Christmas has well and truly landed in the west. The Big Wheel is already turning over Eyre Square, Kylemore Abbey’s Christmas shopping weekend is on this weekend, and Clifden is getting ready for nearly three weeks of markets, workshops, carols and Santa.
The best part? Most of these markets are packed with local makers, from Connemara crafts and art to home baking and handmade gifts, and many raise money for local causes like Galway Hospice.
Here’s every Galway and Connemara Christmas market and fair we could confirm for 2026.
Connemara Christmas markets 2026
Kylemore Abbey Christmas Shopping Weekend
When: Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November (this weekend)
Where: Kylemore Abbey, Connemara
Kylemore’s Christmas shopping weekend is on right now, with the Big Choir Christmas Concert on Sunday. Check times and tickets on Kylemore Abbey’s events page.
Oughterard Christmas Market
When: Sunday 22 November, 12pm–4pm, plus a Christmas Village Market on Monday 21 December, 10am–6pm
Where: Oughterard Community Centre (the venue for the 21 December market is still to be confirmed)
More than 40 stalls, a raffle, and €2 entry, with half the proceeds going to a local group.
Christmas in Clifden
When: Friday 27 November to Sunday 13 December
Where: Venues all over Clifden
Clifden goes all out. Highlights include:
- Fri 27 Nov: Schools Spectacular on the square at 5pm, then the lights countdown at 6pm.
- Sun 29 Nov: The Santa Cycle leaves Clifden Bike Shop at 12pm, in aid of Galway Hospice.
- Sat 5 Dec: The Just A Collective Christmas Market at the Station House Theatre (12pm–4pm), pop-up carols and plenty of kids’ workshops.
- Sun 6 Dec: The Santa 5K fun run from the Square at 12pm, the Town Hall Christmas Market from 12pm, and the Comhaltas Christmas Concert at 3pm (€10, kids free).
- Fri 11 Dec: Memory Lane, a candlelit gathering beside AIB at 5.30pm with prayers, music and mince pies, followed by a free screening of Miracle on 34th Street at 8pm.
- Sat 12 Dec: Cantairí Chonamara in concert at Kylemore Abbey at 11am, and a carol concert at Christ Church at 6pm.
- Sun 13 Dec: Santa at King’s Shop (12pm–3pm), workshops, and a wine tasting with the festival raffle draw.
Some workshops need booking. Full details are at connemaraireland.com.
Letterfrack Christmas Market
When: Sundays in November (to be confirmed)
Where: Ellis Hall, Letterfrack
Local handmade goods, art and photography. Check with the organisers before travelling, as 2026 dates haven’t been fully confirmed.
Galway city Christmas markets 2026
Galway Christmas Market, Eyre Square
When: Friday 6 November to Tuesday 22 December (Big Wheel and amusements to Sunday 3 January 2027)
Opening hours: Mon–Wed 12pm–8pm, Thu–Sat 10am–10pm, Sun 10am–8pm
More than 70 wooden chalets, the Big Wheel, and the Róisín Dubh Beer Tent. Entry is free, with tickets needed only for some attractions such as Santa’s Cabin. It’s accessible and dog-friendly.
St Nicholas’ Church Christmas Fayre
When: Saturday 21 November
Where: St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Lombard Street
Homemade goods and local choirs, in one of Galway’s oldest buildings.
Galway Local Food and Craft Fair
When: Tuesday 24 to Sunday 29 November (Saturday 10am–6pm, Sunday 11am–5pm)
Where: Black Box Theatre, Dyke Road
More than 50 local artisans and free entry. Half the proceeds go to Galway Hospice.
Outset Christmas Indoor Market
When: November 2026 to January 2027 (to be confirmed), 11am–4pm
Where: The Cornstore Mall, Middle Street
Vintage, retro, second-hand and handmade, with live music.
Around County Galway
- Oranmore Christmas Fair: Oranmore Community Centre, Saturday 5 December (3pm–7pm) and Sunday 6 December (11am–4pm)
- Kinvara Christmas Fair: Kinvara Community Centre, 6–7 December (to be confirmed)
- Slieve Aughty Centre Christmas Market, Kylebrack West, Loughrea: 12–13 and 19–20 December, 12pm–5pm, plus a Christmas Festival with Santa on 7 December (booking essential)
- Loughrea Christmas Craft & Gift Fair: Lough Rea Hotel & Spa, Sunday 13 December, 11am–6pm (to be confirmed), free entry, 50+ crafters
Shop local this Christmas
Every euro spent at these markets goes straight to local makers, bakers and community groups. Looking for a gift with a real Connemara story? Try a jar of local heather honey. Read our feature on the Connemara beekeepers making it.
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Running a Christmas market or fair in Galway or Connemara that’s not on this list? Tell us at connemarajournal.ie/contact-us and we’ll add it.
Dates and times can change, so check with organisers before you travel. Sources: Galway Christmas Market; Galway Tourism; Connemara Ireland – Christmas in Clifden; Kylemore Abbey.
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