Parking for Macnas Parade

Parking for Macnas Parade – Halloween 2026

The Macnas Halloween Parade returns to Galway on Sunday 25 October 2026 at 5:30pm, bringing an extraordinary spectacle of giant creations, theatrical performances, music and imagination to the city's streets.

Celebrating 40 years of Macnas, this year's parade, Fiáin, promises a magical evening inspired by the wild landscapes, stories and spirit of the West of Ireland.

Make your Halloween visit easier by pre-booking at Q-Park Eyre Square or Q-Park Hynes Yard, both conveniently located in Galway City Centre. Enjoy 10% off pre-booked parking with discount code SPOOKY10, giving you a convenient base for enjoying one of Galway's most anticipated annual events.

Parking Near Macnas Halloween Parade Galway

With thousands of spectators expected to gather along the parade route, planning your parking in advance is recommended.

Q-Park offers two centrally located car parks in Galway, both on Merchants Road. These provide convenient access to Galway's shopping streets, restaurants and attractions, as well as several sections of the Macnas parade route.

Q-Park Eyre Square

Q-Park Eyre Square is located on Merchants Road, beside Eyre Square Shopping Centre, making it a convenient option for visitors approaching Galway City Centre.

From the car park, spectators can walk towards Eyre Square and continue along the city centre streets to reach viewing areas around Eglinton Street and Shop Street.

The location is also ideal for visitors who want to enjoy a meal, explore the shops or experience Galway's Halloween atmosphere before the parade begins.

View Q-Park Eyre Square

Q-Park Hynes Yard

Q-Park Hynes Yard, also located on Merchants Road, provides another convenient parking option in the heart of Galway.

Its central location offers walking access to Shop Street, the Latin Quarter and the city's main shopping and entertainment areas.

Visitors can walk from Hynes Yard towards the parade route, choosing a suitable viewing location before the procession arrives.

View Q-Park Hynes Yard

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What to Expect at Macnas Halloween Parade 2026

Macnas is internationally recognised for its spectacular outdoor performances, imaginative creations and extraordinary storytelling.

Each Halloween, the Galway-based theatre company transforms the city's streets into a moving stage filled with giant puppets, striking costumes, music and theatrical performances.

For 2026, Macnas celebrates its 40th anniversary with a special parade titled Fiáin, an Irish word evoking the wild, untamed and primal.

Fiáin – A Celebration of the Wild

Inspired by the landscapes and creative spirit of the West of Ireland, Fiáin celebrates the energy and imagination that have shaped Macnas over four decades.

Audiences can expect a visually spectacular procession combining theatrical storytelling, imaginative characters and atmospheric performances.

The parade will bring Galway's streets to life with a magical celebration of Halloween, creativity and community.

Macnas Halloween Parade Route 2026

The parade begins at the University of Galway before travelling through the city centre along the following route:

University of Galway → Galway Cathedral → Salmon Weir Bridge → Eglinton Street → Shop Street → Mainguard Street → O'Brien's Bridge → Dominick Street → Claddagh Fire Station.

With the procession travelling through several of Galway's most recognisable streets, spectators can choose a viewing point that suits their plans for the evening.

Suggested family viewing areas include Eglinton Street and Father Griffin Road, while Galway Cathedral is identified by the organiser as an accessible viewing location.

Visitors should arrive early to find a suitable position, as popular viewing areas can become busy.

A Free Family-Friendly Halloween Spectacle

Macnas Halloween Parade is free to attend and suitable for all ages, making it one of Galway's most popular seasonal experiences for families, couples and visitors.

No tickets are required, and spectators can enjoy the procession from public viewing areas along the route.

As the event takes place outdoors, visitors are encouraged to dress warmly and prepare for changeable October weather.

Road Closures and Travel Information

Due to the scale of the Macnas Halloween Parade, temporary road closures and traffic restrictions are expected in Galway City Centre before, during and after the event.

Visitors travelling by car should allow additional journey time and check the latest road closure information before setting off.

Although Q-Park Eyre Square and Q-Park Hynes Yard are centrally located, road restrictions may affect routes to and from the car parks at certain times.

We recommend arriving well before the 5:30pm parade start and allowing extra time when leaving the city centre after the event.

For the latest parade and travel information, visit the official Gaillimh Ah-Boo! Halloween website.

Explore Galway This Halloween

Galway is a fantastic destination for Halloween, combining a lively arts scene, historic streets and a rich tradition of storytelling and folklore.

Before or after the Macnas Parade, visitors can explore the Latin Quarter, enjoy restaurants and traditional pubs around Shop Street or discover the city's waterfront and Spanish Arch.

Galway's wider Gaillimh Ah-Boo! Halloween programme also features seasonal entertainment and cultural activities, making it an ideal destination for a Halloween weekend.

With Q-Park Eyre Square and Q-Park Hynes Yard conveniently located in the city centre, visitors can park and explore Galway on foot.

Pre-book your parking and use code SPOOKY10 to save 10% on your Halloween visit.