Galway’s Local Food & Craft Gift Fair returns to the Black Box Theatre on the Dyke Road later this month. 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 annually by Local Enterprise Office (LEO ) Galway, it will bring together traders from right across Galway city and county. Organisers expect around 15,000 visitors through the doors, and entry is free.
The Fair has been held at the Black Box since 2012, apart from a two-year break during Covid. Last year it moved from two days to six for the first time, after a rise in applications from traders.
Caroline McDonagh, Head of Enterprise at LEO Galway, said the six-day run had been a huge success for shoppers and stallholders alike. “Moving to six days last year gave people far more chances to call in, and the exhibitors felt the benefit. We had no hesitation in doing it again. Every stall at the Black Box belongs to a Galway business or organisation, so whatever people buy here, the money stays in the county,” she said.
Exhibitors will travel from all over Galway, including Tuam, Ballinasloe, Gort, Spiddal, Oughterard, Loughrea, and Athenry, as well as from around the city. Visitors will find handmade jewellery, ceramics and pottery, textiles, woodwork, and blacksmith pieces, alongside original art, candles, and natural skincare. Among the food and drink stalls will be chocolate, honey, baked goods, craft cider, and Galway-made spirits, and there will be food vendors outside the venue throughout the week.
The Fair opens at 3pm on Tuesday, November 24, with Galway Bay FM broadcasting live from the Black Box as the doors open. The official opening takes place that evening from 5pm to 7pm. Live music and the ever-popular Bernardo the Magician will keep visitors entertained over the weekend.
Free buses will run again this year. On Wednesday, November 25, there will be coaches from Headford and Cloonboo, and from Dunmore, Tuam, and Claregalway. On Thursday, November 26, two Connemara routes will collect from Carna, Rosmuc, Maam Cross, Oughterard, and Moycullen, and from Carraroe, Rossaveal, Inverin, Spiddal, and Furbo. On Friday, November 27, a bus will serve Ballinasloe, Loughrea, Athenry, and Oranmore.
“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,” Caroline added.
Seats on the Wednesday and Friday buses can be booked with Nash Travel on 085 128 0166 or 087 816 1400. For the Thursday Connemara routes, contact LEO Galway on 091 509 090.
Opening hours are Tuesday from 3pm to 7pm; Wednesday from 10am to 5pm; Thursday and Friday from 10am to 7pm; Saturday from 10am to 6pm; and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
