St Patricks Day Parade Galway 2024

The St Patrick’s Day 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 this year is ‘Olympics 2024’ 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.

St Patrick’s Day Parade – Route

The parade route (first used in 2019) will remain in place for 2024, 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.

A weekend celebration of community

For three days of the St. Patrick’s Festival (16th to 18th March 2024) 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.

Expect many additional events to be held throughout the city over the bank holiday weekend.

Music
Following the parade, enjoy free traditional music concerts in a ‘stretch tent’ located in Eyre Square, kicking off at 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, and 8pm on Sunday 17th March 2024. The full line up of gigs will be announced close to the time.

Family fun day and Amusements in Salthill
A fun sports day programme is expected for Saturday 16th March by Galway Sports Partnership and Healthy Galway to entertain all the family. A big choice of sports may take place for all ages such as tag rugby, tug of war, athletics, pilates, yoga, tai chi, dance, facepainting, corn hole and activator poles. Yet to be confirmed.

Drumadore, Galway’s Drumming masters are also expected to give drumming lessons along the Salthill Promenade and all are welcome to go along and give it a go. Yet to be confirmed.

Activities usually take place from 12pm and 4pm on the prom and in Salthill Park.

Curry’s Funpark (Salthill Amusements) at Leisureland will also open for the weekend on 15th March and with a family fun day with sports on Saturday 16th March 2024.

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 2024 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