This article is from page 31 of the 2005-11-29 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 31 JPG
IRELAND’S first ever Euro- pean style outdoor Christmas market opens in Ballyvaughan this weekend with a host of activities, shopping and cheer which is sure to warm the hearts of locals and visitors alike.
The idea of an outdoor Christ- mas market has been popular in Germany and Austria for Several centuries, but the Bal- lyvaughan market is the first of it’s kind in this country.
The market will allow people to shop from a range of out- door stalls at a leisurely pace and enjoy an occasional glass of mulled wine and some local delicacies.
Last year the Ballyvaughan Christmas market started out aS a spontaneous idea born only two months before the Ste tiserheer here
This year however, the organ- isers have gone one step further with the purchase of traditional wooden huts which will be erected in St John’s Hall.
The stalls will sell a wide range of products and serve food and drink from _ these nutty
They will be decorated with fir garlands and chains of lights while inside the hall there will be a large array of crafts, gifts and food.
This year there will be 28 traders, the majority of which will be local craftsmen, as well as horse trap rides around he village and some traditional carol singing.
A number of stalls will also be filled by farmers from the Ballyvaughan farmer’s market which completed it’s second year of trading last weekend.
Aside from the market visi- tors to Ballyvaughan will be able to take in performances from Galway’s award-winning Cois Cladaigh Chamber Choir and John Spillane.
As-well-as_ these concerts there will also be a series of workshops on topics such as Christmas entertainments, and Christmas decorations using natural materials and floral decorations.
The Christmas market will run from 10am to 6pm on De- cember 3, 4, 8, 10, 17 and 18.
For more information: ballyvaughanireland.com