Tens of thousands of people are expected to flock to the city centre tomorrow (Thursday ) when Galway holds its first St Patrick’s Day parade since 2019.
Many hundreds of participants have been rehearsing for months for the extravaganza of national pride which will snake its way through the city for 90 minutes, starting at University Road and concluding at Prospect Hill having been cheered through the streets by parade-hungry observers.
With Covid restrictions having been announced in the days before the 2020 parade, this week’s parade will be the first one since 2019, and consequently, organisers are expecting a massive turnout.
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Photo:- Mike Shaughnessy
Speaking to the Galway Advertiser, local gardaí said they would like to remind the general public that there will be traffic management plans in place to facilitate St Patrick Day parades throughout the city and county this Thursday.
With the extra bank holiday creating a new four-day window for revellers, Gardai have also warned people to be responsible when socialising.
Large crowds are expected to pack the streets of Galway city and towns around the county over the long weekend to celebrate the traditional St Patrick’s Day parades.
Temporary road closures will be in place in Galway city and other towns with large volumes of traffic expected. Gardai would urge people to plan out their journey before leaving home and be aware that there will be some road closures in place to facilitate the parade.
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Performers at the St Patrick's Day parade of 2019. Photo:- Mike Shaughnessy
They also like to remind the public that it is illegal to consume alcohol in a public place and will be enforcing a zero tolerance approach this weekend and all alcohol will be confiscated.
Parade route
The parade route in Galway city will start at University Road, continue over the Salmon Weir Bridge and onto Eglinton Street.
It will continue onwards past the viewing stand at Eyre Square concluding on Prospect Hill. The parade will start at 11.30am and is expected to last about 1 hour 30 minutes. There will be temporary road closures in place throughout the city from 10.30am.
