Lets be realistic we all know that Galway is one of the nest cities in the world to spend time in, but at Christmas it’s particularly special. Here at the Connacht Hospitality group we have come up with a list of our favourite things about Galway during the festive season.
Christmas Market
We have been counting down the days until this opens. The Market is one of the best things to come to Galway in years, lovely for a family day out to check out the various stalls. The scents and smells that waft around Eyre Square are just amazing. It’s a great spot to pick out a few Christmas gifts or try the delicious sweets and treats. The big wheel is back this year, if you’ve got a head for height it’s well worth a spin especially at night to see Galway lit up. I can’t mention the beer tent, always the scene of a great night.
Latin Quarter
The Latin Quarter is always buzzing with tourists and locals sampling the atmosphere. On a warm evening sitting outside the likes of 1520 with some food Quay Street can feel like it’s another country. During the Christmas period when the festive lights cover the cobbled streets it’s a sight to behold. Galway becomes a magical wonderland. It’s an instagrammers dream. Make sure to check it out for yourself over the next few weeks.
Ice Skating
A really fun activity that doesn’t involve alcohol. Ideal for family days out or even a date! Galway Skates returns to Galway with a 600 square meter real ice rink housed in a 1000 square meter all weather marquee. The marquee is based in Leisureland in Salthill. The ice rink kicks off on November 18th and will be there for 51 days.
Christmas Day Swim
Join the hundreds of hardy souls going for a dip in Salthill before the turkey on Christmas Day and raise funds for great cause at the same time. The Christmas Day swim is one of the nicest traditions over the festive period and this is the 29th year of the fundraiser which runs from 10am until 1pm. You’ve truly earned your Christmas dinner after braving the Atlantic waves. Cope do amazing work all year round to support vulnerable and isolated men women and families around Galway.
Shopping
Galway is becoming a fantastic shopping destination. So many great stores populate the city center to cater for all styles and budgets. When it comes to clothes shops the ladies are spoilt for choice with the likes of Harper, Lanidor, Willow, Muse, Portobello and of course Anthony Ryans which caters for the entire family. The men can visit Hanley’s, Lallys, Geraghtys, Parafin to name but a few. As well as the amazing shops there’s plenty of great spots to pop in for a nice relaxing lunch or coffee like our own Forster Court Hotel, just off Eyre Square, before you’re ready to meet the masses walking down Shop Street.
Sport
While the rest of us get to enjoy ourseleves over the festive period the Connacht Rugby players have a busy schedule over the Christmas. On December 23rd they welcome Ulster to the Sportsground. There’s always an electric atmosphere in the College Road venue but with both sides going well and players looking to impress Joe Schmidt ahead of the six nations campaign. The Sportsground can be pretty chilly on match night so a hot one (or two) in An Púcán or The Forster Court after the game are the ideal way to kick off the post match analysis.
