March the 17th is St. Patrick’s Day and thankfully this year it falls on a Sunday, meaning that you can enjoy a fabulous weekend full of exciting activities and events as Galway comes alive once more in celebration. Fill your weekend with exciting events, delicious food and drinks, sure don’t you deserve it?!
Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona daoibh!!!
St. Patrick’s Day Parades
The Galway City Parade will start at 11.30am and continue through Galway city for approximately an hour. Theme for this year's parade is 'Olympics 2024, Dare to Believe'. The route will run 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 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.
In east Galway, Athenry Parade will follow the same route as previous years, beginning at 11.45am, the parade will showcase stunning displays by local groups as they follow the year’s theme 'Spring Skies/ Spéir na hEarrach'.
The Loughrea Parade will begin at 1pm from Barracks St Car Park. It’s going to be a colourful array of performances by local organisations following the theme of ‘Fairytales & Children’s Stories’.
For the Moycullen 2024 Parade, it’s all about “Spiorad An Phobail/Community Spirit” and they are inviting all local clubs and groups to join together and celebrate everything to love about Moycullen.
Out west, Clifden’s Parade will begin at 12.30pm, and there will be entertainment on the Town Square prior to the parade, the entertainment will continue into the afternoon with a street disco, live music and more!
above: photo by Chaosheng Zhang
Food & Drink:
Brasserie on the Corner
Ideally located for your post parade feed, Brasserie on the Corner will be serving their lunch menu on Sunday from 11am. They are the perfect place to book in for your Patrick's Day celebrations, as through their menus you can indulge with the rich flavours of Ireland and sample Galway's local produce. Under the guidance of Head Chef Joe Flaherty, Brasserie on the Corner was also recently nominated for Best Contemporary Irish Cuisine for the Irish Restaurant Awards.
Mary Mullens
Have you visited the newly opened Mary Mullens yet? If you answered no, take this as your sign to pay them a visit this St. Patrick's weekend! Live music, delicious drinks, and good vibes await. Additionally, alongside their full weekend entertainment lineup, Mary Mullins is offering a delicious Asian Fusion food menu which features loads of incredible options. With food served from 1pm each day, be sure to get your table booked asap so you don't miss out on any of the craic!
above: photo courtesy of Mary Mullens
Deli 19 Clifden
With the arrival of St. Patrick's weekend comes the reopening of Deli 19 in Clifden. This Friday, they'll be reopening their doors from 8am in order to serve you loads of delicious coffee, cake, smoothies and goodies galore. They can't wait to welcome you back ahead of the summer season so if you're looking to get away from the city for the long weekend, book your visit to Clifden now and enjoy all it has to offer.
The Cellar
Perfect for all those heading into Galway city to watch the parade, The Cellar have a large and appetising food and drink menu for your indulgence. From their all day Irish breakfast and filling sandwiches to their pints and burgers deals, there's plenty of variety to found at The Cellar. They will also have live music across the weekend, with a show from Absent 017: Emo Nite on Sunday, as well as live sports showing on screens throughout the bar on Saturday and Sunday.
Ré Nao
Located next to the historic Spanish Arch, come Paddy's Weekend Ré Nao is the ideal spot to sit and relax will enjoying a scrumptious food menu and cocktail specials. A new special on the menu 'Aonach' is where Irish tradition embraces Venezuelan flair. Encapsulated in a cocktail that celebrates the spirit of community and craftsmanship, Aonach symbolizes the rich tapestry of cultural exchange and artisanal excellence. To see their menus and to book your table ahead of the day please tap here.
Imperial Hotel
Once you've finished watching the Galway city parade, pop indoors to Imperial Hotel and enjoy a carvery feast of Irish delights. Their carvery dinner is a favourite amongst locals and tourists alike and is the perfect meal to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Their carvery menu is served every day from 12pm so it lands at the perfect time for your post parade feed.
above: photo courtesy of Imperial
Special Offers:
Dinner & Breakfast at The Twelve Hotel
As Barna’s Twelve Hotel lights up green in honour of St. Patrick’s Day, you can be availing of their special St. Patrick’s Day offer: Two nights accommodation with cooked to order breakfast each morning and on one evening relax in Pins Gastro Bar with a two course dinner included. Included after dinner is a very special St Patrick’s dinner cocktail with their compliments. To book this offer please tap here.
Events
Eye Cinema Celebrates their 19th Birthday
Eye Cinema Galway / St. Patrick's Day / more here
Get ready to celebrate both St. Patrick's Day and a 19th Birthday at Eye Cinema. Join them on Sunday for a fantastic birthday bash filled with special treats for you and the whole family! You will get to enjoy €8 tickets all day long, along with their usual €7 Early Bird special before noon, and indulge in a delightful 15% discount on their food and drink menus. Don't miss out on this milestone anniversary and check out on all the fabulous movies screening on the day right here.
Six Nations: Ireland vs Scotland at Busker Brownes
Busker Brownes / Saturday, kick off 4.45pm / more here
This Saturday, Buskers is the home of all the rugby action with live coverage of the day’s 3 matches beginning from 2pm and finger food being served at intervals. Ireland vs Scotland will kick off at 4.45pm so be sure to get in early to ensure yourself the best table. After the games, stay on for live entertainment and enjoy the full bar and restaurant menus.
Disquiet Nights: Súil Amháin
Nuns Island Theatre / Friday from 10pm / tickets here
Disquiet Nights is a curated series of late-night cultural events throughout 2024, for this next event; Súil Amháin will retake Galway for a special exhibition of Irish language lyricism. He will be joined by DJ Bó Finn (Katie Kelliher) on the night to celebrate the pre-release of his upcoming project, and also... take part in a live lúibín battle with Ribe Róibéis, (identity unknown ach Conamarach go smior), to see who can go deeper into the layered meaning of caochpholl [boghole].
Paddy's Weekender at The Skeff
The Skeff / all weekend long / more here
Join The Skeff Bar for an unforgettable Paddy's weekend! Live music, festive vibes, and plenty of craic await. Friday will kickstart their weekend programme with Evoke and Dave G. On Saturday, they'll be showing all of the Six Nations games live throughout the bar followed with live entertainment from Nate Furey, Adam Kerrigan and DJ Mark K. On St. Patrick's Day, they will have live music from 12pm and a lineup featuring Nate Furey, Evoke, Vicaria, DJ Mark M and a Guest Band.
Donal Kelly ‘Walking Edges’ Exhibition Launch
Outset Gallery / Friday 6.30pm / tickets here
Donal Kelly ‘Walking Edges’ launch will showcase a selection of photography, literature and installations focused on the artist’s current practice. This launch will feature music from DJ Mitchpresents and complimentary refreshments. ‘Walking Edges’ is a photographic exploration of place and belonging drawn from hundreds of walks along Ireland’s Atlantic edgescapes. The exhibition will run until the 15th of April.
Speedquizzing at Taylor's Bar & Beer Garden
Taylor's Bar & Beer Garden / Monday from 8pm / more here
For those of you who make it to Monday without a hangover, the Weekly Quiz Night is back at Taylor’s Bar & Beer Garden. Kicking off at 8pm sharp every Monday at Taylor's, entry is just €5 and for that you'll get a free pint plus the chance of winning over €200 worth of prizes every week. This is SpeedQuizzing on a phone app so it's fun and fast, with no cheating and no faffing around with papers and pens!
Illustrated Talk: The Galwegian who became Britain’s Greatest Female Codebreaker
Galway City Museum / Saturday from 2pm / tickets here
Join Dr Jackie Uí Chionna, author of Queen of Codes: The Secret Life of Emily Anderson, Britain’s Greatest Female Codebreaker (2023), as she tells the fascinating story of Emily’s youth in Galway, her musical scholarship on Mozart and Beethoven, and her role as one of Britain’s most eminent codebreakers. Born 133 years ago this weekend in Galway, Emily Anderson (1891–1962) was educated privately and at Queen’s College, Galway (UCG), before studying in Germany. She was appointed Chair of German at UCG in October 1917, but resigned to join the British Foreign Office in 1920, where she became a leading member of the British intelligence, serving for over three decades.
Ceoil Traidisiúnta
Café anTaibhdhearc / Lá Fhéile Pádraig, from 1pm / more here
To celebrate St. Patrick's Day and your grá for Gaeilge, head straight to Galway's Irish language theatre An Taibhdhearc. On the day they'll have a trad music session with Dúchas live in their café from 1pm-3pm. Don't miss it!
Best of Irish Disco Brunch
Hyde Bar / Saturday from 1pm / tickets here
If you missed out on nabbing tickets for their Paddy’s Day Brunch event, fret not as they’ve just added a second date! You’ll dance a jig to some of the most iconic songs from the greatest artists our country has ever produced as their culinary experts serve up a main course brunch made with flair and skill. Plus, you’ll enjoy two cocktails crafted by dedicated mixologists as everyone raises the level of craic to 90!
Ol Times
Róisín Dubh / St. Patrick’s Day from 3.30pm / tickets here
Returning for Paddy’s Day performances again this year, Ol’ Times is a classic rock outfit that’s on a mission to bring rock n roll back to the forefront of music. The band draws inspiration from legendary acts like Led Zeppelin, The Doors, and The Rolling Stones while putting their own spin on the genre to create a sound that’s fresh and exciting. They’ll be performing twice on the day, a free all ages show at 3.30pm followed by an over 18’s show at 6.30pm. Tickets for that show are available here.
above: photo courtesy of Ol Times
Yawlag Collective Patrick’s Day Takeover of McGettigan's
McGettigan’s / St. Patrick’s Day from 5pm / tickets here
Experience an ultimate Paddy’s Day celebration, featuring the eclectic Yawlag Collective and special guest, the world renowned DJ and producer, John Daly. Immerse yourself in a night filled with the finest electronic music, brought to you by Galway’s leading music collective and one of Ireland’s most talented DJs. Supporting him is a stellar lineup including Chucky ár nGrá, Daithí Krushéir, KEGS, Fluid Druid, Mitch Presents, Oscar Barria, and Eskimo Jones, all brought together by the Yawlag Collective. If you want to make a full weekend of it at McGettigan’s, on Saturday they will have No Gree for Anybody, an urban Afro event featuring Hip-hop RnB, Afrobeat, Amapiano and many more. Tickets for that are available here.
Garden Sesiún for Palestine
Garden at Kali Coffee Bar / Saturday from 5pm / tickets here
You are all invited along to an evening of local and Palestinian music and poetry in the garden at Kali Coffee Bar. On the evening there will be a mezze of Irish oyster and nibbles by Oysome. Music by Rosie Connelly, Hala Jaber, Katie O'Connor, Bláthnaid & Fionnuala Nic Cába. And poetry from Esperanza Ansón. This will be an evening raising vital funds for UNRWA, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.
Paddy’s Eve & St. Patrick’s Day Parties at DNA Galway
DNA Galway / Saturday & St. Patrick’s Day from late / tickets here
On Saturday and Sunday night, DNA Galway are providing some heavy hitters across all floors! For their Paddy’s Eve party, everybody’s favourite Donegal man Darren B is back in G Town to upend the Main Floor playing nothing but the best of old school anthems and Irish remixes. Along with local legend John Murphy will be on basement duty with cheesy hits, sing-alongs and hip hop beats all night! On the big day itself, the man behind the viral hit “Step It Out”, Fahri Mac, will be headlining the decks on the main floor, dropping the very best of Irish remixes and bangers. Sull E is stepping up for support duties, and trust us, this legend needs no introduction. It’s going to be insane!
St. Patrick’s Emerald Experience, Up for the Sesh at The Hardiman
The Hardiman / Thursday to Sunday / more here
Celebrations for Paddy’s Weekend will begin on the 14th in the new MacNeill’s pub. Where they will have their first Trad Thursday session from 8pm to 10pm with the Fleadhwers. There will be live music on Friday night from Cailum Byrne and on Saturday night James Finnegan takes over. For the main event on St. Patrick’s Day, join The Hardiman for a lively trad session with the Fleadhwers from 2-4pm right after the parade. Throughout the hotel they will also be serving Irish food specials and a St. Patrick’s Day special cocktail. Additionally, on the day all Patricks and Patricias can enjoy a second pint for free!
above: photo by Donal Geeson Photography
Amhrán na Mara/Song of the Sea
Pálás Cinema / St. Patrick’s Day from 12pm / tickets here
Something for the kids! Song of the Sea is a cartoon family-friendly adventure that tells the story of Ben and his little sister Saoirse – the last Seal-child – who embark on a fantastic journey across a fading world of ancient legend and magic in an attempt to return to their home by the sea. The film takes inspiration from the mythological Selkies of Irish folklore, who live as seals in the sea but become humans on land. This screening will be in Irish with English subtitles.
Live Entertainment at Quays
Quays Bar / all weekend long / more here
Serving up delicious bar food and live music all weekend long, Quays Bar Galway is going to be the place to be over the Bank Holiday weekend. Up in the Music Hall they'll have the Porterbellys live on Thursday and Tradstone live on Friday night. On Saturday, they’ll be screening the last of the Six Nations games followed by Dakota live in the Music Hall. On Paddy’s Day, music will commence at 2pm, so join them on the day to see Billy and the Kids, Gerry Hansbury, The Half Landing and Gorilla Radio.
Paddy’s Weekend Hoolie at Cookes Thatch Bar
Cookes Thatch Bar / Saturday from 1pm / tickets here
It’s that time of the year, the annual Basement Project’s 12 hour Paddy’s weekend hoolie is back and they have put together one of biggest lineups to date. It’s going to be 2 areas of music, nonstop for 12 hours! Featuring a lineup of Offtrack, Aero, P Disconuat, Maedbh O’Connor, Remote Society, IMO, M.A.M., Supergross, Ootep, Oscar, Hamesss bk2bk Karla, Chucky Àr nGrá and Yangman.
Free events throughout the city
This year's 3 day St. Patrick's festival will see the city come alive with an abundance of free family friendly events. As well as the famous city parade, there will be live music, activities, and films taking place across the City of Tribes. Highlights of the weekend include; the return of Galway’s premier rowing spectacle which will kick off rowing regatta season with a series of races of along the Corrib, live performances on Eyre Square following Sunday's parade, Music Generation youth music showcase Livefeed, followed by performances from some of the city’s most exciting emerging acts. In addition to the 2024 Family Fun Day will take place in Salthill on Monday will include a number of games and activities for everyone to try including rowing, glow games, athletics, Drumadore, yoga, pickleball, face-painting and much more. For more information on all this please tap here.
Feature photo by Boyd Challenger
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