Galway is a harbor city located on the west coast of Ireland. Its happening section is Eyre Square, a popular meeting spot that consists of shops and traditional Irish pubs that feature live Irish folk music.
The Latin Quarter is another section to check out. It retains portions of the city’s medieval walls. It’s filled with stone-clad cafes, boutiques, and art galleries.
The city is wonderful to visit any time of year, but it really lights up when its Christmas Market opens. That’s when the entire city is filled with a vibey seasonal atmosphere and a sense of cheer. Here are some things you can check out when you visit.
About the Market
The market kicks off in mid to late November and shuts down the weekend before Christmas. It is centered in Eyre Square. It includes over 50 wooden chalets and attracts around 350,00 visitors a year. It is open from 12 PM to 8 PM Monday through Wednesday and 10 AM to 10 PM Thursday through Sunday.
Visits with Santa
There are several attractions at the market for children to enjoy, but visits with Santa are always a favorite. Santa’s cabin is located along the main path of Eyre Square. It is easily identifiable due to the reindeer that keep watch over the building.
While the market is free, visits with Santa are not. Parents must buy a ticket if they want to set up a meeting. Reservations are recommended. The ticket includes craic (fun and good times) with Santa’s Chief Elf, a visit with Santa, and a present.
Local Artisan Food and Craft Showcase
The Local Artisan Food and Craft Showcase is a specially designated area of the market. Local producers trade from a shared wooden chalet. To be featured, they must offer artisan items they produced themselves by hand.
Other Attractions
There are plenty of other attractions that keep the market lively. These include:
A 32-meter Ferris wheel
A traditional carousel
An Après ski bar selling food and crafts
Santa’s express train
Carol singing
A German Bierkeller offering a wide range or German beers
Santa’s post box
Backdrops for photo ops
Beer Tent
The beer tent offers plenty of beers but tends to have very long lines. Get there early to beat the crowds.
The Chalet Near Spanish Art
This Christmas-inspired chalet stands near the Spanish Arch and it’s a lot calmer than the beer tent. It’s a good place to hang out and enjoy a beer.
What to Buy
There is a wide variety of food and drink items to enjoy at the market. Food lovers can look forward to munching on bratwurst, pastries, pretzels, crepes, and waffles. Wash it down with authentic German beer, mulled wine, or apple cider.
There are also tons of unique gifts available care of the fifty traders who come in from Ireland and all over Europe.
If you are looking for an authentic Christmas Market experience, Galway is the way to go. It offers a terrific atmosphere, great food and gifts and lots of fun. Will you be visiting the country when the holiday season rolls around?
Read more of A Christmas Blog or Shop Now at Schmidt Christmas Market
