Christmas Day is a major public holiday in Ireland.
Almost everything is closed: This is a list of the things that are open in Galway on Christmas day.
It's a work-in-progress, but there probably won't be many live-updates on the day, because there's probably much not much to add!
Churches!
Almost-all churches in Galway will be open, for at least a while. The a few exceptions eg evangelical churches, which choose to only meet on Sundays or small ones where there the minister has a large area to cover.
There's a list of service times in Catholic churches here.
St Nicholas Church of Ireland have sung Family Eucharist at 11am.
There's a list of other churches here: check their websites for services.
Public services
The hospital and main garda stations are open
The bus and train stations are not open.
There's information about public transport here. In short, a few taxis are operating, but you need to book by phone or app, the offices will be clsoed.
Government offices, public buildings and city / county council services are closed.
Shops
Londis Newcastle (opposite the main hospital entrance) is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - including right through the Christmas season. This is a newsagent, convenience store and food hall.
Woodquay Stores and Bridge Street Stores (both neighbourhood / convenience shop) are usually open.
Monaghan's Centra, Raven's Tce, open 8am to 1pm
No 26 Dominick Street - Open usual hours until 4am
Garage / petrol station convenience stores that are usually open 24 x7 normally stay open. This includes:
Texaco Dock Road
Texaco Headford Rd (underneath Courtyard by Marriott)
Monaghan's Central Tuam Rd.
Pharmacies
One Galway city pharmacy is designated to provide limited service on Christmas Day. In 2023 it is Staunton's in Salthill, who are open 10am-noon and and 3-4pm.
If you need medical help, either phone your doctor and their answering service will tell you how to contact the after-hours service, or visit A&E at UGH.
Pubs / Restaurants
A few hotels serve Christmas dinner - but these are booked out in advance. Effectively they aren't open to the public.
Events / leisure
COPE Galway run a fundraising mid-winter-swim at Blackrock in Salthill between 9am - 1pm. Register
here to swim, Or go along on the day and watch.
Tribal Running are hosting a "GOAL Mile" fundraising run (or jog or walk) in Doughiska at 11am.
Details.
