Specially created creatures highlighting the ‘sea and stone’ theme of the parade will be front and centre of the action next Monday when dry weather could see a record crowd descend on the city for the biggest ever St Patrick’s Day spectacle.

By Thursday, 63 groups had confirmed to take part, which means the number of performers will surpass last year’s massive 3,000-strong parade, with a women’s rugby team from Canada the latest to belatedly apply to join in.

Salthill resident and beloved folk musician Sharon Shannon will be the grand marshal, leading the procession from 11.30pm

City Tourism Officer Ruairí Lehmann said it would be the biggest parade Galway had witnessed, with a three-day festival proving a lure for visiting groups from overseas.

“We are expecting a bigger crowd than last year because we are having well over 3,200 participants so that always draws in more family and friends. We have extended the route as far as the Black Box to relieve pressure on the viewing area,” he explained.

The same route as last year is being used, away from pedestrian areas, starting at the University of Galway. across the Salmon Weir Bridge, onto Eglinton Street and through Eyre Square, before heading up to Bóthar na mBan and finishing in the Dyke Road Car Park.

A newly conceived pageant piece by Artastic, Stuntworx, and Drumadore, showcasing giant fish and sea creatures, will add colour and costumes to the procession with the community groups encouraged to enter floats showcasing the nature theme, explained newly appointed City Festival and Events Officer Louise Osbourne.

“Audiences can look forward to a thrilling mix of international flair — from Tampa, Florida, and rugby teams from Canada — alongside national bands from every corner of Ireland. Local groups will dazzle with acrobatic and Judo displays, while sports, cultural, and athletic clubs add to the festive spirit.”

The Festival Village in Eyre Square will feature three days of live music and cultural performances from 2pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. On Saturday young musicians who have engaged with Music Generation will entertain under a stretch tent erected where the Christmas market beer tent is located.

On Sunday morning there will be sports activities for families from 11am followed by a ‘Family Festival Fête’, with an afternoon of face painting, circus performances and exciting bands on stage. The music on St Patrick’s Day will be mainly provided from local folk and traditional groups.

Gardaí in Galway said they would be patrolling road closures and traffic restrictions across the city centre from early morning on Monday from 11am until at least 2pm.

There were no plans to follow in the footsteps of Dublin Gardaí, who are implementing a ban on off-licences serving alcohol in the city until 4pm, with planned searches of the public to ensure nobody carries their own alcohol to the city centre.

Superintendent Paudie O’Shea said they would have extra patrols on duty throughout St Patrick’s Day.

“Gardaí will be out working hard to make sure that everyone is safe and we ask for the public’s help in this. Please refrain from any on-street, public consumption of alcohol most especially during the day. It won’t be tolerated,” he stated.

“Our Road Traffic Management Plan is aimed at causing the most minimum disruption for people while we facilitate the parade. We will as always be doing our very best in making sure that all those living in and visiting the city will have an enjoyable Bank Holiday weekend, and our priority is that everyone safely enjoys themselves.”

Gardaí have advised that they are conducting an extensive roads policing operation from 7am today (Friday) until 7am on Tuesday, “placing a particular emphasis on detecting those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs this weekend”.

Pictured: Pupils from St. Nicholas’ Parochial School, Waterside. during their Lá Glas parade in the city centre yesterday, Thursday. Photo: Joe O’Shaughnessy.