The Christmas Market in Galway is open until December 22.
In 2019 the Galway Continental Christmas Market received over 650,000 visitors, this year the market returns and can expect as many visitors, judging by the crowds in Galway for the opening last weekend.
The famous Eyre Square in Galway has been transformed into a European-style Christmas market until 22 December. Dozens of traditional wooden chalets selling all sorts of lovely things are located around the square. The bright candy-striped roofs add to the festive feeling.
Not only is there a market, but there is also a traditional funfair with a gigantic Ferris Wheel called The View, merry-go-rounds, a carousel, a Helter-Skelter and lots of fun throwing and shooting galleries where you can try to win a toy.
Choo-chooing around the city is Santa’s Polar Express train taking children for a fun trip to see the street decorations. Eyre Square has also been decorated with lots of Christmas images. There is Santa’s sleigh, reindeers, a big gingerbread house, gingerbread people, candy canes, toadstools and Christmas trees. There is a special post box for Santa letters.
The trees in Eyre Square are strung with coloured lights and this makes the atmosphere even more special in the evenings. The sight of the city from The View Ferris Wheel, 32m up in the air are stunning. On a clear day you can almost see the Aran Islands.
There is also entertainment for the adults with a German-style bierkeller and lots of music every day. Covid certs and ID will be required for entry. There is a number of chalets selling hot alcoholic drinks, like mulled wine and hot whiskey or rum.
5 Things to Eat at the Galway Christmas Market
Colleran’s Master butchers since 1935 provide the biggest jumbo sausage rolls at the market. Smothered in onions, ketchup and mustard they are delicious.
Chimney Cake from Hungary is a sweet pastry shaped like a chimney. It is rolled in cinnamon, vanilla sugar and walnuts. Other toppings include oreo crumbs, whipped cream and Nutella.
Dolce Sofia – pastries all the way from Napoli in Italy. The smell of this stall will make you want to try all the lovely selections of cakes and biscuits. All handmade with ingredients from Southern Italy.
Prataí – We all learned about prataí in school, and this chipper van sells the best Irish potatoes from Slaney Farm in Co. Wexford. They are triple cooked to be crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, served with a selection of sauces by local Irish food producers.
Charcoal Grill – a Christmas market would not be complete without the smell of burgers cooking on a circular smoky grill. There are two at the Galway Christmas market, turning out delicious Irish burgers.
There is also bratwurst, pretzels, crepes, waffles and lots of confectionery.
5 things to buy at the Galway Christmas Market
The Seaweed Skin Company – an excellent way to exfoliate and nourish your skin is to use seaweed, from Connemara. The seaweed comes dried and ready to use in a bath, as a foot soak or to rub on your face.
Lego Stand – fans of Lego will love this stand with a huge range of characters to buy. There are all kinds of mini figures from dinosaurs to superheroes.
Galway Fairytales – has a selection of beautifully illustrated books for children. The books nurture children’s well-being through stories. They include characters like Flappy, Bill&Buster and the Listening Tree.
Man of Aran Fudge – learning from his granny, Tomás Póil of Inis Oirr in the Aran Islands has turned a childhood treat into the delicious confectionery. Flavours include caramel, cappuccino, Christmas chocolate spice and 21 others
Pimp My Pooch – how about spoiling your dog with the latest fashions, dressing up for special occasions or maybe a tutu for Christmas, or even your county colours. This is Ireland’s only dog boutique.
Galway has lots to offer visitors and see this list for other places to shop in the City of Tribes.
