The festive season in Galway is packed with excitement, and it’s the perfect time for families to come together and make cherished memories! From sparkling lights and winter markets to cosy family outings, Galway offers endless ways to celebrate the magic of this special time of year. Here at The Connacht Hotel, we are so excited for the festive season and can’t wait to welcome families for a holiday filled with joy, warmth, and unforgettable memories! We’ve put together an itinerary filled with festive cheer and fun for all the family.
Christmas Family Breaks at The Connacht
Here at The Connacht, we’re dedicated to making your family’s Christmas as cosy and magical as possible. Our family-friendly rooms, including options with bunk beds, ensure everyone has a fun and comfortable stay. Little ones can dive into festive activities while making new friends at the Friendly Fellows Kids Club, as well as show off their best moves at our Kiddies Disco every Saturday evening!
The whole family can enjoy our leisure centre, complete with a 20m pool, kids pool, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna - perfect for winding down after a day of festive fun.
Rueben's Restaurant and Bar Solo have plenty of options for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner for the whole family to choose from, and for those families who like to explore, our free parking and nearby bus services make it easy to discover Galway's Christmas Magic!
Festive Afternoon Tea
Festive Afternoon Tea
Bring some festive cheer to your day with our Festive Afternoon Tea at Bar Solo. Enjoy a selection of seasonal treats, hand-crafted by our talented pastry chefs, along with warm cups of tea, or a glass of bubbly in a cosy, welcoming setting. Whether it’s a catch-up with friends or a family gathering, it’s the perfect way to make your Christmas extra special at The Connacht.
Make a reservation today and treat yourself and your family to a heartwarming festive afternoon.
Festive Afternoon Tea - €29.50 per person
Family Afternoon Tea - €85.00 per Family (2 adults & 2 children)
Served daily from 1:30pm to 4:30pm
For reservations, contact us at 091 381251 or email us at christmas@theconnacht.ie.
Please note: bookings must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
Santa's Afternoon Tea
Magic for the Whole Family
Add a little magic to your family’s Christmas with Santa’s Afternoon Tea at The Connacht! Enjoy delicious seasonal treats and warm drinks while Santa himself pops in to spread holiday cheer. It’s a heartwarming experience that promises festive fun and lasting memories for all ages.
€29.50 per adult | €16.50 per child
Available from 2pm on the following dates:
- Sunday, 1st December
- Sunday, 8th December
- Sunday, 15th December
Pre-booking essential
Elf Town Galway
Step into a world of festive wonder at Elf Town, just a short 10-minute drive from us. This two-hour Christmas adventure, set in three festive buildings and four enchanting floors at Ballybrit Racecourse, culminates in a private visit with Santa. Your children will be thrilled with the Elf Town gift pack, including a personalized invite from Santa, a keepsake Golden Ticket, and a special postcard from the North Pole.
Galway Christmas Market
Located just 15 minutes from The Connacht, the Galway Christmas Market is one of Ireland’s most magical events, attracting over 450,000 visitors annually. Running from November 15th to January 5th, the market offers something for everyone: over 50 artisan chalets, festive food, and fun rides, including a 32m Big Wheel and Santa’s Express Train. Don’t forget to visit Santa’s Grotto, where each child receives a special gift. This twinkling market is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit!
Ice Skating in Galway
Celebrate the season with a fun-filled trip to Leisureland, where Galway Skates Ice Skating returns from November 8th to January 5th. Located on the scenic Salthill seafront, the 600m² ice rink offers six weekday sessions and 11 weekend sessions, making it the perfect family outing. Warm up afterward with food and drinks nearby, and enjoy the festive atmosphere of this holiday favorite.
Santa’s Christmas Magic at Brigit’s Garden
Experience the magic of Christmas in a peaceful, nature-filled setting at Brigit’s Garden, running weekends from December 7th to 22nd. This non-commercial Santa experience features a cozy show with Santa and his musical elf, a treasure hunt, crafts, and a Wishing Tree. Enjoy hot apple punch on arrival and a delicious seasonal menu at the Garden Café. This charming experience is perfect for a quiet family outing, offering a lovely alternative to the more bustling festive activities.
Winter Wonderland at Wildlands
Embark on a magical journey through Wildlands Christmas Wonderland from November 15th to December 23rd. This enchanting village, complete with elves, Mrs. Claus, and fun activities like posting letters to the North Pole and helping a reindeer, offers a 1.5-hour festive adventure for the whole family. Don’t miss the chance to meet Santa and receive sustainable gifts, enjoy mulled wine and hot chocolate, and take part in fun outdoor activities.
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