Brittney JohnsonSt. Patrick’s Day, the national holiday of Ireland, is celebrated all over the country in a big way. However, there is no place better (in my opinion) to experience the true spirit of the festival than in Galway (No offense to Dublin!). The city is known for its rich culture, vibrant music scene, and warm and friendly people, and these qualities are on full display during St. Patrick’s Day.
Galway is a bustling city while still exhibiting a laidback feel, with a charming old town and a lively modern district. The streets are decorated with green, white, and orange, and everyone seems to be wearing something with an Irish flag or a shamrock on it. The city is filled with live music, dancing, parades, and other events that celebrate Irish culture.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
One of the highlights of the day is the St. Patrick’s Day parade. The parade features colorful floats, marching bands, street performers, and dancers, and attracts thousands of locals and tourists. The atmosphere is electric, and the streets are filled with laughter and cheer. Especially touching was all the diversity represented in the parade. Lots of different groups, races, ethnicities, and cultures took turns waving their flags, performing traditional dances, and everyone around me seemed to really enjoy it.
Time to party!
After the parade, people head to the pubs and restaurants to continue the celebration. Galway has some of the best pubs in Ireland, and they are packed with people enjoying the craic (fun). The pubs serve traditional Irish food, such as Irish stew, shepherd’s pie, and fish & chips, along with a variety of beers, ciders, and whiskey. All in all, my personal favorite was the Bulmer’s Irish Cider. Yummy!
In the evening, the city comes alive with music and dancing. Galway is known for its traditional Irish music, and you can find live performances in almost every pub and club. The music ranges from lively jigs and reels to soulful ballads and everything in between. People of all ages come together to dance, sing, and enjoy the music. The Crane Bar was especially endearing because of its intimate feel and joyous sing-a-longs. Did I know the lyrics to the traditional Irish ballads? Absolutely not. Did it matter? Nope! lol
Overall, spending St. Patrick’s Day in Galway is an unforgettable experience. The city is filled with energy, enthusiasm, and pride in Irish culture. Whether you are Irish or not, you will feel welcome and part of the celebrations. So if you are planning a trip to Ireland, make sure you include Galway in your itinerary for St. Patrick’s Day!
