Taoiseach will open Galway’s Continental Christmas market

 Taoiseach Enda Kenny will perform the opening of this year’s Galway Continental Christmas Market in Eyre Square on Friday evening.

 The market – which attracts thousands of visitors each day, and provides a much needed boost for local retailers – will run until December 22.

The opening ceremony kicks off on Friday at 5.30pm, where Mr Kenny, along with Mayor Padraig Conneely, will lead a colourful parade which will include St Nicholas’ National School Choir, stilt walkers, fire breathers and children’s characters. The Taoiseach will also be switching on the city’s Christmas lights.

Meanwhile, Santa Claus will be travelling in the new Santa Express train along Shop Street towards the market.

Entertainment on the main stage in the market also begins at 5.30pm, with Galway Bay fm’s Keith Finnegan leading the countdown to the switch-on of the lights at 6pm.

There will also be music from Bel Canto – Galway’s three sopranos Delia Boyce, Hildegarde Naughton and Sandra Schalks – St Nicholas’ NS Choir, Galway Swing Dancers and Maree Musical Group.

Sixty traders from all over Ireland and Europe will pack Eyre Square, including Ripp’s Pretzels; French breads, pastries and delicacies; toasted and candied nuts; Baklava; the chocolate fountain and corn dogs. 

Meanwhile, the ‘Galway City on Ice’ rink will be located on the former oil tank site at the Docks, with sessions from 3.10pm-9pm on weekdays and 10:30am to 9pm during weekends and bank holidays

The market will be open Monday to Wednesday from midday to 8pm (bars open until 9pm) and from 10am to 10pm on Thursdays to Sundays.

Read more in today’s Connacht Sentinel