One of Ireland’s most recognisable media personalities, Vogue Williams, will serve as Grand Marshal for the National Parade through the heart of Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day, Tuesday 17 March, as Ireland’s national festival returns to its roots with a celebration of culture, creativity, and community across four days and nights.
Born in Dublin, Vogue Williams has built a dynamic career across broadcasting, fashion and entrepreneurship, becoming a familiar face to audiences in Ireland and beyond. Known for her warmth, authenticity and strong connection to home, Vogue has consistently championed Irish creativity and storytelling on a global stage, while maintaining close ties to her roots.
The 2026 Festival theme, Roots, explores identity, belonging, and shared stories across generations, celebrating where we come from, what grounds us, and how we continue to grow together as a community.
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam, said: "The National St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the most important moments in Dublin’s cultural calendar — a day when our capital city opens its arms to the world and proudly celebrates who we are.
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Ray McAdam at the Patrick's Day Festival 2026 launch.
"As Lord Mayor, I am delighted to announce Vogue Williams as Grand Marshal for 2026. Vogue represents a modern Ireland — confident, creative and outward-looking — while remaining deeply connected to home. She embodies the energy and ambition of a global Ireland, and her journey reflects the lived experience of so many of our people at home and abroad. As we celebrate Roots and Ireland’s one shared story, I know she will lead this year’s Parade with warmth, pride and a great sense of occasion."
Newly appointed Grand Marshal, Vogue Williams, said: "It’s a real honour to be asked to serve as Grand Marshal of the National St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2026.
"Growing up in Dublin, St. Patrick’s Day has always been a special time for me and leading the Parade through the city is something I’ve always dreamed of. I’m delighted with the theme of roots this year, as I will talk up my home country and what I love about being Irish any time I get the chance.
"It’s going to be such an incredible day of celebration, and I’m really looking forward to sharing it with people from home and from the Irish community around the world."
Vogue Williams, broadcaster, author, and proud Irishwoman, is announced as the Grand Marshal for the 2026 National St. Patrick’s Day Parade, pictured at The Rotunda Hospital. Also photographed is Nicholas Kavanagh from the theatre company, Curious State.
St. Patrick’s Festival Artistic Director, Aoife Carry, added: "We are thrilled to have Vogue Williams as Grand Marshal, a figure who embodies the spirit of contemporary Ireland and brings an infectious energy, warmth and authenticity to this role. We look forward to welcoming audiences from home and abroad to experience a Parade that is joyful, inclusive and rooted in community."
The National St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2026 will form the centrepiece of St. Patrick’s Festival, which takes place across Dublin from 14-17 March. The Parade will feature 12 large-scale floats from independent parade companies, with over 150 artists and 3,000 participants set to take part in a vibrant city-wide programme spanning music, street theatre, dance, comedy, craft and participatory performance.
Patrick's Day parade 2025 on Dame Street.
With over half a million spectators expected along the route, the Parade will be broadcast live nationally on RTÉ One and internationally on RTÉ Player, sharing Ireland’s national celebration with audiences worldwide.
St. Patrick’s Festival delivers a significant economic, social, and cultural impact. In 2025, the Festival generated €138 million for the Irish economy, returned €32 million to the Exchequer, supported over 10,500 days of employment, and welcomed more than 550,000 attendees across 231 events. With a global reach of over 600 million people annually, the Festival plays a vital role in showcasing Ireland as a world-class cultural destination and a must-visit location each March, driving tourism during the off-peak season.
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