Festive Cheer in the West this Christmas

Brrr! It's definitely getting nippier but the West of Ireland is still the perfect place for a lively holiday and some amazing Festive experiences.

Whatever your idea is of the perfect Christmas let us help you with the difficult decisions. We have complied a list of some of the many festive events happening throughout the West of Ireland this Christmas;

Galway Continental Christmas Market, Co Galway (25th Nov - 18th Dec 2011)

Located on the green of Eyre Square, the Galway Continental Market has transformed the heart of Galway into a winter wonderland. The market sells produce from over 28 different countries with up to 80 stalls selling a wide variety of crafts, gifts, and stocking fillers such as bohemian crystal, wooden toys, scented candles, hand-made jewellery, ceramic mugs, hats, scarves, traditional puppets and Christmas tree ornaments.

Along with continental decorations, gifts and more, the Galway Continental Christmas Market features a food section with delicacies from around the world including festive Gluhwein, German Pretzel, Polish Sausage, Belgian Macaroons and much more! The Christmas Market Big Top – the artisan food and craft market arena - is a great new attraction for people to engage in Christmas workshops.

The market provides the city with a festive atmosphere that is a wonderful attraction for people to visit Galway, and it brings festive cheer to the city shoppers. 

Christmas at Bunratty Folk Park, Co Clare (2nd-23rd Dec)

Mrs. Claus, a troupe of Elves and a host of other Christmas characters will be among the special visitors to Bunratty Folk Park, Co. Clare, in the lead up to Christmas.

This event will operate from Friday December 2nd to Friday December 23rd (inclusive) and visitors to Bunratty can experience a magical, festive atmosphere in a unique and traditional village street setting at Bunratty Folk Park.

Pre-booking is necessary. You can book either online here or by calling (061) 360788.

Annual Ballintubber St Stephen's Day Goal Walk, Co Roscommon (26th Dec)

The 15th Annual Ballintubber 10k GOAL Walk takes place at Ballintubber, Castlerea beginning at 12.30 p.m. on St Stephen's Day. The Walk will be started by Cllr. Tony Ward, Mayor of Roscommon.

All proceeds will go to GOAL. Music will be by the Castlerea Brass & Reed Band. There will be spot prizes, including a weekend away for two at an Irish hotel; there will also be refreshments.

If interested in taking part, contact John Boyle at 087-6388116 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Annual Christmas Walking Festival, Co Mayo (30th December - 2nd January 2012)

Westport's fourth annual Christmas Walking Festival will take place from Friday-Monday, 30th December-2nd January 2012.

See the old year out in style, and welcome in 2012 with a weekend of walking in the glorious mountains of Mayo and Connemara, finishing with a climb on New Year's Day of Ben Gorm overlooking Ireland's only fjord. Meet new people, enjoy the chat and some of the best views in the country - on a weekend that is a must for the serious hillwalker.

Ideal for singles, but also great fun for couples and groups, the New Year's Bank Holiday Walking Weekend is led by one of Ireland's best-known walking guides, Gerry Greensmyth of Croagh Patrick Walking Tours. The intended walks require a certain level of fitness, but the sense of achievement as you enjoy the view from the mountain top, and later as you settle into one of Westport's legendary pubs, will be second to none.

For more information on the Annual Christmas Walking Festival, click here. 

Christmas at Lough Key Forest & Activity Park, Co Roscommon (2nd-18th Dec)

Immerse yourselves in Christmas wonderland at the Lough Key Visitor Centre. Enjoy some festive food in the Lakeside Café. Treat yourselves to mince pies and the signature Lough Key mulled wine.

On Saturday, 17th December, there will be a Christmas Arts & Crafts class a 12.00 noon. On Sunday, 18th December, between 14.00 and 17.00, there will be 'Anything Christmas' Hunt through the forest. There will be festive live music, face painting and story telling.

If interested in attending, click here for more information and opening hours details.

Santa's Christmas Magic at Brigit's Garden, Co Galway (10th - 22nd December 2011)

A magical Christmas show with entertainment from Santa and his musical elves will run until 22nd Dec at Brigit's Garden. There will be a special lighting of the tree with the help of the children. Festivities followed by refreshments. Shows at 14.00 and 16.30. Limited tickets - book early.

The show will take place on Saturdays and Sundays from the 10th December to Sunday, 18th December, and also on Thursday, 22nd December, at 16.30 on this date. For more information, click here.

Information sourced from Discoverireland.ie

Image Credits; Second Image by 'Prayitno' under Creative Commons on Flickr

Third Image by 'Mr Physics/Marc Soller' under Creative Commons on Flickr