St. Patrick’s Day Festival 2027
St. Patrick’s Festival in Galway ☘️
Galway’s St Patrick’s Day parade in 2027 will be the largest St Patrick’s Day spectacle the city has ever seen. Galway City Council have organised a series of events over the course of the bank holiday weekend from 14th to the 17th March 2027, to celebrate Ireland’s national holiday. The theme for the 2027 Galway parade is yet to be confirmed and the full list of St. Patrick’s Festival will be listed below 👇
Learn all about the life of St Patrick, Ireland’s Patron Saint here.
The 2027 Parade
The St Patrick’s Festival parade in Galway on March 17th will mark the highlight of a 4 day celebration of Irish culture and will serve as a platform to showcase the creativity of local artists and community groups. The parade starts at 11.00am and runs through Galway city centre for over 1 hour. The theme for the parade is ‘Legends and Rising Stars’ and will see up to 3000 participants taking part in what will be a colourful spectacle throughout the city centre. The event aims to celebrate Galway’s diverse culture and talent through an inclusive programme of events. Expect many additional events to be held throughout the city over the bank holiday weekend.
Parade Route for 2027
The parade route (first used in 2019) will remain in place for 2027, with participants marching from University Road, over the Salmon Weir Bridge, to Eglinton Street and onwards past the viewing stand at Eyre Square and concluding on Prospect Hill.
What’s on in Galway for the St. Patrick’s Festival weekend?
For three days of the St. Patrick’s Festival (14 to 17 March 2027) there will be family-oriented entertainment throughout the city and Salthill.
Festival Village 🎶
(14th-17th March): This central hub in Eyre Square will be the heart of the festival, featuring three days of free outdoor concerts and entertainment. Saturday will highlight indie music, Sunday will focus on family-friendly activities with circus performances and young bands, and Monday/Tuesday will feature traditional Irish music and upbeat performances following the parade.
Parade 🚩
(17th March):The traditional St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Tuesday 17th March, with a theme celebrating Galway’s culture, traditions and heritage. Expect vibrant floats and costumes reflecting the chosen theme.
Tribesmen Head of the River 🚣♂️
(13th March): Don’t miss the return of Galway Head of the River rowing event taking place on Saturday 13th March. Rowing clubs from all over Ireland converge to take part in the long distance rowing race from Lough Corrib all the way to Woodquay in Galway City.
Bádóirí an Chladaigh: Boats, music & culture ⛵
(17th March): Galway’s Bádóirí an Chladaigh will host a special St Patrick’s Day event at the Claddagh Basin, celebrating Irish Gaelic traditions. Featuring Gaelic singers, the gathering will include music, poetry, and Galway Hookers in full sail.
St. Patrick’s Night Céilí & Workshop 💃
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Eve with the Galway Céilí Club on Tuesday, March 16, 2027, at St. Patrick’s Band Hall. Kick off the night at 7:00 PM with a beginner-friendly workshop led by expert caller Joe, perfect for those with “two left feet.” From 8:00 PM, the main event features the foot-stomping sounds of The Hidden Maple. No partner or experience is needed; all dances are demonstrated. Tickets include refreshments and the “mightiest of craic” in the heart of Galway.
Nighttime events Paddy’s weekend 2027
- Paddy’s 2027 Weekender: Live music every night from Friday to Wednesday at The Skeff, with St. Patrick’s Day sets starting from 12pm.
- Galway St Patrick’s Céilí: A night of set dancing workshops and live music by Hidden Maple at St Patrick’s Band Hall on Tuesday, March 16th, at 7pm.
- Paddy’s Day Parties: DJ John Murphy hosts late-night anthems and free drinks for early arrivals at The Loft at Seven Bar on March 16th and 17th from 10pm.
- St Patrick’s Day Weekend Lineup: A massive roster of live bands, local food, and Irish dancers across two days at The Quays Bar.
- Mounds View High School Choir: A free performance of captivating choir music at St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church on Wednesday, March 17th
- BP St Patrick’s Rave: A high-energy electronic event featuring DJs Cailín and Jamie Behan at The Space at Electric Galway on March 16th, at 11pm.
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Greening of the city 🍀
Lighting artists have been commissioned to bring festive colours to the city, with the iconic sails in Eyre Square being lit up and Bádóirí an Chladaigh are expected to light up the boats of The Claddagh Basin as part of the St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Parade Participants
The 2027 parade will be led by the parade grand marshal (to be confirmed) in an open top bus, which will be confirmed close to the date. The parade is expected to feature an array of community, cultural, sporting and international groups including Ireland’s pioneering spectacle theatre company Macnas, led by the Macnas Young Ensemble. Recognised worldwide for its quality and innovation, Macnas will be accompanied by some of their fantastical creations, such as their flowery giant owl alongside a cacophony of rhythm passion and purpose from the next generation Macnas drummers.
St Patrick’s Festival Galway aims to celebrate the cities diverse culture and talent through an inclusive programme of events. The aim is to create a carnival atmosphere that the whole city can be part of and enjoy.
This year’s parade highlights in Galway City are expected to include Galway Arts Centre, 1st Port of Galway Sea Scouts, Salthill Devon Football Club, Liam Mellows GAA, Ability West, GCS Judo, Funky Drums School, Galway Bay Rugby Club, Get Rhythm creating a kaleidoscope of of Galway’s rich mix of cultural and ethnic diversity.
County Galway Parades
County Galway will be filled with colour and celebration this St Patrick’s Day, with parades taking place in towns and villages across the county. In Tuam, the parade starts at 2pm, following last year’s route, with the theme ‘health is better than wealth’ and a best window display competition. Moycullen’s parade, also at 2pm, will be led by Galway’s St Patrick’s brass band, with Galway Senior Captain and All Star Ailbhe Davoren as Grand Marshal. Clifden’s parade kicks off at 12.30pm, with live music and a kids’ disco in the Town Square. Loughrea (1pm) and Gort celebrate community, while Athenry (11.30am) embraces cooperation. Abbeyknockmoy’s parade (2pm) will be streamed live, while Ballinasloe offers prizes for the most entertaining entry. Portumna (12pm) and Craughwell will also host lively celebrations, with Craughwell’s Grand Marshal, paralympian Shauna Bocque, overseeing a public vote for the best float. A complete list of Galway parades and starting times can be found in the FAQs below. 👇
Saint Patrick’s Festival FAQs
What towns in Galway have St Patrick’s day parades in 2027?
Apart from the main parade in Galway City, you can also enjoy parades in the following towns around County Galway on March 17th. *Please note that parade times are liable to change at short notice, so ensure you check with local organisers directly to confirm.
- Abbeyknockmoy parade 2027 (from 2pm)
- Athenry parade 2027 (from 11.30am)
- Ballinasloe parade 2027 (from 2pm)
- Clifden parade 2027 (from 12.30pm)
- Craughwell parade 2027 (from 3pm)
- Gort parade 2027 (from 12.30pm)
- Kinvara parade 2027 (from 2pm)
- Loughrea parade 2027 (from 1pm)
- Moycullen parade 2027 (from 2pm)
- Oranmore parade 2027 (from 2pm)
- Oughterard parade 2027 (from 1pm)
- Portumna parade 2027 (from 12noon)
- Roundstone parade 2027 (from 2.30pm)
- Tuam parade 2027 (from 2pm)
What time does the Galway City parade start?
Where is the parade starting from?
Where is the best place to see the Galway City parade?
What’s on in Galway for St. Patrick’s Day?
Where is the best place to celebrate St. Patrick’s day in Ireland?
How can our group take part in the Galway’s St Patrick’s Day parade?
Is there wheelchair access at the St. Patrick’s day parade?
What live events are taking place as part of the Galway St. Patrick’s Festival?
The main live events for the festival involve live music in Eyre Square, film screenings about Galway at Galway City Museum and fun family activities in Salthill.
What events are on in Ballinasloe for St. Patrick’s Day 2027?
| Event | Place | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Ballinasloe Parade | Main Street | 2pm |
| Trad Music Session | An Tain Bar | 4pm |
| Paddy’s Day Fun Fair | Ballinasloe Fair Green | 12 – 6pm |
| Irish Dance Show | Ballinasloe Theatre | 7:30pm |
Why does St. Patrick’s Day fall on March 17th every year?
St. Patrick’s Day is Ireland’s national holiday and it is celebrated on March 17 because it is the day Saint Patrick died. It is believed he died in the village of Saul in 461 AD, close to the town of Downpatrick, Co. Down where he is reputedly buried.
What St Patrick’s Day traditions are there in Galway?
St. Patrick’s Day is a major cultural and religious celebration throughout Ireland and nowhere more so that in County Galway. There are several local traditions associated with Ireland’s national holiday and here are some of the most common St. Patrick’s Day traditions for Irish people during the festival:
Attending Mass: St. Patrick’s Day is a religious holiday, so many people in Ireland attend Mass on this day.
Parades: St. Patrick’s Day parades are popular in many towns throughout Galway. The biggest parade is held in Galway City, which attracts visitors from around the world.
Wearing Green: It’s traditional to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day, which is said to represent the “Emerald Isle.”
Traditional Irish Music and Dance: Irish music and dance are an integral part of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Many pubs, venues and street performers in Galway host live performances of traditional Irish music and dancing.
Shamrocks: The shamrock is a symbol of St. Patrick’s Day, and many people in Galway wear shamrock pins or badges on their clothing.
Traditional Irish Food and Drink: Many people in Ireland celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by enjoying traditional Irish food and drink, such as corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, soda bread, and Guinness.
Going to the Pub: Going to the pub for a pint of Guinness, Murphys, Beamish, Smithwicks or even and Irish Whiskey is a popular St. Patrick’s Day tradition in Galway.
Whatever your preference, St. Patrick’s Day is a joyful time in Ireland, and these traditions are just a few of the ways in which you can join in and celebrate our national holiday.
What to expect at the Galway parade
As the one national holiday that is celebrated in more countries around the world than any other, St. Patrick’s Day is a day when everyone wants to be Irish. See how St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in Galway below in a great video by Kamil Krolak.
Print Parade Route Map
Download parade map2027 marks the 122nd anniversary of the Galway St. Patrick’s Day Parade and you can expect a wonderful spectacle of all things Irish.
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