An Insider's Guide to Galway - Christmas Edition

An Insider’s Guide to Galway THE CHRISTMAS EDITION

foreword From starter kits for sustainable living to a makeshift marketplace, we’re shining a spotlight on some of our favourite businesses, producers and creators to support over the coming months.

Once you’ve got the stockings stuffed and the presents wrapped, don’t forget to take a moment to yourself and reflect on how far you’ve come over the past year. Time flies by at an alarming pace and it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of Christmas, but spending a little time with yourself could be just what you need.

From all the members of the This is Galway family to you and yours - merry Christmas and a happy New Year. There are plenty of memories to be made, food to be eaten and drinks to be drunk - we hope you enjoy every minute of it.

They say that every purchase is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in, and we’re making every cent count this festive season. By now, we’re all well aware of just how important it is to shop local.

Throughout the year, smaller businesses and independent craftspeople suffered blow after blow and definitely deserve a little extra love right about now.

When we keep our coins in the local economy, endless benefits ensue. Risks pay off, entrepreneurship flourishes, and the community begins to thrive. Shopping in a smaller store is an entirely different experience to that of a larger retailer.

Offering personal service, genuine care and undivided attention, our local shopkeepers do their damnedest to make sure everyone’s well looked after.

Throughout this guide to Christmas in Galway, you’ll find plenty of festive features and gifting inspiration that will help you get organised in no time. There’ll be no last minute stress on our watch!

This project was supported by Galway City Council

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a festive wonderland

TREASURE CHEST

a christmas tradition

AUNTIE NELLIE’S

spread the love by shopping local

THE ULTIMATE GALWAY GIFT GUIDE

Cover image by Boyd Chalenger

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keep it green this christmas

THE SUSTAINABLE GIFT GUIDE

artists, craftspeople and producers to support this festive season

A MAKESHIFT MARKETPLACE

christmas past, present and future

MAGGIE MURPHY

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Christmas at Treasure Chest Words by Gráinne Thornton Photograph by Kate Nolan Photography

Step in out of the cold and into the festive wonderland of Treasure Chest. It’s a one stop haven of all the Christmas goodies you need to give your home a festive glow up.

The faces of onlookers are filled with anticipation, intrigue and excitement. Browsing the magical treasures around the store, never knowing what they will discover next. Conversation of reunion and delight rings through the air as customers reunite with staff, exchanging Christmas greetings and well wishes.

Walking up amongst the buzz of Shop Street, you can’t help being drawn into this iconic gift store. Decorative window displays hint at the treasures that can be found within. The large festive figurines draw your attention to the colourful tree that stands by the doorway illuminating all the merriness to be found within. All dressed in gold tinsel, candy canes, glowing lights and ruby red baubles. Upon entering, you ascend into a magical world filled with a colourful array of beautiful gifts and cheery decorations. The overwhelming joy of the Christmas season can be found in the bustle of activity surrounding the Christmas floor of Treasure Chest, which has moved to the ground floor this year to help accommodate a safe and enjoyable shopping experience.

Shelves are packed with smiling Santa Clauses with overflowing bags of presents, and red breasted robins all dressed up in bright red hats and warm scarves. Plush Santas and snowmen are dotted throughout the store with a family of plush carol singers standing at the doorway, greeting all those who enter. The pure white Snowbabies make for a unique gift, each one symbolising a different sentiment of love, inspiration or friendship. In amongst the festive shelves of Treasure Chest you’ll find the beautiful crafts of Jim Shore, enchanting Disney figurines, radiant Santas and charming nativity sets. For post-Christmas dinner activities, relax next to the fireplace with a ‘Santa’s Workshop’ jigsaw puzzle.

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The most exciting part of Christmas Day is the festive dinner, the table overflowing with delicious food and drink. All the preparations that go into making the meal deserve to be presented with a touch of elegance and grandeur. At Treasure Chest you will find beautiful festive tableware, with dishes and cups that are embellished with Christmas trees and baubles.

Sarah Miller’s Christmas geese enhance endearing cutlery sets. The gorgeous seasonal garland and poinsettia adorn runners and cushions. Decorate your table with vibrant reds and deep greens, everything you need for a gorgeous festive experience at home can be found at this iconic store.

Ever since it was first established in 1966 by Mary Bennett and her family, everyone who has stepped into this emporium of gifts and souvenirs has been met with warm greetings and received personal care, making each visit a valuable memory of their time spent in the City of Tribes. Over the years it has been refurbished and carefully molded into the lovely three stores of fashion, gifts and Christmas merriment it is today.

Photo by Rob Smyth

Celebrate all life treasures this year on the Christmas floor of 31 William Street. Open from 9.30 to 6pm you can indulge in the spirit of the season in store or order all your festive delights from the comfort of home from their website. Christmas just simply wouldn’t be the same without some gorgeous delights from this bright trove of wonders.

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Photograph by Kate Nolan Photography

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Aunty Nellie’s: A Christmas tradition Words by Sarah Gill

A trip to Aunty Nellie’s is a charming experience all year round, but there’s something about stopping by this traditional sweet shop over the festive season that makes it a truly magical adventure. Transforming into a gifting destination this Christmas, you’ll be able to find a little something for everyone on your gift list at a glance. From hampers and gift sets to movie merchandise and memorabilia, you can find it all in Aunty Nellie’s.

Filling kids with excitement and grown ups with nostalgia, the shelves are stocked with a variety of retro classics and American candy, so you know you’ll find your favourite. If you’re in need of a little guidance, Iarlaith has been behind the famed jelly counter since they opened back in 2012, and neither his passion or patience have waned a bit. Speaking on the age range of those who visit Aunty Nellie’s, Iarlaith says, “we see parents - or ‘big kids’ - coming into us for their childhood favourites like apple drops or toffee mice, and it’s great to see them passing on their love of sweets to their children. We see our regulars come in after school or families stopping by over the weekend to spend some pocket money and it’s really special.”

Bringing out the childhood innocence that exists in all of us, Aunty Nellie’s Sweet Shop don’t just sell sweets - they sell memories.

Allowing adults to revisit their old-school traditions and create new ones with their own families, the comforting feel of the store itself has set the scene for many memorable moments.

Offering a number of items that will make the perfect addition to any Christmas stocking, here are some ideas for the loved ones in your life…

If you’ve been roped into a Secret Santa, filling up a gift jar with some of their favourite treats will definitely put a smile on their face. With little Chip mugs, Super Mario lights and plenty of Harry Potter themed paraphernalia to choose from, getting the little ones sorted will be a doddle, and there’s a great range of whiskey-flavoured fudge that your folks will love. Give your grandparents a little reminder of their youth with some hard-boiled sweets and maybe even pick up something a little sour to give your cousin a hop. With all that and a whole lot more, you’ll have your Christmas presents all wrapped up and squared away in no time.

Proving that you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to make someone’s day, you can swap a €2 coin for a striped bag full of nostalgia at Aunty Nellie’s Sweet Shop. A really special place that will lift your mood on arrival, if you’ve ever passed over the threshold at number 10 High Street, you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about.

Life’s sweet at Aunty Nellie’s!

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Get Your Hands On The Ultimate Galway Gift!

Our brand new publication, ODE, is a tribute to Galway and its people. Illustrating the Galway of past, present and future through a series of interviews with well-known faces, stunning photography and artful composition.

shop.thisisgalway.ie

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the ultimate galway gift guide

By Gráinne Thornton

All year round, we seem to be planning potential Christmas gifts to pop under the tree, but December always manages to creep up on us, leaving that inevitable last minute scramble to the check out. This year, we’re making sure that you get everyone on your gift list taken care of ahead of schedule with our ultimate gift guide. From stocking stuffers to more elaborate mementos, ‘tis the season for spoiling the ones you love.

Stocking Stuffers For Your Secret Santa Choices, choices. What to get? What would they like? Picking out the perfect Secret Santa gift can be a challenge, so here are some gift ideas to help you get going. Group games at Dungeons and Donuts are always a win, there’s nothing quite like a bit of friendly competition, so whether they’re a Lord of the Rings enthusiast or a lover of all things sci-fi - you’ll find everything you need in this thrilling store. Add in a bit of colour with a little something from My Shop...

Granny Likes It, where you can choose from aromatic candles, artsy notebooks and chic crafts. Dress it up with a bit of good ol’ Irish humour on a pair of stylish comfy socks from Irish Socksciety, or what about a lovely soft bobble hat? Dress them up from head to toe. Enter a world of melodies at Powell’s, where you’ll find all the gifts any music lover would desire or give them a glimpse into Galway’s creative, cultural and artistic spirit with a copy of our very own publication, ODE. It’s an exciting insight into some well-known Galway figures that is guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Whatever you choose, the thrill lies in delighting your recipient with a festive present that has been bought with them solely in mind.

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Photograph by Boyd Challenger

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A Little Something For The Little Ones The magic of Christmas captivates the minds of children all over the world, and that’s why we want to help make sure that this year’s festivities are extra special. A haven of sugary delights, the treats at Aunty Nellie’s will sweeten any day. With chewy toffees, iced caramels, chocolate truffles and flavour-filled jars of jelly beans, let the kids enjoy a taste of the sweets that you have fond memories of and spend the festive period making new ones that’ll last a lifetime. Spark imaginations with a bundle of books from Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop, where they can escape to the daring fantasy world of a Roald Dahl story. Picture books with beautiful illustrations, fictional fairy tales with dramatic adventures and dazzling characters fill every page - they’ve got it all. Unleash their creativity with some puzzles and playful puppets from Wooden Heart, where a cuddly companion will always be found amongst the selection of bashful soft toys. Regardless of the gift, on Christmas morning their faces are going to be lit up with pure glee as they tear away at the wrapping paper to uncover the hidden treasure.

Something Special For Your Other Half It takes time to find that perfect gift for your significant other, and we’re here to help in the search for a special, thoughtful gift that will express your feelings and compliments their character.

For Her Gorgeous jewellery that will last a lifetime always goes down well. It won’t age or fade and holds precious memories of the giver. Ór Jewellers have collections of unique designs that will add glamour to every outfit. Express love through a playful mix of blooms from Yes Flowers, where you can customise your order to capture their character with a beautiful array of floras and colour. Scents that evoke a thousand memories, the elegance of Cloon Keen is captured in every poetic perfume, fresh aromas laced with mint, vanilla, cedarwood, and cinnamon. Give her a unique gift that will evoke precious memories through touch and smell.

For Him Spruce up any outfit with a comfy pair of casual trainers from Wolf and West, or maybe even a pair of snazzy shoes to add that extra touch of class to every look and to compliment his character, why not pick him up a gorgeous aftershave filled with rich notes of sandalwood and musk? Enhance his appearance with smart grooming products from Fat Tony’s. Slick hair styling products, and moisturising beard oils will give your man a fresh top class look.

Introduce some exciting stylish, contemporary streetwear to his wardrobe with a little help from Story Tailors. From lounging around the house to day-to-day activities, his new attire is sure to flatter. Give your man a gorgeous gift that he can use daily to amplify his style and evoke priceless memories.

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Odds And Ends For The Mums And Dads A cosy gift that adds to the comforts of home and helps to create an atmosphere of luxury in all gifts for the mums and dads who deserve the best. Get them a stunning present that will last years from Mishnóc, with deep emerald journals and rich red planners made of the finest quality leathers. Alternatively, go for a cute handcrafted little buddy dressed in a soft Irish sheepskin coat from The Sheep, with a cosy pair of chestnut slippers to match. Light up the room with an incredible artwork print from the gallery of Coffeewerk + Press, or choose from the beautifully curated selection of pieces that are inspired by day-to-day experiences. For people who have been such a huge influence on our lives, it is important to express our grá with some breathtaking delicate and whimsical gifts.

Make Some Memories By Gifting An Experience It’s the season of giving, enjoying special moments with loved ones and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Gift a relaxing weekend away in complete luxury at The Hardiman, or pamper them with a meditative spa experience at The g Hotel, allowing them to unwind and detox. At The Ardilaun you can give loved ones a much needed escape from their daily stresses, because whether they need it now or later, these gift vouchers are valid for five years from purchase. Thrill them with an exciting day of recreational sports and adventures at Wildlands’ exhilarating activity centre. Continue the fun at the movies! A golden gift of cinema’s magic can be found at Pálás, allowing them to discover new incredible films. If you’re a little more unsure of what to go for, give them the gift of Galway with the Chamber Gift Card, so they can explore all the wonderful spots around the city and treat themselves to all the treasures there to be discovered.

If You Want To Splurge This Year There’s no better time of year to go all out and treat your loved ones to some incredibly unique presents that only increases in value and importance as time goes by. Explore the stunning antique jewellery in The Antiques Room, where each piece is full of history and the highest of quality that’s only magnified by its surroundings. Irish handmade crafts, magnificent items of grandeur and passion at 2 Wild Geese are always a good idea. Striking artworks to illuminate the room and add a flare of personality and warmth to your home. Deep pure pearl jewellery from Hartmann’s, delicate sea pearls adorn each captivating piece. The bewitching shine will catch the light and brighten even the most neutral of outfits. After a year of madness, little touches of elegance transform even the dullest moments into valuable memories.

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Photograph by Boyd Challenger

the sustainable gift guide Words by Sarah Gill

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Keeping things eco-friendly and ethical can be particularly difficult during the Christmas chaos, but we’re happy to report that you don’t have to forego a sustainable lifestyle in order to get all your loved ones looked after. Equipping those around you with the tools to limit their waste is a gift that keeps on giving, so if you’re looking for a place to start - look no further.

kitchenware alternatives A few simple swaps are all that’s needed to set the wheels in motion and reduce the amount of waste created in the kitchen. The Filling Station is Galway’s one-stop shop for all things eco-friendly and when it comes to kitting out the kitchen, they’ve got all the essentials. From reusable vegan food wraps and bamboo charcoal water filters to stainless steel lunch boxes and compostable bin bags, you can gather the goods with ease. Once you’ve given your loved one the tools to live a sustainable lifestyle, this refill store will help them stay well stocked for the foreseeable future.

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backpack essentials The folks at Coffeewerk+Press are giving Galway far more than just a daily dose of caffeine. Stocking KeepCups and Urban Water Bottles, this coffee shop and gallery space stock an array of ethical and high quality products that are always handy to have on you. They’ve also got reusable sheets of Bee’s Wrap, which tend to come in quite useful when you want to save a little something for later.

Out in Moycullen, Tree Bark Store has a serious amount of reusables to choose from. Why not fill a tote bag with all the essentials - a bamboo cutlery set, sustainable straws and some vegan lip balm will set your loved one up nicely.

odds and ends for the wardrobe Who doesn’t love giving their wardrobe a facelift for the festive season? As we all know, mass produced pieces have negative impacts on both the environment and those who work to get by in these factories. Sustainable fashion has grown in popularity over the year and for good reason - independent boutiques like Public Romance allow for individual style and flair, stocking a mix of vintage, pre-loved and reworked threads that make the perfect addition to any wardrobe. From sweaters and tees to jackets and jeans, give your loved one something they won’t see on anyone else this Christmas.

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Make a Break for Galway Bring the whole family on a fabulous, festive retreat to the friendliest city in Europe Book now to get fantastic package deals and special offers www.makeabreakforgalway.ie

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a makeshift marketplace Words by Sarah Gill Photo by Declan Colohan

Given the circumstances we’ve found ourselves in this year, craft fairs and flea markets have been put on pause, and leisurely browsing through shelves and stalls is no longer order of the day. For this reason, we’ve decided to gather some of our very favourite local craftspeople and independent producers to create something akin to a marketplace in between the pages of this little magazine. From artists and craftspeople to artisan food and drink producers, here’s who to support within our local community over the festive season…

Declan Colohan Photography This commercial, PR and events photographer has an incredible eye for detail and the images he posts on @instagalwayprints always make us swoon. Capturing the character and spirit of the city with each shot, he’s selling high quality, locally produced prints of the West of Ireland in the run up to Christmas that will make for an ideal gift. From scenes on the street to epic sunsets, these prints will light up any room they’re added into. Just shoot him a DM on Instagram to get the ball rolling.

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Ciara O’Neill Art Eye-catching and colourful, Ciara O’Neill’s creations encompass truly stunning contemporary resin, jewellery and fine art prints, and make an ideal addition to any home. From the swirling pastel tones of the wall art that seems to mirror oceanic movements, to the statement rings, earrings and necklaces that are likely to garner a compliment or two - these handmade pieces are very much worth the investment. Have a little look at her website and you’ll soon be captivated by these eyecatching creations. www.ciaraoneillart.com

Micil Poitín and Gin Having risen to the occasion with their hand sanitiser packages during the pandemic, helping small businesses and organisations get back on their feet, Micil Distillery undoubtedly deserve a whole lot of love over the festive season. A family tradition spanning 170 years right here in Galway, Micil’s Irish poitín and gin are absolute perfection and make for an ideal addition to the drinks press over the holidays. Alternatively, you could book a tour so that yourself and a loved one can experience the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of a working distillery. ‘Tis the season, after all.

Connemara Brewing Company If you like your beers brewed right around the bend, these Connemara-crafted cans will seriously satisfy those tastebuds.

Producing both an ale and a lager from scratch and to the highest possible standard, Connemara Brewing uses traditional recipes and local ingredients to create some world-class flavour that are guaranteed to quench your thirst every time.

We would definitely recommend stocking up on some of the good stuff in the run up to Christmas, because it will go down a treat with all the grown ups.

All About Kombucha We’ve all experienced the delicious flavours and refreshing tastes of All About Kombucha’s fermented goodness, but they’ve gone the extra mile with their very own brewing kit. A fun activity for over the Christmas break or an ideal hobby to take into the New Year, their delux kombucha brewing kit makes for a superb gift that keeps on giving. Complete with starter liquid, the much-needed SCOBY, tea, a tea bag, a thermometer, a kilner jar, cheese cloth, elastic band and a flip top bottle along with detailed instructions - you’ll be supplying the local community in no time.

Sarah Jenkinson Baskets

Hand crafted, authentically Irish and incredibly unique - we’re pretty confident that these willow baskets will tick all your boxes. Made with tender love and care by Sarah Jenkinson, these woven creations range from smaller soap trays and bird feeders to more sizable picnic and turf baskets, and each one will make for an ideal gift this festive season. Have a browse on Sarah’s Etsy shop, or pop into Ernie’s Fruit & Veg to make your purchase. Alternatively, you could always treat yourself or a loved one to a basket-making workshop gift voucher! www.etsy.com/shop/WillowBasketsBySarah

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Photograph by Chaosheng Zhang

maggie murphy’s christmas memories Words by Sarah Gill Photography by Boyd Challenger

Co-owner of local design shop 2 Wild Geese, Maggie Murphy has become quite the wellknown face on the retail scene. A Galwegian through and through, many of her Christmas memories are tied to the city and that indescribably magical merriment that seems to permeate the streets. We caught up with Maggie to journey through Christmas past, present and future right here in Galway and it was one wholesome conversation…

From the time she was just a little girl growing up in Galway to co-owning her very own store alongside Luke Anthony, Christmas has held a very special place in Maggie Murphy’s heart.

While picking out a new Christmas outfit in Klassy Kids and browsing through Treasure Chest’s festive displays spring to mind, Maggie’s standout memory from her childhood has got to be the haunting melodies of the Galway Baroques in the Augustinian.

“On Christmas morning, we would always meet my grandparents and cousins at the Augustinian. Sonny Molloy and the Galway Baroques used to sing every Sunday, but at Christmas time the music was just amazing. They used to finish with Hallelujah and all the hairs on your neck would rise. Even though I wouldn’t be religious, it really felt like that was what Christmas was all about.”

As the years passed, a hot port in Tig Chóilí’s quickly became a Christmas Eve tradition for Maggie, but the outstanding memories from her adolescence have got to be those of her father returning home with the latest piece of technology, and early morning cocktails in granny’s kitchen. “We used to visit my grandparents every Christmas morning and by about 12 o’clock there would be cocktails on the go, just between the cousins in the kitchen. We kept that tradition on for years - straight into the Christmas spirit!”

While Christmas is - for those who celebrate it - a largely universal experience, each family tends to put their own stamp on the holidays with their very own unique traditions. For Maggie, these include trees decorated exclusively with Santa Clause and a seafood spread on the night before Christmas.

“It’s random, but my sister in New Zealand and my brother in America each have their normal tree, and a smaller tree with just Santies on it. Something that mum started somewhere along the way was doing seafood on Christmas Eve. We would have scallops and crab claws and prawns. It’s not traditionally Christmas food, but it was something different.”

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No stranger to a Christmas morning Zoom call, Maggie has been spending the early hours on December 25 trying to catch the two time zones of New Zealand and American since her nieces and nephews were born. Since 2 Wild Geese first opened its doors back in 2018, Maggie has loved the chaotic Christmas rush of working in retail and with shopping local growing in importance, she’s noticed some changing trends in the way people purchase.

“It’s hectic, but we absolutely love it. I think that this year in particular, it just means a lot more. The fact that people are shopping local means a huge amount to us. Some people come in with their Kris Kringle list and they’re not allowed to get anything that’s not bought locally. Even though it’s been a hard year, people are more kind, more joyful and patient.

Just getting to say ‘Merry Christmas’ as a customer is leaving is still so lovely. I still find something so special in that.”

2 Wild Geese was set up in order to give local designers and craftspeople a route to market and is nothing short of a treasure trove. From the most dainty set of earrings to the most elaborate piece of art, this is the type of store where you can find something for everybody on your gift list, no matter what your budget. Regardless of the fact that she owns a gift shop, Maggie is acutely aware that the festive season is now about presents.

“It’s about spending time with people and that’s really come to fruition this year. People are so appreciative of being able to spend time with the people they love because it was touch and go earlier in the year. People are buying more poignant gifts - they’re not just going for the most expensive, but for the items that they know will mean a lot to their person.

There’s definitely more sentimentality around the gifts being bought this year.”

With beautiful memories from years gone by and a gratitude for the lessons learned throughout the year, Maggie is looking forward to getting back into a crowd for future Christmasses. “Being able to hug people again!” Maggie says. “The affection and tactility and bumping against people in a crowd, it feels so alien now. Getting that back and showing affection. It’s about the hugs and that feeling of comfort and living without those worries.”

Here’s to keeping worries to a minimum in 2021!

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who we are Sarah Gill Editor Boyd Challenger Photographer Marty Browne Designer Maxi Browne Marketing Manager Ado Lyons Writer Grainne Thornton Writer

This project was supported by Galway City Council

If all that has left you wanting more Galway goodness, our website is ready and waiting. Jammed full of brilliant interviews, insider knowledge to all the county’s best spots, events galore and a whole lot more - once you’ve finished scrolling, you’ll be on the next bus. www.thisisgalway.ie