Low-key Christmas 'switch on' in Galway Galway due to spike in Covid numbers

But things should feel almost normal in the Christmas Market which opens today, with around 50 chalets selling crafts and food and the Big Wheel lighting up Eyre Square.

The beer keller will be operating, but with patrons asked to produce their vaccine passes and asked to sit at tables of no more than ten.

City Tourism Officer, Ruairí Lehmann, said that after the Galway City Business Association disbanded in November 2020, the City Council had stepped in to take over the erection and storage of the Christmas lights on behalf of the business groups still operating, including the Latin Quarter, West End Traders and Woodquay Traders.

“There will be no big switching on ceremony this year after we spoke with the Gardaí who said the event would be quite hard to manage for numbers,” explained Mr Lehmann.

He said the Council would be closely monitoring how things go in the market and following all public health advice around crowds gathering in this fourth wave of the pandemic.

“As things stand, there is no indication of having to close any outdoor event at this point. We do have alternative plans in place if restrictions are imposed. The beer tent is regarded as an indoor venue because it is closed on all sides so there will be only admittance for those carrying vaccines certs.”

This is a shortened preview version of this article. To read more on plans for Christmas in Galway and the Christmas Market, see this week's Galway City Tribune. You can buy a digital edition HERE.