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:
Courthouse Stage
Host Compere Stevie King
1pm–2pm: One Too Many
2:15pm–3:15pm: Pluck Savage
Danske Bank Community Stage
1pm–2pm: St Eugene’s Brass & Reed Band
2:15pm–3:15pm: Tyrone Trad Session
Old Market Place/Bridge St
Street entertainment
Celtic Steam Engine
Caricature artist
Live folk & bluegrass
Parade
Sets off from South West College at 3pm to make its way across Drumragh Ave and up Omagh Town Centre
Strule Arts Centre
Mini market, food & drinks
Arts & crafts & dance workshops
Strule Arts Centre Auditorium
Host compere Declan Forde will guide you through an afternoon of cultural performances coordinated by Dún Uladh Cultural Heritage Centre including:
Newtownstewart Highland Dancers
Lewsley School Of Irish Dancing
The Daly Sisters
Lauren & Mia McCullagh
Celebrate this St Patrick’s Day filled with creativity, culture and great entertainment!
Supported by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, this event is delivered by Urban Market working with Tyrone Trad Seisiúns. Sponsored by Arbour Housing and Alpha Housing, Shared Housing Programme and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland
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.
A potential £5.7 million is being invested in the Derry Road and Mountjoy Road shared housing developments in Omagh, each supported by five‑year Good Relations Plans focused on health, wellbeing, education and training.
Alpha Housing and Arbour Housing, who deliver these initiatives locally, currently have six shared housing developments across Northern Ireland. They work closely with the local Advisory Group in Omagh to strengthen community connections and foster welcoming shared neighbourhoods.
To learn more about the Shared Housing Programme or the local Advisory Group, please visit:
Enc: Caption: Theodora and Ann-Cheryl Essuman African Caribbean Community Network (ACCN) Omagh, Annie and Margaret Mc Elhatten, Shopmobility, Thomas Ferris Urban Events NI, FODC Chairman Cllr Barry McElduff, St Patrick, Stephen O’Hanlon Tyrone Trad, Ryan Tracey and Geraldine Keys, Focus.
