The St Patrick's Festival has announced that proud Dubliner Victoria Smurfit will be this year’s grand marshal, leading the parade through the streets of Dublin city on 17 March.
Most recently, Ms Smurfit starred as Maud O’Hara in Rivals, alongside Aidan Turner and David Tennant, a performance that earned her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at this year’s Irish Film and Television Awards.
The actress was also known for Ballykissangel, and Once Upon a Time along with many other performances on stage and television.
Newly appointed grand marshal, Ms Smurfit said that she was "absolutely thrilled and deeply honoured".
"I still can't believe it! I’m so grateful to be part of this incredible celebration."
She added: "St Patrick’s Day has always been a special day for me, and to be asked to lead the parade is truly a dream come true. I can’t wait to celebrate with everyone at home and those joining us from around the globe!"
With half a million spectators expected along the route, the parade begins at 12pm in Dublin City Centre, running from Parnell Square in the north of the city, down O'Connell Street, over O'Connell Bridge and through the south side of the city, ending at the junction of Cuffe Street and Kevin Street.
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain said that as it was her first St Patrick’s Festival as Lord Mayor, she is "particularly looking forward to witnessing the vibrant pageantry and incredible talent that will bring Dublin’s streets to life this St Patrick’s Day."
She also welcomed the announcement of Ms Smurfit as grand marshal and described her as "an outstanding choice".
"She is an incredibly talented Irish performer who has made her mark on a global stage," said Ms Blain.
Established in 1996, the St Patrick’s Festival has grown from a single-day to a multi-day event featuring music, performance, and dance for all ages.
The festival will host a programme of events from 15 March to 17 March across the city centre.
Eachtraí
Head of Festivals and Events at Fáilte Ireland Ciara Sugrue said that "this year’s festival is set to be the largest ever St Patrick’s Day celebration".
"Last year, St Patrick’s Festival Dublin was worth €110 million to the Irish economy," she said.
Ms Sugrue explained that the theme of this year’s global celebration of Irish Arts, Culture and Heritage is adventures (eachtraí).
She said this represents "the Adventurous spirit that lives inside us all, and recognised the world over as a defining symbol of Irishness".
The procession will see the return of the performance group Macnas.
Other groups that will feature include Bui Bolg, Spraoi, Inishowen Carnival Group, The Outing Queer Arts Collective, Artastic, and Art FX, and the Cork Puppetry Company.
This year’s parade will also celebrate a collaboration between the St Patrick’s Festival and Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre, celebrating 40 years of Pavee Point.
The parade will showcase over 23 artistic performances and ceremonial unit displays, 10 community group performances - as part of the St Patrick’s Festival Community Arts Programme - and 12 marching bands from across Ireland, North America, and Austria.
Dublin City Council Relaxed Parade Space will return to ensure neurodivergent members of our community and their families can enjoy the festivities in a calm, sensory-friendly environment.
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