Galway Christmas fair is not just Ireland’s largest Christmas fair but it is also the longest running one. So to visit a fair with such a fame attached to it, our expectations were running a bit high. Did the fair live up to our expectations? The answer is a big resounding Yes.
Galway Christmas Fair 2021
The Galway Christmas fair, 2021 is brightening up Ireland for the 12th time. Set up in Eyre Square, the heart of Galway city, they have a large number of stalls and rides decorating the streets. Even though the weekends might be crazy with loads of people visiting the fair, the weekdays are pretty calm with smaller crowds.
What To Look Out For
The highlight of the fair according to Devu was the Ferris Wheel or the Big Wheel. It was an exciting experience to see the lights of the illuminated fair from the top. When I wasn’t being scared. The night we visited the fair was a little rainy with a side of wind accompanying it. Since I am scared of heights, this was the perfect combination for me to worry about when we would come back down.
But even though I was scared of heights, I couldn’t not enjoy the view from above. Each time we went above (it was 3 rounds), the lights of the fair as well the city as a whole looked fabulous.
The Carousel came a close second for Devu and maybe a first for Bhavi because she was giggling when we went up and down the merry-go-round.
The Delightful Stalls
The food stalls were our favorite (my husband, Anish and I). The Italian cannoli were mind-blowing with their various fillings, the mouth watering sweet and savory crepes, the sugar sprinkled donuts with their various toppings were just some of the few delicacies that we tried. There was also Mexican street food, Pratai Irish chips, chocolate fountain with marshmallows and burgers to name a few.
There were also stalls selling flameless candles, winterwear, Peruvian knitwear, DIY wooden figurines, Lego mini figures including Harry Potter series were just some of the few that I am naming here. My favorite was the one with spinning tealight holders. They looked so delicate and beautiful and reminded me of the Carousel ride with my giggling babies.
There were also stalls run whose proceedings were donated to local charities as well.
When Does The Fair Open
The Christmas fair at Galway started on November 12, 2021 and will be ending at December 22, 2021. It opens from 12pm to 8pm on Monday to Wednesday and from 10am to 10pm from Thursday to Sunday.
Videos
The first two videos attached below shows small glimpses of the illuminations at the Galway Christmas fair. While the last video shows the bird eye view taken from the top of the Ferris Wheel/ Big Wheel.
Summing Up
The illuminated Eyre Square of Galway city were a treat to the eyes. Be it the Big Wheel, or the Carousel, or the various stalls, there is something for everybody to enjoy. So, if you are planning on visiting Galway city soon, what better time than when it is illuminated by all these beautiful Christmas lights.
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