St. Patrick’s Day in Omagh, the heart of Tyrone!

Omagh is set to come alive with a vibrant and family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day festival on Monday, 17 March 2025, from 1pm – 4pm. Sponsored by Arbour, Radius, Apex, and Alpha Housing Associations, the celebrations will offer music, dance, culture, and community spirit.

The theme, “Snakes Alive ’25,” inspired by the 2025 Lunar New Year of the Snake and St. Patrick’s legendary tale of banishing the snakes from the island of Ireland, promises an afternoon filled with entertainment, tradition, and family fun.

Residents and visitors can look forward to an unforgettable experience featuring live entertainment, a carnival parade, market stalls, traditional music, Irish and Highland dance, arts and crafts, storytelling, and more.

Live Music
Compered by DJ Stevie King from Radio Star Country, the festival entertainment begins at 1pm with live music from Tyrone Trad group ‘Tis Not Easy’ at Omagh Courthouse, setting the tone with lively folk and traditional melodies.
Outside Danske Bank, the much-loved St. Eugene’s Brass & Reed Band will welcome festivalgoers with their signature sounds.

Carnival Parade
The return of the St. Patrick’s Day Carnival Parade will delight onlookers from 2pm as it makes its way from South West College, along Drumragh Avenue, through the town centre, around the Courthouse, John’s Street, Church Street, back down High Street, turning left onto Bridge Street, and returning to South West College.

The parade will feature marching bands such as the Barr Jubilee and Cloughfin Pipe Band, Cookstown Samba Band, and local businesses including the wonderful Lewsley School of Irish Dance, Glendale Limousines, Pat Kirk Ltd, and Glenpark Estate.

Musicians from Dun Uladh Cultural and Heritage Centre, as well as Dromore and Fintona Comhaltas branches, will add to the lively atmosphere.
Thanks to Arbour, Radius, Apex, and Alpha through the ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme, Streetwise Circus Ltd and Artsekta Ltd have been working closely with Hospital Road, Strathroy, and CKS Community and Youth Organisations for a number of weeks preparing costumes and floats for the parade. The Hungarian Saturday School, Shop Mobility, and Together with Solace, based in Community House, are all looking forward to participating.

The Viking aka Paddy Montague, Hazel Wand Theatre School, The Ulster Project, and Little Friends Playgroup—celebrating 50 years since its establishment—will also take part. Sporting organisations such as Omagh Accies Rugby Football Club and Tyrone Camogs will bring the “Snakes Alive ’25” theme to life.

Ceili on the Cobbles
Following the carnival parade, the fantastic Pluck Savage will have everyone’s toes tapping and hands clapping as festivalgoers are invited to join in at the ‘Ceili on the Cobbles’ for traditional dances such as The Siege of Ennis, The Walls of Limerick, and more.

Market
Take a stroll through the market stalls at Old Market Place. Look out for street characters, face painting, and even an opportunity to get a caricature portrait to take home as a memory of this fun day out.

Snakes Alive
If you are brave enough, visit Jurassic Ark Encounters NI at the Connect Centre, where you will have an exciting opportunity to see live snakes and reptiles up close.

Strule Arts Centre
As always Strule Arts Centre will be a hive of activity throughout the day between 1pm – 4pm. Enjoy performances from Omagh Set Dancers, Newtownstewart Highland Dancers, Traditional Irish Choir, Sing Together Omagh, and Drumragh Ukulele Group.
Try your hand at arts and crafts and Celtic Sand Mandalas by Thai Arts NI. Browse the delightful exhibition overlooking the Strule River, “Northern Ireland Through Our Eyes” by the Bulgarian Association NI. This vibrant exhibition showcases diversity and cultural richness at its best, consisting of a series of photographs of Bulgarian folk dancers in traditional costumes from different Bulgarian folk regions, set against a background of iconic buildings and locations across Northern Ireland.

Welcoming Hospitality
While in town, why not enjoy the entertainment or a bite to eat at any of Omagh’s many welcoming and lively hospitality venues!

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor John McClaughry, said:

“Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to providing the best quality experience for residents and visitors and it is fantastic to have free events in Omagh, like the St. Patricks Day celebrations, available for all to enjoy.

On behalf of the council, I would like to extend thanks to the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme for their support for the event in Omagh which promises to be an inclusive and memorable celebration of culture, talent, and community spirit.”

On behalf of the “Housing for All” Omagh Advisory group, Joanne Coyle, Arbour Housing commented:

“Arbour, Apex, Alpha and Radius are delighted to support the annual St Patrick’s Day Festival held in Omagh. This festival is a celebration of culture and aligns with our plans to promote and deliver activities and events that will increase community capacity and development, while promoting inclusivity. It looks set to be a fantastic day of music, fun and celebration for all to enjoy.

Up to £8.8m will be invested in the shared housing developments in Omagh and their associated five-year good relations plans. Arbour, Apex, Alpha and Radius work in partnership with local advisory group stakeholders and residents to develop and deliver good relations plans for the area. These plans include ‘bridging’ events which are delivered to the wider community to encourage a range of good relations outcomes which include health and wellbeing, arts and culture, education and training.’

A quiet room will be available in Strule Arts Centre, should you or a family member require some time out from the excitement of the day. Changing Places and baby-changing facilities are also available within Strule Arts Centre.
Traffic diversions will be in place to facilitate the event. All normal town centre car parks will be open with free parking on Monday, 17 March 2025. A limited number of accessible car parking spaces for Blue Badge holders can be reserved at the rear of Strule Arts Centre.

For more information on the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Omagh, visit www.fermanaghomagh.com