As the halfway point of the Wild Atlantic Way, Galway is a wonderful resting point with interesting sights and things to do.
You can wander through the city streets, go on a day trip, or visit Galway’s unique Christmas market, one of the most popular in Ireland.
In this guide, I share the confirmed market dates and details for 2024.
Galway Christmas Market 2024
Dates – Confirmed
Galway Christmas Market dates: 8th November 2024 to 5th January 2025 (confirmed).
Update: Dates were announced in February. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.
Source: Dates are obtained directly from the event organiser’s website, available here.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: Eyre Square.
Opening times:
Monday to Wednesday: 12pm to 8pm.
Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 10pm.
Sunday: 10am to 8pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended tour: Get a taste of Galway’s specialties with walking food tour.
Public transport: Widely available and accessible.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Travel tips: Take a day trip to one of the beautiful day trips outside of the city.
Where to stay Skeffington Arms Hotel is a comfortable hotel located directly on Eyre Square.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Christmas lights: Yes, switch on date is on the opening day.
Santa: Yes. €20 per child – and an age appropriate gift is included. Book online.
Ice skating: Cancelled in 2024 (unconfirmed).
Reason to visit: A great atmosphere with lots of activities.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, some options.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Food specialities: Bratwurst, French pastries, pretzels, crêpes and waffles.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Convenient Hotels
Galway city centre is surrounded by waterways. The central district spans from the Latin Quarter up towards Eyre Square. Anywhere between these two destinations would be an ideal area to stay.
I would stay at Skeffington Arms Hotel as it sits directly on the square and is convenient for sightseeing and entertainment.
Recommended Tours
I recommend taking this walking food tour if you’re new to the city or simply fancy doing something different.
If you have the time, take a day trip to explore the Cliffs of Moher, located just a short distance from Galway. The breathtaking views of the towering cliffs and stunning Atlantic coastline are worth facing the miserable weather.
Add another destination to your holiday itinerary from Irish Christmas Markets List. Discover where to go, things to do and the market locations.
Event Location
Captured a moment that embodies the holiday season? Tag your photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets — we can’t wait to see your festive finds!
What to Expect
Galway is an absolutely stunning place surrounded by beautiful landscapes. The city centre is gorgeous, with beautiful waterways, green open spaces, charming streets, and historic town squares.
You might find that locals love to complain about the weather, but around 350,000 people visit the market each year, no matter the weather.
More than 50 market stalls line the picturesque Eyre Square, which also features a carousel, live performances, decorated trees and Santa’s Grotto for the kids.
Regional Specialties
- Mince pies: These small sweet pies are filled with dried fruits and spices.
- Christmas pudding: A rich, dense pudding made with dried fruits, usually served with brandy butter or custard.
- Boxty: A traditional Irish potato pancake.
- Honey glazed ham: A ham roasted with a sticky honey glaze, served with mustard or cranberry sauce.
At the Market Stalls
- Mulled wine: This spiced, warm wine is a festive favourite. Keep your mug as a souvenir.
- Traditional German bratwurst sausages served in crusty bread rolls:
- Crispy potato pancakes with toppings like apple sauce and sour cream.
- Steaming cups of hot chocolate or mulled wine.
- Freshly made crepes: French-style thin, delicate pancakes. Nutella is the best filling; change my mind.
- Gingerbread: These festive cookies are often shaped like people or hearts and are decorated with colourful icing.
- Toasties: A comforting classic, grilled sandwiches can’t be beaten.
- Loaded fries: Topped with everything.
- Hot chocolate: We all know what it is and that it’s the perfect indulgence on a cold winter day.
What to Buy
- Ornaments: Pick up a special ornament to commemorate your visit or as a unique gift.
- Crafts: The market is a treasure trove of handmade crafts, including knitted scarves, hand-carved wooden bowls, and hand-painted ceramics.
- Gourmet food: Artisan cheeses, handmade chocolates, and locally brewed beers and spirits.
- Clothing and accessories: From cosy woollen hats and scarves to stylish leather goods.
- Toys and games: Shop for toys and games, from traditional wooden toys to the latest gadgets.
Travel Information
Galway Tourism has information regarding events and the best ways to experience the city this winter. Their website is especially useful if this is your first time in Galway.
Sustainability Tips
- Shop mindfully. Consider purchasing unique and locally made gifts, like handcrafted jewellery from a local artisan or a handmade woollen scarf from a Galway-based knitter.
- Walk, cycle and use public transport to get around. Galway is a very walkable city, so consider exploring on foot to reduce your carbon footprint. You can also rent a bike to get around or take advantage of the city’s public transport options, like the bus or train.
- Stay in a sustainable hotel powered by renewable energy. Look for eco-friendly places that are certified by sustainability organisations.
- Avoid using plastic or buying items made or packaged with plastic. Look for sustainably packaged gifts wrapped in recycled paper or reusable fabric.
- Try to eat locally sourced organic food where possible. Galway is known for its local cuisine, so take advantage of the many farm-to-table restaurants and cafes that source their ingredients from local farms. This helps reduce food miles and supports the local economy.
- Limit your consumption of meat and dairy as plant-based foods have lower emissions.
- Explore more than just the main tourist areas. While the main tourist areas of Galway, like Eyre Square and Shop Street, are popular for a reason, there’s much more to see and explore beyond these areas. Consider visiting the lesser-known neighbourhoods and attractions, like the historic Claddagh district or the Galway City Museum.
- Support the arts and attend local events.
Please comment below if you want to leave a review.
—
Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
Leave a Reply