Thousands set to attend Galway Food and Craft Gift Fair

GALWAY’s Local Food & Craft Gift Fair will feature dozens of artists and craftspeople from North Galway.

Following the success of last year’s extended run, the fair will again take place over six days, from Tuesday, November 24 to Sunday, November 29.

Organised by Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Galway, the free event is expected to attract around 15,000 shoppers to the Black Box Theatre on Headford Road, Galway.

“Every stall at the fair belongs to a Galway business or organisation, so whatever people buy here the money stays in the county,” said Caroline McDonagh, Head of Enterprise at LEO Galway.

Almost 60 exhibitors will travel from all over Galway, including Tuam, Ballinasloe, and Athenry, as well as from around the city.

They will offer the visitors artisan products like handmade jewellery, ceramics and pottery, textiles, woodwork, blacksmith pieces, along with original art and natural skincare.

Food and drinks stalls will serve chocolate, honey, baked goods, craft cider, and Galway made spirits.

Free buses have been arranged to provide easier transportation to visitors with coaches from Headford, Cloonboo, Dunmore, Tuam and Claregalway on Wednesday, November 25 and from Ballinasloe, Loughrea, Athenry and Oranmore on Friday, November 27.

“The buses were very popular last year, particularly with community groups and older shoppers who’d rather not face city traffic in the run-up to Christmas. Seats are allocated on a first-come basis, so we’d encourage people to book early,” added Ms McDonagh.

Seats on the Wednesday and Friday buses can be booked with Nash Travel on 085 1280166 or 087 8161400.