This year marks the 106th anniversary of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Galway city. With approximately 50,000 people due to attend, the carnival atmosphere will certainly carry through the one and a half mile parade route. Expect to see a very colourful parade featuring an international cast of pipe bands, dance groups and performing artists. Have a look at our brief guide for more information…The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Galway city today is a far cry from its humble beginnings back in 1903, when 10,000 people turned out to watch the parade pass through the city. This year is the 106th anniversary of the event, and rain hail or shine, there will be about 50,000 people lining every inch of the parade route.

This parade has a most definite international feel to it with pipe bands, dance groups and performing artists from all over the world taking part. The parade winds its way through the centre of Medieval Galway city and no doubt it will be great fun watching the parade expand on the wide streets and then tighten up when passing through the city’s narrow cobbled streets.

At the time of writing a start time had not been confirmed for the parade, but normally festivities get under way at about 12.30 for the one and a half mile parade route. The parade usually has a themed section, and last year for example it was “Tribes”.

There will be many venues featuring traditional Irish music and dance throughout Galway city on St. Patrick’s Day. Accordion player Gary Quinn will perform a St. Patrick’s night special in the Town Hall Theatre in what promises to be a great night’s entertainment featuring traditional musicians, singers, and dancers. The show also features special guests, Sean De Burca, Kieran Quinn and Una Mc Ginty.

The Black Box Theatre hosts the annual St. Patrick’s Night Céilí/Fest Noz. Now in its 5th year it features Breton, Scottish, and Irish music and dance as well as visiting pipe bands and dance groups from Brittany.

So that’s just a very brief run down of what’s happening in Galway city on St. Patrick’s Day. If you would like further information, please take a look at the St. Patrick’s Day in Galway website.

Do you need accommodation in and around Galway city? Why not have a look at our Galway Hotels page for some ideas!

Did you attend any of the previous Galway City St. Patrick’s Day parades? Why not drop a comment in the box below about your experience - we would love to hear from you.