout the county, creating a series of vibrant parades, family-friendly events and shared moments across the day. For visitors, this offers a more flexible, enjoyable way to experience Ireland’s national celebration: multiple locations, different atmospheres, and the freedom to move between them at your own pace.

At the heart of it all, here in Maynooth, we offer a welcoming base for the day at The Glenroyal Hotel. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with friends, or as a family, St. Patrick’s Day becomes more than a day out. It becomes a complete experience, shaped around comfort, celebration and staying close to the action.

Maynooth St. Patrick’s Day Parade

This St Patrick’s Day, Kildare comes alive with a vibrant programme of parades, community celebrations and family-friendly events. In Maynooth, our local parade brings residents and visitors together for a colourful celebration of Irish pride and tradition.

Maynooth St. Patrick’s Day Parade Details:

• Date: Tuesday, 17th March 2026
• Time: Usually starts around 11:00am
• Starting Point: Greenfield Shopping Centre
• Route: Runs through the town, often ending near Tesco
• Road Closures: Main Street and surrounding areas expected to close approximately 10:30am–12:30pm

Before the parade begins, our Shoda Coffee Truck will be open outside the hotel*, offering pre-parade coffee and treats so you can start the day with something warm in hand.

*Weather dependent

Family Fun Day at the Glenroyal

After the parade, the celebrations continue right here at the hotel with our Family Fun Day, taking place in the Corrib Centre from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Open to the public, it’s the perfect way to keep little ones entertained while parents relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

Family Fun Day includes:

• Kids Club with games
• Fun activities
• Face painting
• Magic Show (1pm–2pm)
• Food available
• Full bar service

Admission: €10 per child

It’s a relaxed, safe and lively way for families to extend St. Patrick’s Day without needing to travel between venues, making the Glenroyal a natural hub for the day’s celebrations.

Dining with Us on St. Patrick’s Day

Food and hospitality are part of how St. Patrick’s Day is remembered, and our dining spaces are woven into the rhythm of the celebration.

• Arkle Bar, will be open from 12:00pm to 12:30am, making it the perfect place to raise a glass to St. Patrick, meet friends, and enjoy the atmosphere throughout the day and into the evening.
• The Enclosure Restaurant will be open from 12:00pm to 9:30pm, for lunch and dinner, offering a more relaxed dining experience after a full day of parades, family fun and festivities.

From casual drinks to evening dining, you can stay close to the celebration without needing to leave the comfort of the hotel.

Make It a Stay, Not Just a Day Out

Staying with us for St. Patrick’s Day allows you to experience the celebration at a different pace. Your morning can begin slowly, without schedules or rush, and your evening can unfold naturally, without the pressure of travelling home. Take your time enjoying the sights and celebrations around Maynooth as a family, then return to cosy comfort when little legs get tired and the buzz of the streets starts to fade.

Our stylish rooms provide a peaceful place to reset after the colour, music and movement of the festive celebrations. For families, our family rooms make staying together easy and comfortable, while our Kids Club facilities mean younger guests are just as much part of the experience as adults.

More than just a place to sleep, staying with us becomes part of your St Patrick’s Day experience. It turns the celebration into something you settle into rather than rush through, where the day flows naturally from parade to play, from dining to downtime, all in one place.

Celebrate St Patrick’s Day with Us in Maynooth

From the Maynooth parade to our Family Fun Day, from pre-parade coffee at the Shoda Coffee Truck to evening dining in The Enclosure and celebrations in the Arkle Bar, St Patrick’s Day at the Glenroyal is designed to be easy, welcoming and memorable.

Whether you’re visiting for the day or staying for the night, we look forward to welcoming you for a St Patrick’s Day that feels relaxed, joyful and genuinely enjoyable, for couples, families and visitors alike.