WHILE MANY THINGS in Irish society have changed to the point of being unrecognisable or have been replaced by modern technology, one thing (or event, rather) stays true to its core values each year: the St Patrick’s Day parade in the capital.

Although it’s no longer just a one-day event – with this year’s St Patrick’s Festival running over five days – the message of the March 17th parade stays the same: celebrating Ireland and all of its people.

As noted by Lord Mayor of Dublin Nial Ring: “The evolution of the festival from the traditional parade into a spectacular five-day extravaganza of fun, celebration and festivities is one of the major success stories of Dublin.” 

With this year’s parade just a few days away, we’ve rounded up 13 photos from Dublin City Library and Archive of the St Patrick’s Day parade through the streets of Dublin over the years for a trip down memory lane…  

1973: Majorettes enjoying their moment of glory

Courtesy of Dublin City Library & Archive Courtesy of Dublin City Library & Archive

1974 – O’Connell Street looking both very different and very similar 45 years ago

Courtesy of Dublin City Library & Archive Courtesy of Dublin City Library & Archive

1976: Former Lord Mayor Patrick Dunne handing out shamrocks to parade performers

Courtesy of Dublin City Library & Archive Courtesy of Dublin City Library & Archive

1978: Parade-goers being reminded to ‘keep Dublin tidy’ 

Courtesy of Dublin City Library & Archive Courtesy of Dublin City Library & Archive

1978: … and again

Courtesy of Dublin City Library & Archive Courtesy of Dublin City Library & Archive

1979: Wet and windy weather didn’t dampen spirits 40 years ago

Courtesy of Dublin City Library & Archive Courtesy of Dublin City Library & Archive

1980: The Lord Mayor’s coach passing the Mansion House

Courtesy of Dublin City Library & Archive Courtesy of Dublin City Library & Archive

1983: Well dressed members of the force making an appearance

Courtesy of Dublin City Library & Archive Courtesy of Dublin City Library & Archive

1986: Another ‘keep Dublin tidy’ float with randomly placed images of Irish performers

Courtesy of Dublin City Library & Archive Courtesy of Dublin City Library & Archive

1991: A pipe band bringing their sounds to the streets of Dublin

Courtesy of Dublin City Library & Archive Courtesy of Dublin City Library & Archive

1992: Joyful councillors looking on from coveted seats

Courtesy of Dublin City Library & Archive Courtesy of Dublin City Library & Archive

1993: Members of the National Cheerleaders Association bringing pep to the parade

Courtesy of Dublin City Library & Archive Courtesy of Dublin City Library & Archive

1994: Four delighted ladies travelling down O’Connell Street in a limousine

Courtesy of Dublin City Library & Archive Courtesy of Dublin City Library & Archive

Find out more about what’s on during St Patrick’s Festival here.