Perfect Xmas retreat

IF YOU still need proof that Christmas is now a fully-fledged season — as opposed to a single day, or even several days, of festive fun — you’ll find it in Eyre Square.

Galway’s civic plaza is crammed with 70 chalets, a big beer tent and an atmosphere that feels like it was FedExed from Munich. Fairy lights are twinkling. An old-school carousel is chiming.

The air is thick with cinnamon, and you can’t stick your arm out without hitting a pretzel or a bratwurst.