St Patrick’s Day 2026 – District‑Wide Celebrations Across Enniskillen & Omagh
18th February 2026
With the four‑week countdown now officially on, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is delighted to announce the full programme for St Patrick’s Day 2026, with major celebrations taking place across Enniskillen and Omagh. This year’s festivals will showcase music, mythology, storytelling, parades, and family entertainment, attracting thousands of visitors from across the District.
Speaking at the launch of the events, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Barry McElduff, said:
“Enniskillen and Omagh host the two main St Patrick’s Day events for Counties Fermanagh and Tyrone. These celebrations attract significant visitor numbers, support the local economy, and provide a full day of programmed activity for families and communities across the District.”
Enniskillen – Shamrocks & Shared Stories
16–17 March 2026
Enniskillen’s two‑day programme, delivered by Project St Patrick, begins on St Patrick’s Eve with an atmospheric event at Enniskillen Castle. The evening features a live “rock folk” gig by The Porter Bellys, a variety of food and drink vendors, and an impressive illuminated flotilla of over 40 boats on Lough Erne. Last year over 5,000 people attended, and 2026 is expected to grow further.
On St Patrick’s Day, the celebrations continue with an extended free Family Fun Day from 1pm across the Castle and Broadmeadow, including live traditional music, interactive activities, island storytelling, fun attractions and food vendors.
The much‑loved St Patrick’s Parade takes place from 3.30pm–4.30pm, travelling “Castle to Castle” through the town centre and across Enniskillen’s famous bridges. Up to 30,000 people are expected throughout the day, with pre‑parade entertainment on the Diamond from The Hand Me Downs and special guest performers.
This programme of activities is sponsored by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, supported by DfC, and backed by the generosity of Experience Enniskillen alongside many local businesses.
Further information:
Omagh – Music & Mythology
17 March 2026
Omagh’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations, delivered by Urban Events NI, bring a vibrant mix of music, dance and carnival spectacle to the town.
From 1pm–4pm, the streets will come alive with sound as Tyrone Trad Musicians lead a lively Super Session, supported by roaming performers, Highland and Irish dancers, St Eugene’s Brass and Reed Band and more.
At Strule Arts Centre, in partnership with Dún Uladh Cultural & Heritage Centre, families can enjoy live music, Irish and Highland dancing, themed crafts, storytelling and a unique Celtic Mythology Sand Mandala workshop hosted by Thai Arts NI.
The St Patrick’s Day Carnival Parade runs from 3pm–4pm, created through community workshops supported by Housing for All Shared Housing Programme and the Arts Council. Thousands are expected to line the route from South West College through the town centre and back again, showcasing the creativity of local schools, groups, and cultural organisations.
Lead‑in events include the Omagh Eats Food Market (14 March) and Omagh Trad Fest (15 March), both supported by the Council.
To keep up to date with both events please visit https://www.fermanaghomagh.com/events-and-festivals
| events@fermanaghomagh.com | 0300 303 1777
Shared Housing Programme Support
The parade and associated community workshops in Omagh are supported by the Department for Communities and the Housing Executive’s Housing for All Shared Housing Programme, which invests in shared spaces and Good Relations initiatives across the District. Up to £5.7m is being invested in the Derry Road and Mountjoy Road shared housing developments, led locally by Alpha Housing and Arbour Housing.
Learn more:
