Menu
Book Now
Promotion tag

Christmas in Galway

at the Clybaun Hotel

Experience the magic of Christmas in Galway, where the city buzzes with festive cheer and all sorts of holiday happenings. Guests of the Clybaun Hotel are perfectly placed to discover everything from charming markets to exciting local events and really soak up that wonderful holiday spirit.

Crowd gathers in front of festive market stalls with striped roofs and illuminated star decorations; signs read

Galway Christmas Market

Galway’s Christmas market has something for all the family. In operation form mid-November to late December, something for everyone in the family with carousel, Santa’s Grotto, Ferris Wheel with city views and lots of local gift shopping.

Christmas Market
Four people in winter clothing are standing together on an outdoor ice skating rink with a lit Christmas tree and string lights in the background.

Ice Skating Wrink

Galway City on Ice

Galway ice skating rinks are open form Mid November, with two, locations one in Salthill and the Claddagh. Filled with music, lights and seasonal cheer. Suitable for all ages- often have penguins for all levels of skaters.

Galway Ice Skating
Four large, cone-shaped Christmas light displays in blue, pink, green, and red with star toppers stand on a snowy lawn in front of a house decorated with string lights at night.

Fr. Burke Park

WinterGlow Galway

Dates are coming soon! Immerse yourself in Galway’s only immersive light show with Winter glow. This enchanting winter show transforms Fr. Burke Park into a magical world of lights and sound, perfect for visitors of all ages. Stroll through three distinct light-themed zones, each offering a unique and captivating visual and auditory experience

WinterGlow
Street view of The King's Head pub with red window frames, festive lights, artificial snow decorations, and empty outdoor seating at night.

Festive Pub Vibes & Fireside Trad Sessions

There is an abundance of traditional pubs like Tigh Neachtain, The Crane Bar, Taaffes, and Tigh Cóilí, located in Galway City centre which is a quick 15-minute taxi or 20-minute bus journey away. With real turf fires, traditional Irish music (trad). Ask at our reception for more information and directions.

A large stone castle with towers and battlements stands beside a reflective lake, surrounded by lush greenery and forested hills.

Day Trip

Christmas at Kylemore Abbey

Head out for a day trip out to the Kylemore Abbey driving a 1.5-hour drive through the beautiful Connemara. The abbey and gardens are beautifully decorated with lights, nativity scenes, and festive touches. The Gothic church looks especially atmospheric in winter mist. There is also Café, Christmas craft shop, and often carol singers or seasonal events.

Kylemore Abbey
Six people in colorful holiday costumes pose around a decorated faux fireplace, with a lit Christmas tree and festive decorations in the background.

Family Experience

Elf Town Galway

Elf town runs from November to December. An immersive Santa + elves experience for children (think Elf School, the North Pole mail room, and visits with Santa Claus), held in the Black Box Theatre area, it is highly recommended that we book in advance as sells out quickly!

Elftown
People walk along a cobblestone street decorated with string lights at night; shops and a sweater shop are visible on both sides of the street.

In Galway City

Christmas Concerts & Events

Keep an eye out for festive performances at:

  • Town Hall Theatre – plays, pantos, and seasonal performances
  • Galway Cathedral – carol services and choral concerts
  • An Taibhdhearc – Irish-language Christmas shows
  • Black Box Theatre – family events and comedy acts
    • This is Galway
rooms-clybaun-banner11

Explore the Wild Atlantic Way
Yes, it’s colder—but the raw beauty of the Atlantic coast in winter is unforgettable.