Yes, I said ‘errythang’…
So, you’ve decided that 2017 is the year that you’re going give into the wanderlust pangs, and actually visit the Galway Christmas markets.
Hopefully our guide to festive markets in Ireland helped coax you along.
The city’s festive markets are a fantastic excuse to spend a couple of days rambling around the sixth-friendliest city in the world, while soaking up the sights, smells, and craic that accompany a Yuletide market.
For those of you thinking about heading, here’s some information to get you prepped for this year’s markets.
Can’t be arsed reading? Click play below! ?

OK, I’m sold – when do the Galway Christmas Markets start?
After being visited by over 350,000 people in 2016, the 2017 markets are set to kick-off at 18:00 on Friday, November 17th.
What festive goodness can be expected?
Ireland’s longest running Christmas market spans across Galway City from Eyre Square to Spanish Arch, boasting 50+ stalls buckling under a fine selection of food and drink.
For those in search of a Bavarian brew or two, you’ll find a beer tent pitched in the middle of the markets in Eyre Square and a cosy little festive chalet pumping out live music over at Spanish Arch.
Some of the other features the markets boasts are:
- Amusement rides including a Big Wheel, Helter Skelter and traditional Carousel along
- Live music performers, puppet shows, storytelling, school choirs, and carol singing
- Santa’s Grotto
Get the festive spirit flowing
Still on the fence about whether or not to visit?
Here’s another video of the markets from a couple of years back to get you buzzing.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.