If you've ventured into Galway city on the mission to get your Christmas presents bought and taken cared of ahead of the big day you are going to want to have a look at our suggestion of where to go to help break up your day in Galway city. The countdown to Christmas has begun so get thee to Galway and happy Christmas shopping!
1. Get Cosy with a Winter Warmer at The King's Head
Pull up a chair next to the fireplace at The King's Head and enjoy a couple of tipples off their seasonal winter warmer menu. This menu features a Hot Apple Cider, Candy Cane Hot Toddy, Homemade Mulled Wine, Coole Swan Coffee, Glüh Gin and of course a hot alcohol-free Apple Cider. Plus, the festive cocktails Salted Caramel Espresso Martini, The Connemara Pony, The Galway Girl and The Executioner's Old Fashioned. All of them are absolutely delish so no matter which ones you opt for we can guarantee you are in for a treat. Check them out here.
2. Enjoy Quality Asian Cuisine from Rè Nao
After wandering around the city gathering Christmas presents, walk on down to the historic Spanish Arch to Rè Nao Bar & Restaurant for a delicious lunch or/and dinner. Perfect for both solo diners and groups, they offer a full authentic Asian menu as well as bubble trouble cocktails. Everything on their menu is made fresh, in-house and you can even watch the talented chefs making the hand-stretch noodles and more as you sip on your drinks.
above: photo courtesy of Ré Nao
3. Browse the artwork at Outset Gallery
The newest exhibition at Outset Gallery, OXO is Ireland’s largest Christmas exhibition of 2023 and will run until December 23rd, providing a platform for artists based locally, nationally & internationally to exhibit their artwork in Galway city, the cultural capital of the West. This year, the exhibition will feature 135 original artworks from over 125 artists representing a richly diverse range of artists across multiple disciplines. Additionally, all works are available to purchase and this is the perfect opportunity to secure your loved a Christmas present of a unique, one of kind art piece.
4. Enjoy a bit of people-watching outside Garavan's
As Christmas Day inches closer, the streets of Galway are full of shoppers from all around the world doing their best to get all their Christmas list ticked off with plenty of time to spare, because of this there's no better time of year for partaking in a bit of people-watching on Shop Street. We recommend sitting out in Garavan's Bar's partially covered outdoor area for this experience with one of their famous hot whiskeys in hand and sit and savour the buzz of this special and magical time of year in Galway.
above: photo courtesy of Garavan's
5. Try the new Lunch Menu at Queen Street
The new lunch menu at Queen Street is now being served everyday from 12pm-4pm. The menu features freshly prepared salads, made-to-order sandwiches, and delectable sweet treats, Queen Street will satisfy every craving, whether you've just finished exploring the Eyre Square Christmas Market or are just beginning your Christmas shopping around the city, no reservation required so simply rock up and enjoy plates of deliciousness and some of their signature cocktails.
6. Dine on some Delicious Tapas at Umbrella
The perfect way to escape the chilly weather while getting your Christmas shopping done in Galway is by filling your stomach with some delicious Asian tapas. Umbrella Asian Tapas takes their tapas to the next level with their menu of over 50 Asian fusion tapas. Well-loved dishes such as pad Thai, Singapore noodles, and miso soup come in smaller portions so you can try a little bit of everything. Feast on these flavour-packed dishes while you sit among an array of festive decorations. With vegan and vegetarian options too, Umbrella Asian Tapas truly has something for everyone.
7. Call into Seven for a Pint and some Wings
On the edge of the busiest shopping area of Galway city, Seven Bar & Restaurant is home to the Seven Famous Chicken Wings, and when you are getting your Christmas bits together you seriously need to call in and give a taste. The wings basket can be served with hot sauce, BBQ, or mixed. Pair your meal with a few drinks of the menu (just remember to check the offers on their drinks because the specials here are not to be missed) and voila - the perfect way to break up your shopping trip in Galway.
8. Get the Christmas Sambo from Merge
The Christmas special that is now available at Merge is a feast of all your favourite parts about Christmas dinner! The Turkey Melt is made with freshly cooked turkey with Swiss cheese, garlic mayo, herby stuffing and cranberry jam. This sandwich is incredibly festive and the perfect treat for when you are out buying all your Christmas shopping especially if you have just come from one of the nearby Christmas Markets by St. Nicholas Collegiate Church or the Tiny Traders Village at the Connaught Tribune Printworks Building.
above: photo courtesy of Merge
9. Treat yourself to a Hot Chocolate from Espresso 44 and admire the Christmas Lights
We strongly recommend ordering a rich, creamy hot chocolate from Espresso 44 on William Street to accompany your meanders along Shop Street, High Street, Quay Street and The Latin Quarter. The glittering of Christmas lights transforms Galway city’s historic, cobblestone streets during the winter months and never fails to put a smile on the faces of those who wander below. So, when the crowds are getting to be a bit much we suggest popping outside and taking a lovely stroll around the city streets with a cuppa in hand to see all the glittering Christmas lights and decorations on the streets and shop windows.
10. Explore the businesses around Galway's Westend
Galway’s Westend is spectacularly lit up with decorations, lights, and a Christmas tree for the runup to the festive season and is the perfect escape from the craziness of uptown. Follow the glowing Christmas lights across the bridge and into the heart of the vibrant activity as the welcoming locals chat excitedly about the fast approaching festive season and all the fun it brings. A stroll along the canals, a visit to the playground and Fr. Burke Park each offers their own enjoyment and are all lovely ways to pass a day in Galway. Be sure to check out our festive guide to Galway's Westend here and discover all of our top recommendations.
11. Catch a Christmas classic on the big screen at Pálás Cinema
Over the entire month of December Pálás Cinema are bringing back all the most beloved festive films and cult Christmas classics to the big screen. Once the Christmas shopping starts to wear you down, why not check out their listings and book yourself in to see one of your favourite films on the big screen. Discover their movie lineup for the weeks ahead here and plan your Christmas shopping day accordingly.
above: photo courtesy of Pálás Cinema
Feature photo by Chaosheng Zhang
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