‘I must admit, I am not someone who even thinks about Christmas in the first week of November’
The Galway Christmas markets are well worth a visit
A couple of summers ago, I had the pleasure of visiting Galway with my mates and since then, I’ve been itching for an opportunity to return.
So, when The Galmont Hotel extended an invitation to us to commence the festive season at their splendid hotel, we were quick to pack our bags and fuel the car.
The drive from Belfast, which is just under four hours, doesn’t seem too daunting when you know a vibrant city like Galway awaits you.
We were invited to celebrate the launch of the annual Galway Christmas Market in Eyre Square and to experience the festive charm that The Galmont provides for its Christmas guests.
Situated in the city centre and merely a short stroll away from Eyre Square, the pubs and the shops, it was the perfect location for us to get our bearings during our brief but eventful getaway.
A very Christmassy Galmont lobby
I must confess, I’m not usually one to think about Christmas in the first week of November, but between the stunning decorations in the hotel lobby, the twinkling lights on the streets and the festive activities, I wasn’t feeling as Bah Humbug as I typically do at this time of year.
Our room was one of The Galmont’s ‘Business Class’ rooms, offering a breathtaking view of Lough Atalia, a huge double bed (which, might I add, was one of the most comfortable hotel beds we’ve ever slept in) and a sleek, modern design.
The Galmont is a beacon of excellence – every staff member we encountered during our stay was warm and attentive, each meal was first-rate, and the hotel itself was spotless.
The Galmont at Christmas
There’s something about staying in a beautiful place that adds an extra layer of specialness to a trip, making it all the more memorable.
As part of the festive celebrations, we kicked off Friday night with a hearty dinner at Coopers in The Galmont. Our bellies were well-prepared for a night on the town after a delightful meal from the Christmas menu.
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James savoured his first turkey and ham dinner of the season, while I chose the less festive but equally tasty sirloin. I often hesitate to order steak when dining out, fearing it won’t be cooked to my liking, but Coopers nailed it – from the cooking to the portion size to the peppercorn sauce.
This was followed by mulled wine, mince pies, and a pecan pie, which James described as one of the best desserts he’s ever had. We were well-fed and ready to explore the opening night of the Christmas Market.
While it may be slightly smaller than our market in Belfast, it’s perfectly festive and brimming with charming stalls for last-minute gift ideas and tasty treats – not that I had any room left for food after Coopers!
Marina’s Restaurant in The Galmont
The big wheel also provided an unparalleled view of the city’s Christmas lights from above.
We were then spirited away on the Santa Express across the canal to Monroe’s Tavern for an evening of songs and storytelling by Irish musician Eleanor McEvoy.
One of the charms of Galway for me is the abundance of fantastic pubs and bars all within a stone’s throw of each other, and having the chance to enjoy live music during our fleeting visit made it even more memorable.
Saturday kicked off splendidly with a hearty buffet-style breakfast at Marinas Restaurant – sausage, eggs and toast accompanied by another delightful view of the Lough could remedy any hangovers from Friday night.
One of the standout moments of the trip for me was the chance to create our own willow Christmas star in a workshop led by the gifted local basket maker Sarah Jenkinson.
The beauty of Sarah’s work and her ability to transform simple rods into stunning gifts was truly awe-inspiring, and we had a blast trying out this new skill.
A festive afternoon tea at Coopers perfectly satisfied our mid-afternoon cravings before we spent the remainder of the evening indulging in the hotel’s superb leisure facilities at the Spirit One Spa’s Thermal Suite and the Energize Fitness and Leisure centre.
When I contemplate Christmas staycations in Ireland, Dublin has always been my first thought – but after a festive weekend in Galway, I might just have a new favourite yuletide city.
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