MARKET MY WORDS

Travelling to the European festive heavyweights may be looking less likely this year, but Galway has all the magic – and friendliness – of Christmas

AFESTIVE Friday in Galway was just what we needed as threats to our Christmas plans unveiled by the day on the news. My husband and I packed up our two-year-old and hit the road for the re-opening of the city’s Christmas markets, a twinkly-lit wander through Eyre Square with a mulled wine and a bird’s-eye view of the city from a ferris wheel — the West of Ireland giving Eastern Europe a run for its money.

Set in the heart of the famous square, the historic landmark provides the perfect backdrop for Santa’s Express train, a vintage carousel, reams of romantic fairy lights spread across nativity scenes, and two dozen stalls housed in mini wooden chalets selling local art, craft, decorations and jewellery.

We arrived after dusk to throngs of locals queueing for hot dogs and steamy glasses of wine in the Apres Ski bar.

For a particularly starved bunch who spent last year in a withered bubble, Galway delivers plenty of sparkle this year.

Beyond the carol singing, baubles, enchanting lights and festive cheer, there’s plenty to keep winter visitors entertained and happy, from the city’s much-loved side streets filled with vintage stores, vinyl record shops and quirky oneoff boutiques to the many famous snug pubs where you’ll always find a stool beside a friendly stranger.

For the culture vultures I can never resist a nostalgic wander through Galway City Museum (galwaycitymuseum.ie) or hot chocolate on Salthill Promenade.

A stone’s throw away, the Galmont Hotel is a five-minute walk from the heart of everything but tucked away in its own peaceful alcove overlooking Lough Atalia, the best of both worlds.

We arrived back by foot with just enough time to change for dinner in the much-loved Marinas restaurant, which serves up a traditional mix of rich beef brisket, chicken supreme and monkfish dishes along with steaks, surf ’n’ turf and some hearty mash and chip side dishes.

Lighter bites are served in Coopers lounge, where we stopped in for a nightcap to admire the Christmas decorations.

The staff are warm, attentive and chatty — everything felt almost normal with the exception of face masks and the various measures put in place for dining. What more could you ask for, after a particularly bleak 2020?

The following morning, we opted for the quietness of room service and savoured fresh croissants along with piping hot coffee while our daughter stole a mid-morning power nap. It was bliss. One of the many joys of the Galmont is the spacious rooms, decorated in warm restful tones, with flashes of wood panelling. Bonus points for the walk-in shower, which made life a lot easier getting ready with a toddler.

IF your budget stretches, I’d recommend opting for a seafront deluxe room, well worth the money for the relaxing view. Or if you can steal an hour in the Spirit One Spa and leisure centre it’s worth a visit for a dip in the pool, outdoor hot tub or hammam.

Often named one of the world’s friendliest cities, it’s hard not to fall in love with Galwegians and their contagious charm. We met so many friendly faces at the Wildlands adventure centre.

The interactive ‘Baile Beag’ is a visual feast and a must-do for toddlers although I must admit I had just as much fun playing make believe. For the older kids and grown ups who love to indulge their childhood, there’s zip-lining, stand-up paddle boarding, disc golf along with off-road adventure and fairy trails.

If you’re there for the day, the restaurant serves up a stellar menu of delicious melt-in-your-mouth pizzas, gourmet burgers, posh sandwiches, coffee and cakes. As we were on a flying visit, the staff happily boxed up some freshly made ham/cheese toasties and cappuccinos which went down a treat with a threehour drive home ahead (see wildlands.ie).

We’ll be back again — next time with more time to spare.

TRAVEL FACTS

The Galmont has a range of Christmas specials on offer including a two-night festive break with breakfast, dinner on Christmas Eve, lunch on Christmas Day and a light supper on Christmas evening (dinner can be switched to St Stephen’s night if arriving on the 25th), €420pps. A three-night break includes breakfast, dinner on Christmas Eve, lunch on Christmas Day, a light supper on Christmas evening and dinner on St Stephen’s night for €555pps. See thegalmont.com