The Gallivanters got their start on March 15, 1962 when Bill Conlan wandered into Gallivan's restaurant in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota. Bill was hoping to sing "The Whistling Gypsy" for drinks at the piano bar. This had worked well for him in other parts of the country. In Minnesota, though, he found it necessary to buy drinks for the privilege of singing (it's considered "showing off" in Minnesota). Pat Gallivan, tending bar, took notice and the two discussed a mutual interest in the folk-music revival taking place at the time.

Their first actual engagement was at a block party. Don Riley, a sports-writer for the St. Paul Pioneer Press, was in charge of entertainment for his neighborhood party. He introduced the two as "Paddy Bluecheckers" (both were wearing blue-checked shirts) and Billy Conlan — direct from Ireland by way of the Peppermint Lounge in New York. It's doubtbul that the neighbors bought this story.

For naming the group "The Gallivanters," Red Rudinsky claimed credit. Red was a former employee of Al Capone. His claim went undisputed during his lifetime.

At the suggestion of owner Bob Gallivan, the duo started entertaining in the old Gallivan's restaurant which was located where the Osborne Building is today. "Cactus Slim" Wilson, of Sunset Valley Barn Dance fame, joined up as bass player and the group began playing on a makeshift stage on weekends.

The Gallivanters were the first band in the Twin Cities to perform Irish Folk music. These songs weren't recognized as Irish by the bar patrons who would typically saunter up to the stage and request the band to "do something Irish." The band would then do "When Irish Eyes are Smiling," and everyone would be happy. 

During the next few years, Marty Evans, Gary Francisco, and Ted Bourquin were members of the group. The Gallivanters became regular entertainers in the restaurant as well as at the Dalles House in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. 
In 1967, the restaurant was moved to 354 Wabasha Street. Dan Radford joined the group in 1968 and Bill Wiesner came along in the mid-'70s. Dr. Juan Hernandez played bass in the early '70s and again in the early '80s. The Gallivanters, along with Andy Roberts, were a weekend fixture at Gallivan's restaurant until the place was sold in 1982.

Presently, the full group plays at Mancini's Char House in St. Paul during the St. Patrick's Day season. Pat, Bill, and Dan play as a duo or trio for several occasions during the rest of the year. In 2001 through 2003 they played at the Minnesota State Fair. 

The Gallivanters' repertoire includes Irish, American-Irish, and American folk songs with a touch of country.