Jin-Gal all the way...

The Galmont is the perfect stay for a festive visit to Galway this Christmas After visiting Galway with my friends a couple of summers ago, I've been dying for an excuse to get back down on another visit.

- SOPHIE MCLAUGHLIN

So when The Galmont Hotel invited us down to kick off the festive season at their gorgeous hotel, we had our bags packed and the car fuelled in an instant.

Just under four hours from Belfast, the drive doesn't feel too bad at all when you know a buzzy city such as Galway is waiting for you on the other side.

We were invited down to celebrate the opening of the annual Galway Christmas Market in Eyre Square and experience the festive magic that The Galmont offers for Christmas visitors.

Located in the heart of the city and just a short walk away from Eyre Square, the pubs and the shops, it couldn't have been a better spot for us getting our bearings on a short but eventful trip away.

I must admit, I am not someone who even thinks about Christmas in the first week of November but between the gorgeous decorations in the hotel reception, the glittering lights on the streets and the festive activities, I wasn't feeling as Scrooge-like as I usually am at this time of the year.

Our room was one of The Galmont's 'Business Class' rooms, which boasted an amazing view of Lough Atalia, a massive double bed (one of the most comfortable hotel beds we've ever slept in might I add) and a sleek and modern design.