Every end of year brings a certain amount of nostalgia for days gone by and this Christmas we certainly are feeling it following the closure of one of the city's most beloved shop to visit each Christmas - Treasure Chest. There was nothing like stepping in out of the cold and into the festive wonderland of Treasure Chest each year and it's one Christmas tradition we are going to miss. Once a one stop haven of all the Christmas goodies you could possible need, let's now take a look back on the history and influence of the iconic Galway Treasure Chest..
Each year, the faces of onlookers filled with anticipation, intrigue and excitement as the Christmas displays went up at Treasure Chest. That unmistakable giddy feeling as you browsed the magical treasures around the store, never knowing what you would discover next. Conversation of reunion and delight rang through the air as customers chatted with staff, exchanging Christmas greetings, well wishes and sharing their plans for the big day.
When you walked up the buzzing Shop Street, you couldn’t help being drawn into this iconic gift store. Decorative window displays hinted at the treasures that could be found within. The large festive figurines couldn't help but to draw your attention to the colourful tree that stood by the doorway illuminating all the merriness that was within. All dressed in gold tinsel, candy canes, glowing lights and ruby red baubles. Upon entering, you simply ascended into a magical world filled with a colourful array of beautiful gifts and cheery decorations.
Photo by Rob Smyth
Its shelves were packed with smiling Santa Clauses with overflowing bags of presents, and red breasted robins all dressed up in bright red hats and warm scarves. Plush Santas and snowmen were dotted throughout the store with a family of plush carol singers standing at the doorway, greeting all those who entered. Their range of pure white Snowbabies always made for a unique gift, each one symbolising a different sentiment of love, inspiration or friendship. In amongst the festive shelves of Treasure Chest shoppers would find the beautiful crafts of Jim Shore, enchanting Disney figurines, radiant Santas and charming nativity sets.
While we feel that the most exciting part of Christmas Day is the festive dinner. At Treasure Chest you would have found beautiful festive tableware, with dishes and cups that were embellished with Christmas trees and baubles, the perfect finishings to an occasion touched with elegance and grandeur. Everything you needed for a gorgeous festive experience at home was available at this landmark Galway store.
Kate Nolan Photography
It was first established in 1966 by Mary Bennett and her family, everyone who had stepped into this emporium of gifts and souvenirs had been met with warm greetings and received personal care, making each visit a valuable memory of their time spent in the City of Tribes. Over the years, it was refurbished and lovingly made into three stores of fashion, gifts and Christmas merriment. So it's no surprise that the announcement of it's closure in 2023 came with a feeling of great loss. Christmas in Galway just simply isn't the same without the gorgeous delights from Treasure Chest's bright trove of wonders.
Feature Photo by Kate Nolan Photography
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