Welcome to The Connacht Hotel Galway

December in Galway is magical. As the streets glow under twinkling lights and the crisp winter air fills with festive music, there’s a warmth that brings everyone together. The Galway Christmas Markets are filled with handmade crafts and sweet seasonal treats. Every walk feels special with the town lit up. The perfect escape from the cold lies in the cosy cafes and toasty pubs all around the city. It’s a month that reminds you why Galway feels so special and it’s the perfect time for a little getaway. Here are some things to do when you visit:

Every winter, Galway’s Eyre Square transforms into a magical festive village. The Galway Christmas Market draws half a million visitors and runs for several weeks – in 2025 it’s expected to open in mid‑November and continue into early January. Wooden chalets, twinkling lights and live entertainment create an atmosphere straight out of a storybook. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends or a special someone, this market is a highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way and an easy day trip from Dublin.

The Wild Atlantic Way weaves along more than 2,500 km of Ireland’s west coast, but one of its most rewarding sections is the journey from Galway City north through Connemara, past the fjords of Mayo and on to Achill Island. This route passes some of the country’s most dramatic scenery – rugged mountains, serene bays, heritage towns and beaches that wouldn’t look out of place in the Caribbean – yet it can easily be explored in a few days.