Nollaig Shona ó Ghaillimh: Best Dressed Window Competition for Galway Businesses

Nollaig Shona ó Ghaillimh - Best Dressed Window Competition launched to celebrate creativity, community, and bilingualism in Galway this Christmas, and we're encouraging local businesses to get involved!

Advertisement

As part of Galway City Council’s 'Shop Local, Shine Bright’ campaign in the lead-up to Christmas, Galway Chamber and Gaillimh le Gaeilge in partnership with Galway City Council, has launched the Nollaig Shona ó Ghaillimh – Best Dressed Window Competition.

The initiative invites local businesses across all sectors to decorate their shopfronts and windows with festive, creative displays that capture the magic of Christmas in Galway — while also celebrating the city’s vibrant bilingual culture by incorporating the Irish language into their designs.

The competition aims to spread Christmas cheer, promote community engagement, and showcase Galway’s unique character and creativity through three award categories:

An Taispeántas is Cruthaithí / is Draíochta – Most Creative / Magical Display
Celebrating imagination, artistry, and visual impact that captures the festive spirit of Galway.

An Úsáid is Fearr as an nGaeilge – Best Use of the Irish Language
Honouring excellence in the creative and visible use of the Irish language in shopfront displays.

Gradam Rogha na nDaoine – People’s Choice Award
Voted for by the public through an online campaign, encouraging community participation and local pride.

Each category winner will receive a €1,000 local business voucher!

Speaking at the launch, Karen Ronan, CEO of Galway Chamber, said; "The Nollaig Shona ó Ghaillimh competition is a wonderful way to celebrate the festive season while highlighting Galway’s creativity, community spirit, and bilingual identity. We’re encouraging all local businesses to get involved, light up their windows, and bring the Irish language to life in their displays. It’s a opportunity to showcase the unique charm of Galway at Christmas and to support local trade across the city."

Bríd Ní Chonghóile, Príomhfheidhmeannach Ghaillimh le Gaeilge, said; "Tá athas orainn a bheith ag comhoibriú le Cumann Tráchtála na Gaillimhe agus Comhairle Cathrach na Gaillimhe ar an tionscnamh dátheangach seo. The Nollaig Shona ó Ghaillimh competition is a great way to celebrate our bilingual city, and we look forward to seeing businesses bring the Irish language to life as part of Galway’s Christmas magic. And if any business would like a little help with festive greetings or phrases for their displays, we’re more than happy to lend a hand!"

An Bealach chun Páirt a Ghlacadh / How to Enter
Businesses can enter the competition and find full details at www.galwaychamber.com
To be eligible, all displays must include some use of the Irish language.
An dteastaíonn cúnamh uait leis an nGaeilge? Need a Hand with the Irish? Gaillimh le Gaeilge is available to help any business that would like guidance on incorporating festive Irish phrases into their displays!
TAP HERE to visit their website www.gleg.ie and learn some useful phrases!
Spriocdháta d’iontrálacha / Deadline for entries: Friday, 12th December