Omagh Celebrates a Spectacular St Patrick’s Day 2026 Festival of ‘Music & Mythology’

Thousands gathered in Omagh today to enjoy this year’s St Patrick’s Day Festival, with a theme of ‘Music & Mythology’.

The event, supported by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and delivered by Urban Events NI, with sponsorship from Arbour and Alpha Housing Associations through the Department for Communities Housing for All Shared Housing Programme, brought colour, culture and entertainment to the streets of Omagh throughout the afternoon.

Speaking at the event, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Barry McElduff, said:

“The St Patrick’s Day Festival is a great opportunity to showcase the amazing local talent we have here in Omagh and Tyrone, and what makes our community so special, welcoming and vibrant.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend a sincere thank you to Urban Events NI for delivering today’s event, and to our sponsors Arbour and Alpha Housing Associations, Housing for All Shared Housing Programme and The Arts Council NI, I also want to commend all those who are taking part; without you, it would not be possible to host an event of this scale.

A big thank you / Go raibh maith agaibh goes to our local artists, community organisations, businesses, and of course the volunteers.  Your hard work and commitment make this event so special, bringing together visitors, as well as the whole community to enjoy the festivities. Happy St Patrick’s Day to you all / Lá Fhéile Phádraig Faoi Mhaise Daoibh go léir.”

A programme of entertainment in the town centre, compered by Stevie King, showcased an array of local talent including the Tyrone Trad Super Session, Lewsley School of Irish Dance, Newtownstewart Highland Dancers, Blue Thistle Highland Dancers, Sperrin’s Sessions and St Eugene’s Brass and Reed Band.

On the Courthouse Stage, Battle of the Bands Champions ‘One Too Many’ kicked off the entertainment at 1pm, followed by a high‑energy performance from folk‑punk‑trad powerhouse ‘Pluck Savage’, building excitement across the town ahead of the parade which moved off from South West College at 3pm.

The St Patrick’s Day Carnival Parade featured a diverse range of community organisations such as Ulster Project, 4th Tyrone Scouts Omagh, Together with Solace, CKS Community Centre, FOCUS, Shop Mobility, the African Caribbean Community Network, Ógras na hÓmaí, Omagh Pride, Sea Dragon Vikings, local Comhaltas branches, Dún Uladh Cultural and Heritage Centre, Skyzdalimit, Ballygawley and Roscavey Bygone Farming Days and Dromore Vintage.

The musical procession was led by Cookstown Samba Band and Cloughfin Pipe Band Kildress, which is marking its centenary year. Local businesses and groups including Tyrone Trad Sesiún’s with Todd’s Leap Activity Centre, Lewsley School of Irish Dance, Hazel Wand Theatre School, Meenagh Recovery, Glendale Limousines and Terex also took part.

The parade featured mythology inspired props crafted by community groups including Hospital Road Youth Group, CKS Youth Group, Shop Mobility and the African Caribbean Community Network through a series of creative workshops supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Housing for All Programme, facilitated by Streetwise Community Circus and local Artists in Residence.

Strule Arts Centre also hosted a cultural showcase curated by Dún Uladh Cultural and Heritage Centre featuring music, dance, storytelling, family workshops, a Leprechaun Trail and a family film while at Old Market Place, visitors had the opportunity to experience a working steam engine by Celtic Steamers, enjoy folk and bluegrass music and a caricature artist.

The St Patrick’s Day event on March 17 followed on from festivities at Omagh Eats Food Market on Saturday 14 March and Omagh Trad and Folk Fest on Sunday 15 March. Both events were sponsored by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and attracted large crowds to the town centre across the weekend.