National Services Day 2025: Ireland Celebrates Its Frontline Heroes This Weekend

Published: 02 September 2025

Nationwide Celebration

National Services Day 2025 will take place on Saturday, 6 September, bringing together statutory and voluntary emergency and frontline services from across Ireland.

The annual event, which is volunteer-led and officially recognised by the State, honours the extraordinary contribution of the men and women who serve on the frontline—protecting, rescuing, and supporting communities every day.

Events are confirmed in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Drogheda, Kilkenny, Wexford, and Naas (Co. Kildare), with parades starting at 12:00 pm in most locations.

Dublin

• Parade: Begins at 12:00 pm at the Garden of Remembrance, moving down O’Connell Street, past Trinity College, along Dame Street, and finishing at Dublin Castle.
• Displays: From 11:00 am – 4:00 pm, Dublin Castle will host interactive exhibits of vehicles and equipment from Gardaí, Fire Services, Ambulance crews, Civil Defence, Defence Forces, and more.
• Entertainment: Live music, service bands, and the Sea of Change Cancer Choir will provide entertainment throughout the day.
  👉 Full Dublin programme

Cork

Cork will join the nationwide celebration with a parade and service displays beginning at 12:00 pm.
Local frontline agencies, including the Cork Fire Brigade, National Ambulance Service, and community volunteers, will showcase vehicles, equipment, and demonstrations.

👉 Event details

Galway

Galway’s city-centre parade will start at 12:00 pm, featuring participation from the RNLI, Coast Guard, Civil Defence, and Blood Bikes West.
Displays and demonstrations will provide opportunities for families to meet frontline staff and learn about their work.

Limerick

Limerick’s riverside will host a parade and static displays from 12:00 pm, with strong involvement from the Irish Coast Guard, Fire & Rescue Services, An Garda Síochána, and local volunteers.

Other Regional Highlights

• Drogheda (Louth): Family showcase at Drogheda Port (12–3 pm) with emergency vehicles and equipment on display.
• Kilkenny: A full afternoon of events at Kilkenny Castle grounds (12–5 pm).
• Wexford: Parade from Selskar to the Quay at 12:00 pm, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony, static displays, a Rescue 117 helicopter demo, and kids’ entertainment.
• Naas (Kildare): Midday parade with local services on show.

👉 Full national listings

Why It Matters

National Services Day is more than a celebration—it’s a nationwide thank you. From firefighters and paramedics to Gardaí, Defence Forces, the Coast Guard, and voluntary organisations, the event honours the dedication and sacrifice of Ireland’s frontline services.

It is also a chance for the public to connect directly with service providers, see equipment and demonstrations up close, and learn more about the work that goes on behind the scenes to keep communities safe.

📅 Save the date: Saturday, 6 September 2025
Wherever you are in Ireland, there’s an opportunity to join the celebrations and show your support for the men and women who serve on the frontline.

👉 Find your local event at nationalservicesday.ie