A three-day festival of free events will take place in Galway City from 15th–17th March to celebrate this year’s St. Patrick’s Day. With St. Patrick’s Day falling on a Monday (17th March), the festivities promise to bring even more excitement to the city over the extended weekend.
Hosted by Galway City Council, the programme is set to showcase.
- The iconic St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Monday, 17th March
- A lively Festival Village in Eyre Square, featuring three days of live music and cultural performances
- A fun-filled Family Fun Day in Eyre Square on Sunday 16th March
- The thrilling Tribesmen Head of the River rowing spectacle on March 15th and additional family-friendly activities on Sunday 16th
Building on Galway’s rich cultural and maritime heritage, this year’s theme—‘Sea & Stone: A Celebration of Galway’s Unique Location on the Atlantic Coast’—pays tribute to the city’s deep ties to the sea and its rugged limestone landscape. Mayor Cllr. Peter Keane assures locals and visitors alike that the festival will be a memorable showcase of Galway’s spirit and sense of community.
“Galway is shaped by its connection to the Atlantic—from the crashing waves on our coast to the ancient stone walls that trace our history. ‘Sea & Stone’ reflects the heart of our city and its people, and we invite everyone to come celebrate our shared heritage,”
– Mayor Cllr. Peter Keane
Local businesses, residents, and visitors are encouraged to embrace the theme by incorporating maritime or stone-inspired elements into their festivities—be it through costumes, window displays, or creative contributions to the parade.
For further details on the schedule and how to get involved, keep an eye on local press announcements and visit the Galway City Council website. Let’s come together for an unforgettable weekend celebrating St. Patrick’s Festival 2025—and honouring the timeless bond between Sea & Stone in our beloved Galway.
Galway St. Patrick’s Festival 2025
Get ready for a spectacular three-day festival in the heart of Galway! From Saturday, 15th March to Monday, 17th March, Eyre Square will come alive with music, entertainment, and activities for everyone. This year, we’re celebrating Galway City’s unique location on the Atlantic Coast with the theme ‘Sea & Stone.’
Festival Village (15th–17th March)
Our bustling Festival Village in Eyre Square promises a vibrant mix of free outdoor concerts, local talent, and special guest performances:
- Saturday, 15th March: Indie Music Day
Dive into a day of catchy guitar riffs and fresh new sounds from rising indie acts—perfect for music lovers looking to discover their next favourite band. - Sunday, 16th March: Family Festival Fête
Bring the whole family for a fun-filled afternoon of face painting, circus performances, and exciting young bands taking the stage. Be sure to swing by and join the excitement! - Monday, 17th March: Trad & Upbeat Extravaganza
After the St. Patrick’s Day Parade winds its way through town, make your way back to Eyre Square for an array of foot-tapping trad tunes and lively performances—guaranteed to end the festivities with a bang.
Parade & Theme: Sea & Stone
Join us on Monday, 17th March, for the legendary Galway St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This year’s theme, ‘Sea & Stone,’ is a nod to our stunning coastal surroundings and rich maritime heritage. Expect colourful floats, creative costumes, and plenty of surprises as we celebrate our city’s deep connection to the Atlantic.
Family-Friendly Sports in Eyre Square
From 11am–1pm on Sunday 16th March, Eyre Square will also host a series of fun sports activities for families with the Galway Sports Partnership. Come try your hand at a range of games and challenges —there’s something for every age and ability!
Tribesman Head of the River Race
The much-loved Tribesman Head of the River race returns to the Corrib on Saturday 15th, drawing rowers and spectators from near and far. New for 2025, don’t miss extra family-friendly activities in Salthill on Sunday, 16th March.