The Ultimate Guide to St. Patrick’s Weekend in Galway
With the sun shining this St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Galway is shaping up to be one to remember. With so much happening in the city and a long weekend to enjoy, it can be hard to decide how to make the most of it.
We turned to Irish Socksciety co-founder Joanna Ciezka, PR guru Lisa Regan, creator Nadin Dantsevich, and Galway personality and marketing pro Kieran O'Malley for the ultimate insider’s guide to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Galway. Read on for tips on best parade day itineraries, top-tier trad music sessions and family-friendly activities.
Start the day right
Lisa suggests beginning the day with fresh air and movement. Whether it’s a run through the University and Dangan or a refreshing dip in the Atlantic at Blackrock in Salthill. “Nothing quite like the Atlantic to set the tone for the day ahead!”
Magpie Bakery and Dela Restaurant
After working up an appetite, breakfast is essential. A seasoned pro will have secured a sourdough loaf from Magpie, ready to enjoy at home with Irish butter and Mad Yolk eggs. Otherwise, Lisa recommends Dela as the perfect breakfast spot.
Kieran, on the other hand, is making the most of the long weekend to focus on a personal goal. “This year one of my big goals is to improve my golf game, so the day will start with an early round out in Galway Bay Golf followed by a The Golf Father breakfast, my treat to myself which will set me up for the day.”
Nadin offers another way to start the weekend – immersing yourself in Galway’s charm. “Begin your Saturday with the gentle strains of live music at St. Nicholas’ Church before wandering through the bustling Saturday market,” she suggests. A stop at Boychick Donuts for a sweet treat and a bagel to go makes for a delicious start. “Be sure to explore Claddagh and the Westend, and take a quiet moment at Coffeewerk + Press, one of the world’s top 100 cafés. Their almond pear pie is a must-try!”
The parade and trad sessions
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a must-see, and Lisa finds it particularly entertaining: “No matter how old you are, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Galway is a total LOL. I don't know how there is anyone local to watch it as you seem to know every person in it!”
Nadin advises planning ahead for a good viewing spot. “I recommend securing a good viewing spot for the St. Patrick’s Day parade in advance, as the crowds can be huge. Galway’s weather is famously unpredictable, so it’s always best to be prepared – bring sunscreen, a raincoat, and don’t forget to stay hydrated.”
Joanna shares her family’s St. Patrick’s Day plan. “Once dressed up, we'll secure our regular spot on the bridge by the University Road beside the Cathedral. That's a tradition at this stage.”
Following the parade, Kieran plans to check out the Trad & Upbeat Extravaganza in the Festival Village at Eyre Square, where live music and entertainment keep the celebrations going.
Evening feasts and celebrations
For those looking for a proper trad music experience, Lisa suggests pub-hopping between Tig Cóilí, where the sessions are always lively, and The Crane Bar, where “the music is as good as the Guinness.”
From Left: Kasbah Wine Bar, The Crane Bar and M. Fitzgerald's Bar
As the day winds down, Kieran recommends heading to M. Fitzgerald’s Bar on Quay Street for more trad music and a well-earned pint of Guinness. “I wouldn’t normally drink pints, but for the day that’s in it, I’ll definitely have one to toast the big man!” he says.
Lisa swears by Hooked on Henry Street for the best Irish fish, cooked to perfection, followed by a well-crafted cocktail at The Bierhaus. And for those who still have energy left, she insists, “No better way to round off the night than with a dance at The Blue Note.”
If you’d rather avoid struggling through Tuesday after the celebrations, Kieran suggests winding down with a trip to the Eye Cinema for Fidil Ghorm. “The beautiful, wholesome, feel-good, contemporary Irish language movie is one for all of the family and perfect St. Patrick’s Day viewing,” he says.
A family-friendly St. Patrick’s weekend
Pota Café
Joanna Ciezka is making the most of the weekend with some family friendly plans for the Saturday before the big day. “First thing on a Saturday morning would normally be spent at the Galway market, but with sunny weather promised in Connemara, we’re planning a family trip to Letterfrack. A must-stop for us is Pota Café for coffee, scones, and cúpla focal before heading up Diamond Hill for a hike. It’s a fantastic way to get kids into hiking! For little legs, Mám Éan is a great alternative.”
For families, Nadin highlights the Festival Village, where little ones can enjoy face painting, circus performances, and up-and-coming young bands. Her personal preference, however, is a road trip outside of the city. “As a mum, I highly recommend a visit to the Burren Nature Sanctuary and Hazel Mountain Chocolate – both offer a mix of adventure and indulgence for the whole family.”