Mark your calendars! March 17th is St. Patrick’s Day, and this year, it falls on a Tuesday, meaning that your Monday just got so much better. It means you can make the most of a full weekend packed with exciting events, live entertainment, and delicious food and drinks as Galway bursts into celebration. Whether you're looking for vibrant parades, traditional Irish music, or the best local pubs to toast the occasion, there's something for everyone. Start planning your unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day in Galway, Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona daoibh!!
Please note that this guide only covers events taking place over March 16th and 17th. To see the full weekend guide for March 12-15th tap here.
above: photo from St Patrick's Day 2024 by Chaosheng Zhang
St. Patrick’s Day Parades around Galway
On Tuesday March 17th, the Galway City parade will start at 11am from the University of Galway. Its route will continue over the Salmon Weir Bridge, to Eglinton Street and onwards past the viewing stand at Eyre Square, to Bóther na mBan and finish at the Dyke Road Car Park. The parade will mark the highlight of a celebration of Irish culture and will serve as a platform to showcase the creativity of local artists and community groups. This year’s parade, which will see community groups and over thousands of participants take to the streets of Galway showcasing the city’s heritage, music, dance and different cultural backgrounds through this year’s theme ‘legends and rising stars.’
In Tuam, the parade will take place from 2pm, and follow the same route as last year, going through Shop Street and Bishop Street. This year’s theme is ‘Love your Town - keep it tidy all year round’, local clubs and groups will be participating with a variety of floats. Likewise, the parade in Moycullen will begin at 2pm, and will feature a range of local creatives, while this year’s grand marshal will be Tony Audley, who has been involved in many local clubs like GAA & Moycullen Golf Society, but most significantly with Moycullen Handball Club. Where he has spent 40 years as club secretary, and has been heavily involved in coaching younger players.
Out in West Galway, the Clifden parade will take place from 12.30pm, with entertainment on the Town Square, live music, a kids disco and much more festivities to follow! In a similar spirit, Gort’s Patrick’s Day parade will begin at 12.45pm, with the theme of ‘Gort: Old and New’ - to acknowledge the recent redevelopment of the buildings in the town. With family-friendly entertainment lined up as well, this event is a celebration of Gort’s living history.
above: St Patrick's Day Parade 2024, photo by Chaosheng Zhang
The St Patrick’s Day Parade in Athenry will take place from 11.45am, following the theme of '2026 - Year of the Fire House', a symbol of bold change, fiery passion, momentum, and freedom. This theme of creativity and pioneering spirit reflects the people of Athenry: an ancient town that shrugs off the shackles of sameness and seeks out the different and new; and always with pride of place. This idea will be reflected in the parade with horse-themed floats, vibrant colours, energetic dances, lively music, and bold costumes. The theme of Loughrea’s St Patrick’s Day parade is ‘music and celebration,’ (start time 1pm), as the community comes together in celebration of local talents.
Kicking off from 1pm, the Abbeyknockmoy's St Patrick's Day 2026 parade is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Following the success of last year, the designated sensory-friendly zone will be back for the parade this year with limited seating for the senior community members in front of the viewing stand also. In Ballinasloe the parade will begin at 2pm sharp with several prizes up for grabs for participants. Among them, there will be prizes most entertaining, plus the Tony Colohan Memorial Trophy for the overall winner.
Portumna’s parade will start at 11.45am, with live music in the Town Square also. In Craughwell, their parade will begin at 3pm and go from the Community Hall to Bridge, with music and live entertainment taking place in local premises after the parade.
above: St Patrick's Day Parade 2024, photo by Chaosheng Zhang
Things to do in Galway this St Patrick’s Day
Live Music in Eyre Square for St Patrick’s Weekend
When: From Saturday to Tuesday, March 14th to 17th
Where: Eyre Square
More information here
This Féile Phádraig Weekend in Galway City is going to be bigger and better than ever, especially thanks to a brilliant programme of free music to keep you entertained. From local emerging acts to well-established performers, the stage will feature four days of live performances in the heart of the city. Beat the Monday Blues on March 16th with an evening of live music from 4pm featuring Earthworms, OGMA, and Sabbages. Then, on St Patrick's Day itself, Eyre Square is the place to be after the parade, as a brilliant lineup of trad music brings your St Patrick’s celebrations to a warm, lively finish. For more on the weekend’s full lineup see the link above.
Paddy’s 2026 Weekender
Where: The Skeff
More information here
Celebrate your Paddy’s weekend with The Skeff Bar & Kitchen because they’ve got an epic line-up of live music running every night from Friday to Tuesday! On the main day itself, St Patrick’s Day, The Skeff will have live music from 12pm and thanks to their unbelievable location on Eyre Square they are the perfect venue for pre and post parade food and drinks. Of course there will be plenty of craic and special offers to enjoy throughout the weekend as well.
Tell Me a Story with Eddie Lenihan
When: Monday, March 16th, at 7pm
Where: Electric Nightclub
More information here
Come along to a special St. Patrick’s storytelling evening with the legendary Eddie Lenihan. Renowned for his captivating tales of Irish folk heroes, fairies, fallen angels, and other supernatural beings drawn from Ireland’s rich mythology, folklore, and oral tradition, Eddie brings centuries of storytelling to life. As a published poet and dedicated cultural preservationist, he holds the largest private collection of folklore in Ireland. His vast repertoire also includes powerful stories of Ireland’s historical and legendary women, as well as fascinating insights into railroad history. Want to hear more? Pull up a chair, settle in, and let yourself be carried away on a mythical journey steeped in Irish folklore this Monday night.
Galway St Patrick’s Céilí – Workshop & Live Music
When: Monday, March 16th, from 7pm
Where: St Patrick’s Band Hall
More information here
Join the Galway Céilí Club for a night of fun and dancing. This is your chance to learn the basics of set dancing and céilí and afterward, you can put your new skills to the test at the group céilí. The very best in Irish traditional music will be provided by the foot-stomping sounds of the Hidden Maple. No prior experience is necessary and all levels are welcome. The dances will be demonstrated and called, so grab your friends, bring your two left feet, and come down for a night of Irish social dancing and lots of fun.
Paddy’s Day Parties
When: Monday & Tuesday, March 16th & 17th
Where: The Loft at Seven Bar
More information here
Get ready for the biggest and best Paddy’s Day party in The Loft as they kick things off from 10pm, and keep the party going right through the night with DJ John Murphy on the decks, playing all your favourite hits and dancefloor anthems until 2am. Expect a packed dancefloor, electric atmosphere, and the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day vibes. The first 50 people through the door will receive a free Jameson & Ginger Ale, so make sure you arrive early! If you can’t wait until the main day itself, call over the night before for their full-scale Paddy’s Eve bash. Expect a packed dancefloor, DJ John Murphy spinning the biggest party anthems from 10pm till 2am, 50 free Jameson & Ginger for the first 50, and that electric pre-St. Patrick’s Day atmosphere Galway does best. Dress in your best green, bring the craic, and join them for two nights you won’t forget. Sláinte!
St Patrick’s Day Weekend Lineup
Where: The Quays Bar
More information here
The Quays Bar St Patrick’s weekend live entertainment line-up is here, curated for chilled nights, celebratory moments, and everything in between. Enjoy great food, ice-cold pints, and live tunes that will keep you going. In the line-up for the 16th and 17th, in the Music Hall they will have: White Water on Monday and with doors from 2pm on St Patrick’s Day, expect free live music from The Gamblers, Mick N Flick, High Reel & Special Guests The Spirit of Irish Dancers. Additionally, there will be delicious local food served all day before Big Generator will then take to the Music Hall stage from 10.30pm.
Mounds View High School Choir
When: Tuesday, March 17th, at 4.30pm
Where: St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church
More information here
After the Galway city parade and their St Patrick’s Day service at 10am, St Nicholas Schola Cantorum are delighted to welcome Mounds View High School for an evening of live choir music. St Nicholas Schola Cantorum was established in 2012 as a modern re-imagining of the ancient college of singers originally established in 1486, and which gives the church its ‘collegiate’ title. This choir concert is free to attend and all are welcome to come along for a beautiful and captivating performance.
BP St Patrick’s Rave
When: Monday, March 16th, at 11pm
Where: The Space at Electric Galway
More information here
Basement Project’s St. Patrick’s Raves have firmly established them as a highlight on the Galway calendar and this year is going to be no different. This is a night that’s a little wilder, where people can switch off and lose themselves on the floor. Every year, familiar faces mix with new ones finding their way through and this year, they’re turning up the dial again. They are bringing two of Ireland’s most respected DJs together for a special set; Cailín and Jamie Behan will take control of the booth at the Space for one of their legendary b2b sets. Supporting them, local talents Jimmy and Lana Hayes will warm up the floor and set the tone for the night. Don’t miss it!
Feature photo by Chaosheng Zhang
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