Galena Illinois is a terrific place to observe St. Patrick’s Day on March 17. St. Patrick’s Day is on Saturday this year, meaning that everyone can participant in the Irish celebration on the actual holiday.
Galena is a convenient getaway location for people living in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. The charming, historic city is located in the northwest corner of Illinois, near Dubuque, Iowa. Galena is 160 miles from Chicago, 175 miles from Milwaukee, and 275 miles from Minneapolis.
The charming, quaint town with gently rolling cobblestone streets is a favorite getaway spot. Galena has a rich history as a Riverboat town. Spend St. Patrick’s Day in Galena for a taste of Irish hospitality, music and frivolity.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 17
4:30 Line Up
5:30 pm Parade begins
The 20th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a festive family event that includes bands and floats. The emphasis of the St. Patrick’s Day festivities and Parade are on family and friends. The Parade will start at the Post Office and march down main Street. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is open to anyone who wants to participate, per Larry Blankenbaker of Benjamin’s, in a telephone interview. Whether or not you are from Galena, you are welcome to join the line up and march in the parade, which is a family friendly event. You can join in the “Largest Clan” by wearing some kind of insignia, such as an armband, and marching with your clan. There will be contests for Best Irish Costume and Best Irish Float. You can even dress your pet in Irish garb and they can be a part of the charming parade. While not on the large scale of the famous St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Chicago, the parade in Galena sounds like a lot of good clean fun. For more information call 815-777-0467.
St. Patrick’s Day at Benjamin’s
Benjamin’s
103 North Main Street
Galena, Illinois 61036
815-777-0467
There will be music, party, and authentic Irish fare all day at Benjamin’s on St. Patrick’s Day. John Blankenbaker, who owns Benjamin’s along with his wife, Mary, stated in a telephone interview that the music will be starting at about noon on Saturday, March 17. The party will continue throughout the day. Karaoke will play later in the afternoon, for the singers in the group. At 9 pm, musical entertainment will be provided by the band, Ronnie and the Rockets, from
Chicago. Authentic Irish food includes tasty dishes such as: Irish Lamb Stew, Beef and Guinness Stew, Corned Beef and Cabbage and more will be available for purchase throughout the day. Galena natives, and visitors to Galena, can be assured of a hearty Irish style welcome at Benjamin’s. Join in the family oriented fun on St. Patrick’s Day.
Frank O’Dowd’s Irish Pub Live Entertainment
The Irish Cottage Boutique Hotel
9853 US Hwy 20
Galena, Illinois 61036
866-284-7474
Frank O’Dowd’s is a authentic Irish Pub. Stop in for traditional Irish Pub Fare. There will be Live Irish folk music filling Frank O’Dowd’s throughout the Month of March. Following is the entertainment line up at the Irish Pub:
March 2-3 Billy Leathem
March 8: Dublin City Ramblers ($10 admission)
March 9-10: Ian Gould
March 15-16: Tony Leonard
March 17: St. Patrick’s Day – Tony Leonard and Billy Leathem
March 23-24: Katie and Brownie
March 30-31: Fiona Molloy
Kathleen Leonard’s Gift Shop
866-284-7474
Kathleen Leonard’s Gift Shop, located in the Irish Cottage Boutique Hotel, is the place to find unique Irish gifts and Irish imports direct from Ireland. Kathleen Leonard’s Gift Shop is filled wit Irish items such as: Irish surname crest, perfume and cologne, Roisin O”Shea artwork and giftware, jewelry, Solvar, Irish candy and specialty food, Guinness apparel and giftware, music, t-shirts, candles, wall hangings and Irish Cottage souvenirs.
Hotels in Galena
The Irish Cottage Boutique Hotel
9853 US Hwy 20
Galena, Illinois 61036
815-776-0707
866-284-7474
The Irish Cottage Boutique Hotel has Irish themed events throughout March to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Each guestroom at the boutique hotel is themed from one of Ireland’s 32 counties. The charming Irish Boutique Hotel offers spa services from Wild Clover Day Spa, an indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, fitness center, Frank O’Dowd’s Irish Pub, Dublin Breakfast Room, Artwork by Roisin O’Shea and Kathleen Leonard’s Gift Shop.
Snuggle Up Package includes deluxe accommodations, dinner for two at Frank O’Dowd’s Pub, Hot Irish Breakfast, continental buffet each morning. Rates start at $278 plus tax.
The Inn at Irish Hollow
2800 South Irish Hollow Road
Galena,Illinois 61036
815-777-6000
The Inn at Irish Hollow is a country inn that offers a romantic, intimate hideaway on 500 acres. Irish Hollows kitchen prepared hand crafted gourmet meals for guests. The On site massage staff offers Hot Stone Therapy, integrating the best techniques from Asian, Swedish and Native American philosophies.
Best Western Quiet House and Suites
Hwy 20 East
Galena, Illinois 61036
815-777-2577
Best Western Quiet House and Suites offers deluxe accommodations with amenities including: swimming pool, whirlpool and fitness center. Pet friendly.
Country Inn and Suites
11334 Oldenburg Lane
Galena, Illinois 61036′
888-201-1746
Located 2.5 miles west of Galena. Amenities include: indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, continental breakfast.
Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa
444 Eagle Ridge Drive
Galena, Illinois 61035
800-240-1681
Large Scale Resort Hotel’s amenities include: indoor swimming pool, Stonedrift Spa, Spikes Bar and Grill.
Galena has plans for a Irish St. Patrick’s Day for the entire family.
