Galway is fast becoming a winter tourism hotspot as visitors flood the city to soak up the Christmas atmosphere.

Tourists from all over Ireland, the US and across Europe were among the hordes flocking to the Christmas Market in recent weeks – as businesses reported a brisk trade from both the domestic and international markets.

Local Councillor and city jeweller, Níall McNelis, said value for money, a strong Christmas offering and a reputation for safety were among the draws for visitors over the last couple of weeks.

“What a lot of people were telling me is that Galway’s reputation as a safe place to visit and socialise was what attracted them. We had a huge number of visitors from Dublin in the last couple of weeks,” said the Labour councillor.

“Those from America who I spoke to said it actually made more sense for them, financially, to come here. Instead of the family flying from all over America to one city over there, it worked out cheaper for them to fly here and stay in Galway over the Christmas.

“They all commented on the nightlife, the Christmas Market and the lights as bringing the Christmas atmosphere. And those who came to town for the market visited the shops and pubs across the city,” continued Cllr McNelis.

“A lot of money has been spent on the Christmas lights and that’s important, because it all adds to the experience – and it brings people into the city to spend time and money.”

A number of hotels had stayed open throughout the Christmas, and many visiting families had self-catered in rental apartments and homes over the festive period.

“This is the good side of AirBnB – they do provide tourist accommodation. The problem is that we know the impact they are still having on rental accommodation in the middle of a housing crisis,” he added.

There has been some criticism this week of the City Council’s New Year’s Eve offering – a “family-friendly” countdown took place at 8pm at St Nicholas’, leaving the midnight celebrations limited to pubs and clubs, with the local authority-funded on-street activities finishing up at 10pm.

Cllr McNelis said City Hall didn’t have the funding to run a large-scale New Year’s Eve event like that in Dublin.

“It’s tricky. In Dublin, it’s a ticket-only event. When you’re trying to do something for free, on the streets that’s family-friendly, you have to bear in mind the time of night and the impact of alcohol.

“In the way that Galway has become a place to visit at Christmas, Dublin has become the place to go for New Year’s. Thankfully, though, we get some of those who travel internationally to Dublin in the days after New Year’s Eve,” he said.

Pictured: Local Councillor and city jeweller, Níall McNelis