Celebrating the day

St. Patrick’s Day Festival 2025

15 - 17 Mar, 2025, Galway Events Calendar

St. Patrick’s Festival in Galway ☘️

Galway’s St Patrick’s Day parade in 2025 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 15th to the 17th March 2025, to celebrate Ireland’s national holiday.

Learn all about the life of St Patrick, Ireland’s Patron Saint here.


The 2025 Parade

The St Patrick’s Festival parade in Galway on March 17th will mark the highlight of a 3 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 11.30am and runs through Galway city centre for over 1 hour. The theme for the parade has yet to be confirmed but it 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 2025

The parade route (first used in 2019) will remain in place for 2025, 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 (15th to 17th March 2025) there will be family-oriented entertainment at the plaza on Eyre Square and possibly a vintage carousel, amusements and children’s entertainment which has yet to be confirmed.

Music 🎶

Over the weekend, enjoy free traditional music concerts in a ‘stretch tent’ located in Eyre Square, kicking off at 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, and 8pm on Saturday 15th, Sunday 16th and Monday 17th March 2025.

Film Screenings 🍿

Over the weekend the Town Hall Theatre will present complimentary screenings of documentaries showcasing the essence of Galway. These screenings are open to the public, providing a wonderful opportunity to delve into the rich history and culture of the city.

Family fun day and Amusements in Salthill 🎠

Over the course of the weekend Leisureland and Salthill Park will host a Family Fun Day. Everyone is in for a fantastic day filled with games and activities.

In addition to other in-theme activities, families will enjoy the Fun Day’s take on rowing, glow games, athletics, Drumadore, yoga, pickleball, and face painting.

Curry’s Funpark (Salthill Amusements) at Leisureland will also open for the weekend on 14th March too.

Tribesmen Head of the River 🚣‍♂️

Don’t miss the return of Galway Head of the River rowing event taking place on Saturday 15th 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.


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 2025 parade will be led by the parade grand marshal 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, 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

Athenry’s parade in East Galway will follow the same path as in past years and is expected to start at 11.30 a.m. The event will feature amazing performances by local organizations. The St. Patrick’s Day parade in Loughrea begins at 1pm from Barracks Street. The parade’s “Legends” “Loachra” theme will be followed by a colorful assortment of performances by groups from the town. A march through Moycullen village will be led by more than 50 musicians from St. Patrick’s Brass band for the Moycullen 2025 celebrations from 2pm. 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 2025?

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 2025 (from 2pm)
  • Athenry parade 2025 (from 11.30am)
  • Ballinasloe parade 2025 (from 2pm)
  • Clifden parade 2025 (from 12.30pm)
  • Craughwell parade 2025 (from 3pm)
  • Gort parade 2025 (from 12.30pm)
  • Kinvara parade 2025 (from 2pm)
  • Loughrea parade 2025 (from 1pm)
  • Moycullen parade 2025 (from 2pm)
  • Oranmore parade 2025 (from 2pm)
  • Oughterard parade 2025 (from 1pm)
  • Portumna parade 2025 (from noon)
  • Roundstone parade 2025 (from 2.30pm)
  • Tuam parade 2025 (from 2pm)
What time does the Galway City parade start?
The parade commences at 11.30am and winds its way through Galway city centre for over 1 hour.
Where is the parade starting from?
The parade will start at the University of Galway on University Road and pass by Galway Cathedral where it will cross the Salmon Weir Bridge, then turn up Eglinton Street then lead on towards Eyre Square.
Where is the best place to see the Galway City parade?
The best vantage points are likely to be around Galway Cathedral and at Eyre Square. The Cathedral is surrounded by wide roads providing ample space for spectators. Eyre Square also offers lots of space to view the parade finale with some great family friendly entertainment planned to take place here too.
What’s on in Galway for St. Patrick’s Day?
Expect a lively atmosphere around Galway over the duration of the bank holiday weekend. The streets will be alive with the sights and sounds typical of Ireland’s national holiday, with traditional music drifting out of pubs, buskers playing on the streets and the national colours on display throughout the city. An outdoor craft village, vintage amusements and family activities are are expected to run for the duration of the festival weekend (precise locations to be confirmed).
Where is the best place to celebrate St. Patrick’s day in Ireland?
It’s got to be Galway. If you want to experience an authentic St. Patrick’s Day away from the big crowds of Dublin, Galway is a great option. The parade has a strong community element where locals of all nationalities along with visiting groups come together to create a carnival like atmosphere through the medieval streets of the city. Then retreat to one of the many cosy pubs for great food, live traditional music or to watch a GAA hurling or football game on the box. Simply put, some days are better than others!
How can our group take part in the Galway’s St Patrick’s Day parade?
Visit the www.galwaycity.ie website for an application form. Applications must be submitted by February 21 to [email protected]
Is there wheelchair access at the St. Patrick’s day parade?
Two wheelchair accessible areas for viewing the parade will be available at Galway Cathedral and Eyre Square. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
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 pubs have live music this St. Patrick’s Weekend in Galway?

Paddy’s Weekender at The Skeff

  • When: All weekend long
  • What’s On: Live music, festive vibes, and craic. Live entertainment on Friday and Saturday, and live music lineup on St. Patrick’s Day.

Ol Times at Róisín Dubh

  • When: St. Patrick’s Day from 3:30 pm
  • What’s On: Classic rock performances with influences from legendary acts like Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones.

Yawlag Collective Patrick’s Day Takeover of McGettigan’s

  • When: St. Patrick’s Day from 5 pm
  • What’s On: Ultimate Paddy’s Day celebration with electronic music by Yawlag Collective and special guest DJ John Daly.

Paddy’s Eve & St. Patrick’s Day Parties at DNA Galway

  • When: Saturday & St. Patrick’s Day from late
  • What’s On: Heavy hitters across all floors with old school anthems, Irish remixes, and more.

St. Patrick’s Emerald Experience at The Hardiman

  • When: Thursday to Sunday
  • What’s On: Trad sessions, live music, Irish food specials, St. Patrick’s Day special cocktail.

Live Entertainment at Quays

  • When: All weekend long
  • What’s On: Live music all weekend long with various performers.

Paddy’s Weekend Hoolie at Cookes Thatch Bar

  • When: Saturday from 1 pm
  • What’s On: 12-hour Paddy’s weekend hoolie with nonstop music across two areas.
What events are on in Ballinasloe for St. Patrick’s Day 2025?
EventPlaceTime
Ballinasloe ParadeMain Street2pm
Trad Music SessionAn Tain Bar4pm
Paddy’s Day Fun FairBallinasloe Fair Green12 – 6pm
Irish Dance ShowBallinasloe Theatre7:30pm
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

GALWAY PARADE ROUTE 17TH MARCH 11.30AMDownload parade map

2025 marks the 121st anniversary of the Galway St. Patrick’s Day Parade and you can expect a wonderful spectacle of all things Irish.


Address

Galway City,
Galway,
Ireland

Links

Directions

St. Patrick's Day is popular for...

Galway Parade
all things green
Culture
Music sessions
Live gigs
Traditional Irish Music
What's On
Families
Kids
Traditions
Ireland
Face painting
March 17
Irish National holiday
Shamrocks

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