The annual St Patrick’s Day Parade will draw huge crowds to Galway when its makes its celebratory way through the city this morning.
More than 2,800 people are taking part in the 2023 parade, making it the largest ever put on in Galway.
The parade will kick off as usual at the University of Galway at 11:30am, making its way along University Road towards the city centre.
The route will then take it around the Cathedral, across the Salmon Weir Bridge, before turning onto Francis Street and Eglinton Street.
From there the parade will go past the viewing stand in Eyre Square, up Prospect Hill, and onto Bothar na mBan before coming to its terminus.
More than 50 local groups, and more from further afield, will be taking part in the Parade on March 17, with two local heroes leading the way.
First of two Grand Marshals for this year’s parade will be Connacht Rugby’s Andy Friend, who has been a wonderful ambassador for the province since joining in 2018.
Joining him on the open top bus at the front of the parade will be 11 year old Saoirse Ruane, who has raised million for cancer research since her appearance on the Late Late Toy Show in 2020.
From outside of Galwat, coming all the way from Tampa Florida are Krewe of Europa, a colourful costumed group celebrating the Age of Discovery.
Europa has members representing all 44 European Countries in colorful costumes of each country, and is taking part in celebrations around Ireland.
The parade is kicking off a weekend of celebrations, with live music coming to Eyre Square for the three day festival of free gigs.
In film, Ardán will have an outdoor film screening of short films in the Fishmarket at The Spanish Arch on St Patrick’s Day from 14:00 until 16:00.
The Cinephile Paradiso will host a two-day walk-in exhibition of the early silent films of Ireland in the Pálás Cinema Bar and the Silent Cinema on Dominick Street.
And lastly, Galway Sports Partnership and Healthy Galway have put together a Family Fun Day in Salthill this Sunday.
