St Patrick’s Day Omagh: Music & Mythology

Omagh St Patrick’s Weekend Celebrations Announced for 2026

The Streets of Omagh will come alive at this year’s St Patrick’s Weekend with a vibrant celebration of music, mythology, dance and carnival parade on 17 March 2026. Delivered by Urban Events NI under the theme Music & Mythology, this year’s programme brings together an exciting blend of traditional musicians, dancers, performers and local groups to create an unforgettable festival experience.

Music Filling the Streets

Festival‑goers can look forward to a lively programme across Omagh town centre, with Tyrone Trad Musicians leading a powerful Super Session featuring some of the county’s finest traditional talent. Expect energetic performances echoing through the streets with the unmistakable sound of Irish traditional music.

Highlights include:

• The uplifting sound of flutes, fiddles and pipes throughout the town centre
• Roaming performers bringing music to every corner of Omagh
• Accessible, authentic Irish traditional sessions hosted in local hospitality venues, led by top Tyrone musicians
• Highland and Irish Dancers
• St Eugene’s Brass and Reed Band outside Danske Bank

Cultural Activities at Strule Arts Centre

In partnership with Dún Uladh Cultural and Heritage Centre, a family‑friendly cultural programme will run at Strule Arts Centre, offering:

• Live traditional music and song
• Irish and Highland dancing
• St Patrick’s themed arts and crafts
• Celtic Mythology Sand Mandala workshop with Thai Arts NI
• Storytelling and family activities

St Patrick’s Day Carnival Parade

The St Patrick’s Day Carnival Parade, created through a series of community workshops supported by the Arts Council and the “Housing for All” Shared Housing Programme, will bring colour, creativity and celebration to Omagh.  A spokesperson for Alpha Housing commented:
“We are pleased to be working alongside Arbour Housing Association and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to support the St Patrick’s Day Celebrations in Omagh through the ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme. The event supports the Good Relations objectives for the Derry Road shared housing development by bringing people together in a shared, welcoming setting and encouraging positive engagement across the wider community.”

Thousands are expected to line the streets as the parade travels from :
South West College, Drumragh Avenue, Town Centre, Courthouse, John’s Street, Church Street, George St, High Street, Bridge Street, returning to South West College

The parade will showcase the creativity of local groups, schools and organisations, celebrating community, culture and the County Town’s vibrant spirit.

Additional Events Leading Up to St Patrick’s Day

Sponsored by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, additional programmed events will take place across the weekend:

• Omagh Eats Food Market – Saturday 14 March
• Omagh Trad Fest (Main Street) – Sunday 15 March

These popular events provide further opportunities for visitors and residents to enjoy Omagh’s hospitality and festive atmosphere.

Speaking at the launch, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor McElduff, said, “Omagh continues to grow as a major destination for St Patrick’s Day, supported by additional events including Omagh Eats and Trad Fest. These provide further opportunities for visitors and residents to enjoy the town centre and local hospitality.
Thank you to the event sponsors whose support enhances these events. Their commitment brings these vibrant celebrations to life, making them a memorable experience for everyone.”

Shared Housing Programme – Supporting a Shared Community

The St Patrick’s Day parade and associated community workshops are supported by the Department for Communities and the Housing Executive’s “Housing for All” Shared Housing Programme, part of the NI Executive’s Together: Building a United Community strategy.

The Programme has its origins in the NI Executive Together: Building a United Community Strategy which reflects the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society. A potential £5.7m is being invested in the Derry Road, Omagh and Mountjoy Road, Omagh shared housing developments and associated five-year Good Relations Plans.

Alpha Housing and Arbour Housing, who deliver these initiatives locally, currently have six shared housing developments across Northern Ireland.  The Derry Road, Omagh and Mountjoy Road, Omagh shared housing developments’ Good Relations Plans includes engagement and bonding events which are delivered to the wider community to encourage a range of good relations outcomes which include initiatives focusing on actions such as Health and Wellbeing, Education and Training.

Alpha Housing and Arbour Housing joined the already established Advisory Group in Omagh and continues to work in partnership with the local Advisory group stakeholders to develop the schemes’ Good Relations Plans.

Should you wish to find out more about the Shared Housing Programme or the local Advisory Group in Omagh, please contact www.alphahousingni.org or www.arbourhousing.org