St Patricks Day Parade Galway 2026
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 11.00am 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.
St Patrick’s Day Parade – Route
The parade route (first used in 2019) will remain in place for 2026, 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 Four days of the St. Patrick’s Festival (14th to 17th March 2026) 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.
Festival Village
From the 14th to the 17th of March head to the Eyre Square to find the heart of the festival where you will find free outdoor concerts and entertainment!
Parade
Don’t miss the main attraction of the festival! The Parade will begin at 11am on the 17th starting at University Road and concluding as Prospect Hill. Up to 3000 Participants will colour the streets to the theme of ‘Legends and Rising Stars’
Tribesmen Head of the River
14th of March We’re happy to announce the return of the the rowing event on Saturday! Clubs from all over Ireland will race from Lough Corrib to Woodquay in Galway city!
Badoiri an Chladaigh: Boats, Music & Culture
17th of March – Galway’s Badoiri an Chladaigh will host a special Gaelic traditions event including singers, poetry and Galway Hookers in full sail!
St.Patrick’s Night Ceili & Workshop
Monday 16th of March at St.Patrick’s Band Hall join the fun with the Galway Ceili Club, no partner needs and all levels welcome!
Expect many additional events to be held throughout the city over the bank holiday weekend.
Family fun day and Amusements in Salthill
Over the course of the weekend Curry’s Funpark at Leisureland and Salthill Park will host a Family Fun Day. Everyone is in for a fantastic day filled with games and activities.
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 2026 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.
The parade has grown from small beginnings to the present day, when on average it has 70,000 spectators thronging the 1.5 mile route. People of all ages mingle together to enjoy the spectacle of music, dance and performance art as the procession winds its way through the city.
This year the Festival is a platform to showcase local artists and community groups and they aim to celebrate this through an varied programme of music, street theatre and art and hope you enjoy the Festival and the people of Galway wish you a very happy St Patrick’s day.
St Patrick’s Festival Galway Event
St Patrick’s Day Parade Galway
Bands, dance groups, performance artists and community groups come from all over the world to Galway each year to experience a parade that is widely regarded as one of the best in Ireland. The beauty of the Galway Parade is that it is small enough for groups to truly feel a part of, yet big enough to create a special atmosphere. The Parade route is thronged with spectators from start to finish, creating a non-stop carnival atmosphere.
Look here for more details about St Patricks Day Galway Festival
