St Patricks Day Parade Galway 2023
A weekend celebration of community
The St Patrick’s Festival parade in Galway on March 17th will mark the start of a 3 day celebration of Irish culture and will serve as a platform to showcase the creativity of local artists and community groups.
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 are expected to include Galway Arts Centre, Colours Street Theatre, An Taibhdhearc Theatre and Galway Theatre Festival with community groups such as Foróige, GAA clubs and Amnesty International creating a kaleidoscope of of Galway’s rich mix of cultural and ethnic diversity.
Expect many additional events to be held throughout the city over the bank holiday weekend.
Parade Route for 2023
The revised parade route (first used in 2019) is expected remain in place for 2023, 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.
The parade starts at 11.30am and runs through Galway city centre for over 1 hour.
Free concerts and weekend entertainment
For three days of the St. Patrick’s Festival (17th to 19th March 2023) 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.
In Salthill, Curry’s Funpark (Salthill Amusements) will open for the weekend on 17th March and with a family fun day with sports on Saturday 18th March 2023.
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 Parade Grand Marshalls for 2023 have yet to be annouced but 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.
Check in for up-dates at St Patrick’s Festival Galway
