St. Patrick's Day Policing Plan for Cork City

An Garda Síochána will have an extensive policing plan in place from 7am this Friday morning, 14th of March 2025 which will run until Tuesday, 18th of March 2025 in anticipation of people coming into the city to enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day festivities this bank holiday weekend.

The Cork City St. Patrick’s Day Parade will commence from Parnell Bridge/South Mall at 1pm on Monday, 17th March 2025.

To allow for the parade, Gardaí will have a number of rolling road closures and traffic restrictions in place across the city centre from early morning on Monday.

All motorists planning on making their way into or through the city are to be aware that parking will not be permitted along the parade route, and any vehicles will be towed.

Gardaí are also advising motorists and those that must commute by car into or through the city over the weekend and on Monday in particular:

• Plan your journey in advance
• Please follow all road signage
• Adhere to the instructions of Gardaí and/or parade stewards
• If legally parking - park and lock your car in secure place. Do not block access which may make it difficult for emergency services or residents.

Members of An Garda Síochána will be out on the beat across the long weekend to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time.

If you are socialising this St. Patrick’s Day weekend please follow and share our guidance amongst your group:

• Plan the night out - tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back
• Be careful of your personal belongings especially when in crowded areas or busy premises
• Do not under any circumstance drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Don’t let any friend or family member walk home alone - there is safety in numbers
• If you must walk home only walk in well lit, populated areas and where you can be seen by traffic
• If you have had drinks on a night-out, please be mindful of driving the morning after. Do not drive until you have fully rested and hydrated.

Speaking ahead of the St. Patrick’s Bank Holiday Weekend, Chief Superintendent Thomas Myers said:

"This weekend promises to be a fun and family-friendly occasion for people of all ages to enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

In co-ordination with Cork City Council and festival organisers, our full policing plan will in place to ensure that everyone attending and involved in the variety of events taking place in Cork have a brilliant time and see all the good that Cork has to offer.

We will be out and about on-hand throughout and we are asking for assistance from the public to make sure it’s a great weekend for all ages. We are reminding people that drinking alcohol in public is illegal and won’t be tolerated.

A comprehensive road traffic management plan will also be in place in the city centre, aimed at causing the most minimum disruption.

We will, as always, be doing our very best to make sure that all those living in and visiting the city will have a nice long weekend, and our priority is that everyone safely enjoys themselves. We are looking to meeting many of you on the streets and please do not hesitate to stop us if there is anything that we can do.

Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona do gach duine ar fud na Cathrach Corcaigh”.