Dungiven gears up for one of Ireland’s biggest St Patrick’s Day parades

The Co Derry village of Dungiven will host one of the island’s largest marching-band parades this St Patrick’s Day. Organised by the local Ancient Order of Hibernians, the event on 17 March 2026 will see around 1 000 participants assemble at St Canice’s GAA grounds for a 2 p.m. start. From there the procession will wind along Garvagh Road, Main Street, Ballyquinn Road, Station Road and New Street before looping back to the GAA grounds, with an estimated 2 000 supporters expected to line the route.

This year’s line-up boasts about twenty‑five ensembles, ranging from flute, pipe and accordion bands to community groups. Local favourites such as Sarsfields Accordion Band, St Patrick’s Accordion Band and St Joseph’s Pipe Band will be joined by the Glen-based St Patrick’s Flute Band, St Colmcille’s Accordion Band and the Sons of Ireland Flute Band. They will march alongside Cloney and Brantry flute bands, Kinturk and Pride of Erin accordion bands, AOH divisions from Derry, Carnlough and Scotland, plus visiting units from Cavan and Donegal. St Canice’s GAC, Kevin Lynch Hurling Club and other local clubs will also field their own marching groups, bringing the total to around two dozen bands.

Festivities begin well before the parade steps off. A 5 km run leaves Kevin Lynch Hurling Club at 10.30 a.m., and the GAA grounds host a family fun day with face painting, crafts, ceili dancing and an Irish dancing showcase. Once the parade returns mid‑afternoon, music continues with seisiúns featuring local musicians, ensuring that Dungiven will resound with drums and accordions throughout the day.