Christmas Shopping in Galway

Christmas Shopping in Galway 2023: All you need to know

29 Nov, 2023, Galway City,

Festive Shopping Guide for Galway 2023 🎁

If you’re thinking of taking a pre-Christmas shopping break, then make a bee line for the beautiful city of Galway on the rugged west coast of Ireland. Galway city is renowned the world over as a vibrant, warm and multicultural city. It’s a popular destination for Christmas shopping in Ireland, as it has everything – lively pubs, gourmet restaurants, plenty of accommodation, a big Christmas  market, lots of shopping arcades and a terrific range of shops, so you’ll have no bother finding those Christmas presents and last minute stocking fillers!

Galway city is especially welcoming over Christmas. It’s located beside the sea surrounded by some of Ireland’s most spectacular landscapes which helps to create the perfect winter scene.

When it comes to Christmas shopping, Galway has just as much to offer, as any other large city in Ireland. Why not also check out all of the great things to do in Galway this Christmas.

Shopping in Galway is a pleasant experience as much of the city center is pedestrianised and you’ll stumble upon quirky little shops, small boutiques and beautiful craft shops as you roam around its cobbled streets. Of course, you’ll find all your usual high street stores and labels too. Discover some of the Best Gift Shops in Galway here before you hit the town. If you’re bringing the kids, why not plan a visit Santa in Galway during your trip.

Galway Continental Christmas Market 2023 🎄

Any trip to Galway for your Christmas shopping break must include a visit to the annual Galway Continental Christmas Market in Eyre Square. The Galway Continental Christmas Market, now in its 11th year, has grown from strength to strength and runs for an extended period this year. Attracting over 600,000 visitors every year over the course of 30 days, this market, in the heart of the city is always a national highlight of the festive season.

Traders from all over Ireland and overseas to participate in the Christmas Market, when a mini-town land made up of sixty wooden chalets, A Big Wheel, Carousel, Santa’s Grotto, the German Bier Keller is filled with food, drinks and goods from around the world. Expect produce from Russia, Peru, USA and China, as well as lots of local and European offerings. For more see Galway Christmas Market.

Galway Market at St. Nicholas’ Church 🎁

Galway Outdoor MarketAlso be sure to visit the local market. It’s normally open on a Saturday and Sunday all year round, but is usually open for about 10 days prior to Christmas and a visit here will definitely put you in the festive mood. Don’t miss the opportunity to mingle with the locals as they gather to chitchat as well as do their shopping. This market has been taking place for centuries and is located next to St. Nicholas Church at the bottom of Shop Street. It’s best known for its exclusive arts, crafts and mouthwatering foods prepared while you wait. Handmade chocolates, delicious crepes and Japanese Sushi are just some of the foods you’ll find here. See Galway Market for more details.

Many of the shops in Galway city are situated on streets in the key shopping area in the centre of the city, while the large retail parks and shopping centres are located towards the outskirts of the city.

Eyre Square Shopping Centre đŸ›ïž

Eyre Square Shopping CentreEyre Square Shopping Centre (found in Eyre Square!) has up to 100 shops offering everything from fashion, gifts, jewellery, books, sport, department stores and restaurants. The shops pull out all the stops at Christmas with elaborate window and shop displays. (Even if you don’t buy anything – take a stroll through this shopping center and see the remains of the old city walls, which have been incorporated into the building!). See Eyre Square Centre for a list of shops.

Shop Street – Galway City ✹

Don’t pass up the opportunity to saunter down the bustling Shop Street where some of the best shops are to be found such as Eason’s Bookshop, Powells music shop, Hartmann’s Jewellers to name a few. The street is a bit touristy so if you’re looking for craft shops, hand made jewellery and art shops, then this isn’t the place to go, but around the corner at the Galway Market beside St. Nicholas’ Church or in the Latin Quarter you’ll find a great selection of artisan shops and stalls. However if you are looking for the ultimate Christmas shop in Galway you’ll find it at The Treasure Chest. You can’t help but be drawn inside this famous gift shop as you approach it amid the bustle of Shop Street. A flavour of the treasures found within are hinted to by the elaborate window displays. The colourful tree near the doorway illuminates all the holiday cheer to be found within, along with the big Christmas ornaments. Shelves are piled high with red-breasted robins wearing in brilliant red caps and cozy scarves, as well as cheerful Santa Clauses with bulging bags of presents. The store is decorated with plush Santas and snowmen, and a family of plush carol singers is stationed at the front to welcome visitors.

Latin Quarter đŸ·

Charlie Byrnes GalwayThe Latin Quarter is predominantly made up of Quay Street, Kirwans Lane, Cross Street and High Street and has quaint cobblestoned thoroughfares filled with attractive old-world shops like Tempo Antiques selling rare antique jewellery, Opus II selling delightful musical instruments, Aran Sweater Shop and Galway Woollen Shop offering wonderful Irish knitwear, Charlie Byrnes for great books, Kilkenny and Judy Greene’s for gifts, souvenirs and much more. You will find original gifts in all these shops and something special to spoil yourself too. Discover more about Galway’s Latin Quarter.

Corrib Shopping Centre

There are numerous shopping centres in Galway and the Corrib Shopping Centre, although not very big but is ideally located, less than 1 minutes walk from Eyre Square. It has a good range of shops including Sports Direct (a large sports and clothing department store with everything under the one roof over 3 floors!) and Marks and Spencer, the UK retail chain. Explore Corrib Shopping Centre.

Galway Shopping Centre

Situated on the Headford Road is the Galway Shopping Centre which has well over 100 shops including Penny’s – a big hit for its trendy clothes at bargain prices and Tesco. A car is recommended especially if you plan on doing lots of Christmas shopping so it’s good to know there’s loads of parking. If you have the kids in tow, then there’s plenty to keep them occupied with The Planet Leisure Centre which incorporates a bowling alley, arcade games, a play area and lots more. See the shops at Galway Shopping Centre.

Terryland and LiosbĂĄn Retail Parks

Another large shopping area located on the Headford Road are the Terryland and LiosbĂĄn Retail Parks with Dunnes Stores as the main retailer but many others too including Elvery’s, Kearney’s Cycles, Petworld, Keane’s Florists along many more specialist shops for unique gifts.

Discover more on your visit

Christmas Shopping in GalwayGalway is such a fantastic city to visit and when you arrive here on your pre Christmas shopping break you’ll know what we mean. It’s a haven of lively pubs, shops, and restaurants, with friendly faces and a warm atmosphere. See the sightseeing map of Galway to get make sure you find the best restaurants, pubs and places to see on your Christmas shopping break. And when you’re finished your Christmas shopping in Galway city, you can explore top attractions like Connemara, the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher.

Map of Galway Shopping areas

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