what’s inside
It’s
Get into the sustainable spirit(s)!
Dumplings and documentaries with Yifan Wang
NICHOLAS’ COLLEGIATE CHURCH
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This is Galway Lettermark logo by Shane Cluskey Cover photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
DJ Lolz and the Evolution of Galway’s Club Culture
Laura O’Connell is a Galway based DJ, performing under the name ‘Lolz’. Laura showcases her immense talent on the decks at clubs and festivals across the country and abroad, however it’s her dedication to creating opportunities for underrepresented and marginalised communities in the Irish music scene that cements her status as a legend in her own right within Galway’s electrifying club culture.
From co-founding the inclusive DJ collective Gash, to organising club nights for adults with intellectual disabilities, Laura is continuously working to open doors and create a space for people to express themselves freely and unabashedly. We’re thrilled we had the chance to chat with Laura about the importance of facilitating these spaces and places for people…
“I do a lot of work around making arts accessible to people,” Laura shares. “That’s my main area of interest, working with marginalised groups or underrepresented groups, and making things more accessible, opening doors to people.” Laura’s work pushes against the grain of what’s expected in the world of electronic music, unleashing a whole new subset of what a club night or DJ collective can look like.
Gash Collective was founded by Laura and Ellen King in 2016. The community showcases some major talent from across Ireland, supporting female, trans, queer and non-binary people in music producing and DJing. One of the core aspects of Gash is the opportunity it provides to others. “A lot of the time the people that are running these [typical] club nights are all men... So for women or LGBTQ+ to break into that sphere, it’s really really hard.”
An important part of Gash is there’s no gatekeeping; it’s open to everyone…” “
“An important part of Gash is there’s no gatekeeping; it’s open to everyone… One of my main focuses is to give people who have never played in a club atmosphere or club setting, that opportunity to play.” Gash Collective is instrumental in creating these opportunities for women identifying, trans, queer and non-binary artists. Uplifting and celebrating one another in a truly welcoming space is something so crucial for creation, especially in the Irish music scene. Gash reinforces this with two full digital albums, GASH TRAX Vol.1 and GASH TRAX Vol.2, shining a spotlight on minority artists across the country.
Laura’s conviction to create inclusive spaces seeps into everything she does, including a monthly club night for adults with intellectual disabilities in Róisín Dubh called ‘Bounce’. “My brother, James, has Down’s Syndrome and so that really drew me into that world… when he was in his early 20s I was like ‘why is there no cool club night or event for him to go out to? Why isn’t there somewhere he can go and dance and make friends?”
In collaboration with That’s Life, Brothers of Charity Services Galway and the participants, Bounce is disable-person led and an incredibly electrifying and accessible club night for people of all abilities. The night gives young adults with intellectual disabilities a chance to dance, listen to music and meet new people - a hallowed and cherished experience in the electrifying Galway club scene. Bounce is coming to the Róisín Dubh on November 11th, and December 9th.
In collaboration with Electric, Laura is excited to announce an upcoming workshop… She shares that it’s a “‘Studio to Stage’ 10 week DJ workshop which will offer a free mentorship series to a core group of 8 participants.”
“The workshop will provide an in-depth exploration of DJing to equip participants with essential skills for pursuing a career or hobby in the music industry. The series will consist of masterclasses, practice and feedback sessions, culminating in four public ‘Studio to Stage’ showcases.”
Words by Chloe Richardson
Photos by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Laura is armed with the awareness to recognize the desire for more inclusive spaces in the electronic music community, as well as the initiative and conviction to take action and make these spaces truly more accessible. By working across Ireland and particularly in Galway to cater and create these spaces for people to express themselves, Laura ‘Lolz’ O’Connell has made an incredible difference for the people from underrepresented communities in the community of DJs, club nights, and music production. Page 7 | LOLZ
We can’t think of a better use of our time during the chilly winter months than by putting a renewed effort into developing our hobbies. If you are interested in how you can work on yours too, here is where in Galway to do just that...
curl up with a good book
In our opinion winter creates the perfect reading environment. Cosied up in blankets with a hot drink and new book as the wind and rain rage outside - sounds like bliss, doesn’t it? If you are on the hunt for a new book, check out Kennys Bookshop. This is one of Ireland’s largest bookshops and stocks all kinds of genres so you are sure to find something that piques your interest. Book clubs you can join in Galway: Novels and Notions, Silent Book Club Galway, Galway Girls Book Club, and The Little Book Club.
get artsy
We all have a creative side so why not take this time to embrace your artistic interests by picking up a colouring pencil and see what masterpiece you create. Painting, colouring, sketching, doodling, it’s all very therapeutic and exactly is needed to counter those dark, gloomy evenings.
To get your art supplies Just Art It everything you could need and they also host art courses should you want one-onone tutoring and guidance. Drink and Draw events to attend in Galway: Pálás Cinema (last Wednesday of the month), and Artclub (every second week - venues vary).
craft an outfit
Why buy a new winter wardrobe when you can make one? Well, when it comes to the amount of pieces you can make through crafting, the possibilities are endless. From scarves and hats, to blankets, bags, and plant hangers, crafting and stitching is a fabulous way to keep busy while also improving a talent.
If you are not sure where to start, call into Knitwits & Crafty Stitchers to collect your fabrics, wools, yarns, patterns and kits, and then pop round the Stitch + Bitch craft group in The Blue Note on Mondays to get some helpful advice.
learn a few tunes
Music is everywhere in Galway, from buskers and the lilt of trad sessions in local pubs, to the electric atmosphere of live gigs in music venues. If you find yourself inspired by these musicians and want to give it a go yourself, get thee to Powells Music Shop to purchase your instrument of choice. Whether you’ve had practice playing previously or are starting out as a complete novice, the best time to start learning a new tune is right now! Open Mic Nights in Galway; Róisín Dubh (Sundays), The Ol’ 55 (Tuesdays), and The Cellar (last Thursday of the month).
Words by Gráinne Thornton
Illustrations by Áine
Keaveney
Go Gaming
The best hobbies are the ones you can do with friends so this next recommendation is all about game nights with your pals. At Dungeons & Donuts you can find games of all sorts; board games, card games, war games and more.
If they don’t have the one you want they can order it in so truly there’s no better place to stock up for game night. And, when you want to go out for pints, Cadell Bar, Pálás Bar, MacNeill’s Pub and Bierhaus, all stock board games that are free to use - the perfect drinking activity if you ask us.
coming up at róisín dubh
Festive Afternoon Tea at The Galmont Hotel
Stunning silver tiers of seasonal treats await at The Galmont Hotel & Spa this Christmas where their Festive Afternoon Tea is adding a merry twist to holiday indulgence.
Bursting with sugar, spice and all things nice in the very heart of the city, this festive fancy will make for the perfect Christmas shopping pit-stop or mutually convenient seasonal meet-up with friends and family in relaxed yet magical surroundings.
Served in the beautifully decorated Coopers Bar & Lounge, beside the crackling open fire, The Galmont’s Executive Chef has given the hotel’s ever popular and decidedly stylish tea a sprinkling of additional Christmas cheer, complemented by a specialty range of teas and coffees. Or why not add an extra air of celebration with a glass of prosecco? It is Christmas after all!
Festive Afternoon Tea at The Galmont Hotel & Spa is available to book Thursday to Sunday, 2.30pm - 5pm from the 28th of November until the 5th of January, at €39 per person or €46 per person for the Prosecco Afternoon Tea.
Visit www.thegalmont.com to book your afternoon tea experience today!
All of your gifting dilemmas will be solved this Christmas, with Ahascragh Distillery’s selection of luxury spirits. Nestled in the village of Ahascragh in the heart of County Galway, Ahascragh Distillery is Ireland’s first eco-distillery, making a gift from this distillery the perfect treat for the eco-conscious whiskey or gin drinker in your life. Whether you’re buying for gin or whiskey lovers, cocktail aficionados or eco conscious sippers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this festive season.
Christmas Tipples
With a wide variety of gifting ideas, spanning from gift hampers to gift cards and individual bottles, Ahascragh Distillery boasts a diverse product range. This includes Xin Gin, a juniper-led dry gin with fresh citrus notes of orange zest and lemongrass with persimmon alongside 3 whiskeys – UAIS, a fusion of Pot Still, Single Malt & Grain whiskeys; Clan Colla 7 year-old, a single grain Irish Whiskey aged in ex-Bourbon casks and finished in Panamanian Rum casks – described as ‘Christmas in a bottle’ due to its tasting notes; and Clan Colla 11 year-old, a double distilled sourced malt, blended with grain, and triple casked in ex Bourbon Barrels, Oloroso Sherry Butts and Peated Casks. These fantastic gifting options are all available to buy online at www.ahascraghdistillery.com, with free delivery on all orders over €100.
Ahascragh Distillery also has a wide variety of luxury gift hampers available, from cocktail-making kits to bespoke options to suit all tastes. To view the full range and to place your order please visit: www.ahascraghdistillery.com/ collections/corporate-gifts/.
For orders & enquiries please contact orders@ahascraghdistillery.com or call 090 9688935.
Jess Murphy’s
galway food
One Normal, Dumpling-Making Anthropologist
Things I didn’t know until I met Yifan Wang from Xi’an; 1. Yifan’s name in Chinese means ‘one normal.’
2. She is a big BIG Liverpool-supporting, dumplingmaking, firecracker who has a PHD in Anthropology. The scientific study of human beings and their ancestors through time and culture. 3. Yifan comes from Northern China, where she was born and raised. Her mother is a retired engineering lecturer, and her father ran a restaurant in her hometown.
4. Xi’an in China has the same name as our cult status favourite for an auld spice bag on Quay Street. (Fun fact: in China there is no such thing as a spice bag. We just made up this delicious weird mix ourselves through cultural connections with Chinese immigrants. Did you know the dish was first created in 2010 by the Sunflower Chinese takeaway in Templeogue, Dublin? I mean, this alone is modern Irish culinary anthropology in a nutshell…)
food stories
Yifan and I first met when I advertised for help with a project called ‘The Spoken Canteen,’ where we would speak to refugees about what they miss back home and what they really love about Ireland. We then did what all random Kiwi/Chinese pals do; we got talking about our cultures and being married to Irish men with very traditional pallets.
I taught her what the pigs in a blanket dish is in Ireland and Yifan taught me what it is in Northern China. Before we knew it, we were talking about dumplings, about how in Northern China they are seen as a celebration, and that we should absolutely have a dumpling night in Shantalla (where Yifan currently lives). Side note: food in Xi’an in Northern China is very carb heavy, and I am totally down for that!
There are strict rules for making dumplings in Xi’an so I’m really really happy that Yifan’s mam won’t see this and tell us off for using the wrong ingredients. Like with all mams worldwide - you know how scary they can be! To get started on making these dumplings, we use Lunasa organic pork mix from County Clare, and some amazing local prawns and scallops from Galway Bay Seafoods. As we cook, we start chatting about her day-to-day favourites; like where she likes to go on a day off, and I learnt that her favourite coffee spot is Little Lane Coffee. She also loves the Bierhaus and is into Land & Labour in a massive way. Also, she loves stopping by Ard Bia and Kappa Ya for some lunch.
I truly adore Galway for creating these amazing connections between people and places. So, if you want to hear more from Yifan, look out for our upcoming project ‘The Spoken Canteen’ with the amazing Heavy Man Films. We can’t wait to share it with you all.
Words by Jess Murphy
Photos by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Book your Christmas Party at Clayton Hotel Galway
Are you looking to plan the perfect Christmas party night? Then look no further than the award-winning four-star Clayton Hotel Galway. Whether it’s a private party, shared big band party night, or just some nibbles in the bar, the Clayton Hotel has the perfect offering for every taste.
Don’t delay in booking a place on either Friday 6th of December or Friday 13th of December for their shared big band Christmas party night. For just €65 per person, guests will enjoy a drinks reception with music from Altrad, a delicious festive meal, Christmas novelties and entertainment provided by a band and DJ. Who Knows will rock the Clayton on Friday the 6th, and Sean Slattery and the Connections will entertain on Friday 13th.
Clayton Hotel Galway offers festive lunches and dinners in their Enclosure Bar & Bistro or Tribes Restaurant. Or if you are looking for something a little more casual, they also cater for light bites and drinks.
To enquire about any of the festive offerings at Clayton Hotel Galway, call 091-721900 or email the dedicated Christmas co-ordinator on sales. galway@claytonhotels.com.
Clayton Hotel Galway Christmas party nights
Remember 2024 for all the right reasons and enjoy an unforgettable evening in the run-up to Christmas.
Our group party nights include mulled wine on arrival, with music from Altrad, followed by a delicious four-course festive feast. Then you can dance the night away with your friends and colleagues to top-class live entertainment followed by a DJ.
FRIDAY 6TH DECEMBER 2024
Party the night away with Who Knows band & DJ
FRIDAY 13TH DECEMBER 2024
Party the night away with Sean Slattery and the Connections band & DJ
For
T:
information, please contact:
per person
Step into the of St. Nichol
the History cholas’ Church
For over 700 years, St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church has stood tall in the heart of Galway City. Spanning centuries of a beautiful, enriching and sometimes bloody history, a walk throughout the church is truly like walking a timeline of Galway’s past. Described as a treasure trove of history, this tour is an essential experience when in Galway.
St. Nicholas’ Church, while also a place of worship for many, is open to all for guided and self guided audio tours throughout the building.
The church was officially established in 1320, and there are remains that are still standing that can be dated as far back as the 1200s. Founded by the Normans, the church was built when Galway was only a new and small town. Throughout the next couple of centuries the church underwent renovations, additions and changes that made it the breathtaking medieval pillar of history and faith we see today.
Throughout the tours, you’re walking through a visual timeline of the significant events that happened in Galway. These tours vividly demonstrate the incredible span and depth of Galway’s history. In many ways, the history of Galway is so intertwined with the history of St. Nicholas’ Church. This building is considered to be a microcosm of Galway by many.
Inside through the arched red doors, St. Nicholas’ Church is a magnificently hallowed building. Stained glass windows bring a cascade of colour and light across the rooms. The recently uncovered stonewalls reveal how the church would have looked to parishioners as far back as the 1500s. There are still the remnants of angel icons who were defaced by Cromwellian troops in the 1600s. Only one angel remains unscathed, and was fittingly dubbed the name of the ‘smug angel’.
The bell tower is also included in some church tours. You are invited to climb the winding stairs to the top of the church, to a stone room with two pews and a hauntingly beautiful ambiance. The mechanism to ring the bells is sat at the front of the room, where trained bell ringers arrange and emit beautiful songs that ring across Galway City. The bells themselves were recast in 1935, and still to this day carry the inscription of their original form.
With its vibrant and living history, St. Nicholas’ Church is still a thriving centre for story and study today. We were only able to touch briefly on the immense and incredible history of the church, so be sure to experience the astounding historical tour yourself!
This season, join St. Nicholas’ Church for a spectacular Christmas Fair on the 23rd November. There will be second hand books, handmade crafts, mulled wine and carol singers, all taking place inside the Church. On Christmas Eve there will be an incredible service with a full choir singing beautiful Christmas songs - you won’t want to miss it!
Historians for the church encourage everyone to step inside, and get a glimpse into what Galway once was, and in many ways is still today. More than a place of worship and sacrament, visiting St. Nicholas’ Church is an opportunity to transport yourself back to where it all began. Buy tickets in person at the welcome desk or through their website at www.stnicholas.ie
Words by Chloe Richardson
Photos by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
It’s the season of gift-giving and Sub-City Comics is here to give you a hand finding the perfect present for your loved ones..
As the West of Ireland’s only dedicated Manga Comics and Pop Culture store, Sub-City Comics is home to one of the best selections of cool goodies, merch, figurines, collectables, board games, comics, graphic novels, books and much more!
Words by Gráinne Thornton
Photos by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Check out the gifts!
Funko Pop! Figures — €15.99
Zoro One Piece Figure — €35.99
Psycho Killer: The Card Game — €25.99
Sega Hatsune Miku Christmas 2022 Figure — €29.99
Star Wars: The Black Series Boba Fett Electronic Helmet — €169.99
Star Wars: The Black Series Imperial Stormtrooper Electronic Helmet — €169.99
All of the featured products are available to purchase in-store at Sub-City Comics, Unit 12, Floor 1 of Corbett Court Shopping Centre or online at www. sub-city-galway.myshopify.com.
Just Art It
The Creative Corner in Galway’s Westend
The award-winning Just Art It is a boutique art store and workshop space that supplies people with the tools they need to connect with their creativity.
Owned and run by artist and print-maker Elena Santos. When Elena first arrived in Galway in 2012 she set out to find a place where she could be herself and pursue her artistic career. It was in Galway’s Westend where Elena was able to achieve just that. She opened Just Art it in 2017 with the aim of bringing a wealth of art and creativity to this community which offered her a home. As a result of her hard-work, values, and interests, today Just Art It is far more than an art shop but a space that evokes a sense of creativity and connection with all who come in the door.
Within every aspect of Just Art It, you’ll notice the love and care that Elena has put into her business. All of the artwork, supplies, prints, postcards, notebooks, tote bags and gift sets have their own story as each item has been created through a labour of love. All of the art materials were handpicked by Elena herself, so rest assured that everything here is artist approved! It is thanks to her respect for slow craft and the manual processes which can’t be achieved by large companies, that Elena has the freedom to work closely, and creatively, with small, family-run producers, and by doing so bring something unique to Just Art It.
All Just Art It’s own products are made in-house from concept to customer, and they are eco-friendly, and non toxic, with a strong emphasis on zero packaging and waste. One such notebook, designed by Elena, can be used in full right down to the biodegradable binding which contains flower seeds.
Here, you’ll also find the quirky ‘well, it’s not pizza’ gift boxes, as well as the ‘Unbox and Create’ line of sustainable gift sets, and Penpal sets for writing letters - these are all ideal presents for the festive season ahead! Along with other professional Irish artists, Elena’s own artwork is available to purchase in store and all the stunning original printmaking artworks can be seen displayed on the shop walls. Elena’s original prints include her series of letterpress prints of motivational phrases, the gorgeous Irish language proverbs on top of Galway inspired designs and our favourite GRÁ and MÓR screenprints.
In addition to the art shop they also offer a framing service, a wide range of art classes and courses, and even drumming courses through their sister business and next door neighbour Soundtrack & Podcast, which Elena co-founded with her husband Alan Preims. And, if you have any suggestions for new content in Gaeilge for their line of bilingual products, they have Bosca Moltaí in store that all are welcome to contribute to!
If you’re visiting Galway, make sure to drop in to Just Art It at 33 Dominick Street Lower, and online at www.justartitgalway.com.
Words by Gráinne Thornton
Photos by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
FOOD SERVED DAILY FOOD SERVED DAILY
LIVE MUSIC EVERY WEEKEND
LIVE MUSIC EVERY WEEKEND
The Local Food an Craf t Gif t Fair ret this November!
and returns
The popular Local Food and Craft Gift Fair, organised by Local Enterprise Office Galway, returns to the Black Box Theatre at the end of November. This year’s event will showcase Galway designers, handcrafted goods and artisan produce, with over 50 stands featuring the best in locally produced gifts.
Since 2012, the Local Food and Craft Gift Fair has grown in popularity and reputation – featuring some of the best local crafts people and artisan food producers. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever!
This two-day fair offers a great opportunity for shoppers to find unique locally-made gifts before Christmas, along with sampling a wide range of locally produced artisan food products.
Barnardo the Magician will also return again this year to keep the kids entertained with balloon creations and magic shows over the course of the weekend – guaranteeing a great family day out!
The 2024 event takes place on Saturday 30th November 10am - 6pm, and Sunday 1st December 11am - 5pm, at the Black Box Theatre on Dyke Road. Entry is free. There is also ample car parking on-site for easy access.
This year the Local Food and Craft Gift Fair’s charity partner is Galway Hospice.
Meet the exhibitors;
During the two day fair, loads of makers and creators will be setting up stalls at the Black Box Theatre, so here is a little snapshot of who you’ll see there;
Gifts / Candles
Fluff Beag, Stitched Up Gifts, Irish Socksciety, AranAccessories, Irish Whiskey Stone Company, Rudaí Olla, Knit Nat Designs, Wild Atlantic Wicks, Michele Chambers Ceramics, Solas Croí Candles.
Art/Prints
Artist Aideen Monaghan, Artana, Cadhla Forde Art, Dathanna Beaga (formally Emer Whelan Designs), Ireland on Silk, Fiona Concannon Artist, SKETCHICO, Maeve Gallagher Ceramics, Burren Flower Fairies, Tatiana Dobos/dobos ceramics, Niamh Lohan Art, The Glassworks, Úna Heaney Art, Quilling by Mar, Pat Flannery Art & Design.
Jewellery
NEMDAE, Lynsey de Burca, Immensium, MaraBay Deco, Elayor Jewellery, Cré Rua Ceramics.
Food & Drink
Lilies & Pearls Wedding Cakes, The Lán Kitchen, Galway Hooker Brewery, Full of Beans, Builín Blasta, All About Kombucha, Gran Grans Foods, Ivy House Chocolates, Micil Distillery, The Foods of Athenry, Tribal Foods, SKG Catering.
Miscellaneous
Brothers of Charity Services Ireland West Region, The Wonky Woolins, Galway City Partnership - Social Enterprises, The Green Bee, Dún an Doras Floral Designs, Galway Fairytales, Woolow Limited, Lydia Fleischer, Sportskn Skincare, Sarah Jenkinson Baskets, Sliabh Aughty Honey, Ambrose and Brid Woodturning, Wild Witch Remedies.
For further information visit www.localenterprise.ie/Galway or follow Local Enterprise Office Galway’s social media channels @ leogalway.
Photos by Martina Regan Courtesy LEO Galway
Tell us about yourselves... Who are you and what do you do?
Our names are Ronan and Brian Hughes, and we are the owners of the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel in Clifden. We are people who love to create magic, fun, a sense of welcome, and a genuine experience of authentic Irish hospitality.
What do you love about your job? No two days are ever the same.
What’s your favourite thing to do in Galway?
To go to the annual novena in Galway Cathedral each year.
Tell us a secret…
We know who killed JR Ewing. (A fictional character in the TV series Dallas)
Favourite piece of Galway slang?
Stay amazing.
I want to go on a day trip somewhere in Galway. Where should I go?
Go to Moycullen, and indulge yourself in the most delicious food and coffee at a café called ‘Enjoy at White Gables’.
For a pint and some trad music - where would you recommend?
Tigh Cóilí in Galway City.
What time of the year is your favourite and why?
The month of April, because it’s when you can see that the days are getting longer, the nights are getting shorter, and Connemara comes back to life and into its full beauty.
Describe Galway in 3 words
Too much traffic.
It’s another rainy day in Galway - How should we spend it?
Walking the prom in Salthill during the day and building sandcastles on Silver Strand. Why not!
What is Christmas to you?
Too much work, too many parties and very late nights.
Photo by Boyd Challenger
Galway is getting County EVENTFUL
Visit these Christmas Markets in Galway
One of our favourite things to do at Christmas time is to visit all of the lovely Christmas Markets that pop up countywide. These eclectic markets always give us a chance to find perfect one-of-a-kind gifts for our loved ones while also supporting local creators and makers. There will be tons of fantastic Christmas Markets popping up across Galway over the upcoming weeks so here is our guide of where to get your Christmas list ticked off this year;
Caltra’s Christmas Market
Stall in the Hall – It’s time again for Ballinasloe’s festive craft and food fair where of course Santa will be in attendance in the wonderful grotto on the day. Bring along your family and friends and make this year’s Christmas Market truly special!
When: December 8th at 11am-2pm // Where: Caltra Community Centre, Ballinasloe
Tuam Christmas Craft Fair
A must-visit fair for all craft enthusiasts. This is your chance to shop handmade treasures and one-of-a-kind presents while enjoying the festive ambiance in this craft lover’s paradise.
When: November 23rd at 10am-5pm
Where: Main Hall at High Cross College (South Campus)
Ballyglunin Station Winter Wonderland
On the day, enjoy festive decorations, live entertainment, and visit the Christmas traders. Here you can also meet Mr and Mrs Claus in Santa’s Grotto, walk the Winter Wonderland trail, and listen to cheery Christmas tunes from local singers as you shop!
When: December 1st at 11am-5pm
Where: Ballyglunin Station, Station Rd, Coolfowerbeg, Ballyglunin
Athenry Lights Christmas Craft FAIR
Support local by shopping local this Christmas and visit the annual Athenry Lights Craft Fair. Come along and browse a range of arts, crafts, and festive food stalls, while staying warm with a hot cuppa and homemade sweet treats.
When: November 30th at 10am - 4pm
Where: Athenry Community Hall
Loughrea Craft & Gift Fair
Shop over 5o crafters, and enjoy delicious festive bakes at Loughrea’s Christmas Craft and Gift Fair. It’s free entry, and promises to be a great day for the whole family so be sure to come along on the day to get your loved ones presents.
When: December 15th at 11am-6pm
Where: Lough Rea Hotel & Spa
Oranmore Christmas Fair
From handcrafted ornaments to scrumptious treats, unique gifts, and heartwarming decorations, there’s something for all ages to explore and enjoy at the 2024 Oranmore Christmas Fair.
When: December 7th at 4pm - 8pm and December 8th at 10am - 2pm
Where: Oranmore Community Centre
The Flow Life Christmas Market
The annual festive market at The Flow Life will open its doors on the evening of November 22nd. All visitors will have the opportunity to shop beautiful gift hampers, jewellery, local crafts, food and enjoy spectacular Christmas music.
When: November 22nd at 5pm-9pm
Where: Main Street, Craughwell
Ballymoe Christmas Market & Gift Fair
Returning to Castlerea for another festive celebration of local craft and food vendors. The Ballymoe Christmas Market will have loads of amazing stalls for all visitors to browse and admire. They will also be hosting a raffle on the day which will feature amazing prizes.
When: November 24th at 11am-4pm
Where: Ballymoe Community Ctr, Ballymoe, Castlerea
The Loughnane & Quinn Christmas Craft Fair
Join The Loughnane & Quinn
Memorial Christmas Craft Fair for a festive day filled with local crafts, unique gifts, and community spirit. This craft fair will showcase a wonderful selection of art, jewellery, and handmade crafts, perfect for finding that special Christmas gift!
When: November 24th
Where: Labane Community Hall, Ballylara, Labane, Ardrahan
CHRISTMAS AT THE HARBOUR HOTEL
CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS
THE PARTY NIGHT 13TH & 14TH DECEMBER
THE PRIVATE PARTY
FESTIVE DINING
AVAILABLE DAILY FROM NOVEMBER TO CHRISTMAS
FESTIVE LUNCH
FESTIVE DINNER
BUSY IN DECEMBER?
Ask about our post-Christmas Party packages for January 2025.
Celebrate Christmas with friends, family and colleagues at the Harbour Hotel
Perfectly located in the heart of Galway, the green tourism gold award Harbour Hotel is a wonderful atmospheric venue for a Christmas party or festive gathering.
Surrounded by twinkling lights and mistletoe, with open fires, Christmas trees, and an aroma of spiced mulled wine… Christmas has well and truly arrived at the Harbour Hotel and there is something here for everyone; shared Christmas Party Nights in the John B. Keane Suite on the 13th and 14th of December, or why not book a private Christmas party? This is the perfect venue for larger groups, complete with mulled wine and mince pies on arrival, a 4-course festive dinner, a DJ and dancing until late.
This year, you can take the hassle out of the festive season by staying with the Harbour Hotel. They have both a two-night Christmas residential package and a three-night Christmas residential package available to suit your needs. Arriving on Christmas Eve, both packages include; mulled wine and mince pies on arrival, a 3-course dinner on Christmas Eve in the AA Rosette Dillisk on the Docks, full Irish breakfasts each morning, a 5-course Christmas day lunch with prosecco and mulled wine reception as well as a light evening supper. The three night package includes a 3-course dinner on St Stephen’s night in the AA Rosette Dillisk on the Docks also.
Spaces are filling quickly so book now to avoid disappointment by contacting their reservations team on (091)894800. The Harbour Hotel looks forward to welcoming you this festive season.
Enjoy a Christmas getaway in Galway City by booking your stay with The Abbeygate Townhouse. This is the perfect base for experiencing all of the magical festive celebrations in and around the city centre.
Enjoy up to 10% off your stay when you book your room directly at; www.abbeygatetownhouse.ie. Visit The Abbeygate Townhouse at; 3 Newstownsmith, Galway City, H91 PX06
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Artistic Director
Marty Browne marty@thisisgalway.ie
Editor & Writer
Gráinne Thornton grainne@thisisgalway.ie
Writers
Chloe Richardson
Jess Murphy
Leona Gilmore
Photographer Ciarán MacChoncarraige
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Maxi Browne maxi@thisisgalway.ie
Sales
Ado Lyons ado@thisisgalway.ie
Contributors
Áine Keaveney
Illustration
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