Getting ready for Athlone Christmas Market in Athlone Civic Square from December 14 to 17 is Cllr Frankie Keena, Jane Walsh from the Button Studio, Eimear Nally from Bonny Bó and Annette Francis from Posh Pebbles.

Athlone Christmas Market is back December 14

The Athlone Christmas Market committee is delighted to announce that this year’s event will take place from Thursday, December 14 to Sunday, December 17 in Athlone Civic Square.

Due to the popularity of the four-day market, the committee has seen a significant increase in demand from traders to participate this year.

This is welcome news as their main aim is to provide a high-end market which would attract shoppers from all parts of Ireland, and indeed abroad, to Athlone as their destination for a Christmas market experience.

So far, all the attractive timber market cabins that create a marvellous festive atmosphere are booked and as the extra demand continues the market is accommodating other traders with spaces once they bring their own gazebos.

This year the stalls will stretch from Church Street, down by the canopy towards the Post Office. It is a popular route where the public can browse the wide variety of excellent products in comfort.

The canopy itself will be reserved for entertainment and bookings for this space are filling up quickly. Let the committee know as soon as possible if you would like an opportunity to perform during the market.

Looking forward to the town's market, Cllr Frankie Keena said that all the voluntary committee members are utilising their own expertise and skills to make this year’s market an unforgettable experience.

"It is just great to be part of such a vibrant energetic committee who are working together to help promote Athlone," he said.

Cllr Keena thanked Westmeath County Council for its generous financial support towards the market and indeed Spectrum Signs for its grateful sponsorship.

He urged the public to come along, shop local to give support to these traders and indeed all the businesses in the town.

"It is an ideal opportunity to pick up that special Christmas gift," he added.

Among the products for sale will range from handmade pieces of art using pebbles, floral displays, electric bikes plus outdoor clothing, Christmas garlands & candles, greeting cards, natural honey, scented candles, skincare, wood carvings, handmade jewellery, cheese selections, assorted sweets stall, and amazing handmade craft products.

There will also be an opportunity to get your Christmas puddings, mince pies, teas & coffees plus delicious crepes.

Lorna Stuart Trainor from A Room in Bloom said: “We look forward to the Christmas market every year, it is a great event. The buzz it creates in the centre of Athlone is always fantastic and it’s so nice getting to see it grow and grow every year. “

A sample of traders at the market are Bonny Bó, The Button Studio, A Room in Bloom, The Paperlane, Bastion Kitchen, DeDanu, Posh Pebbles, Crepes stall, Wood Crafts, Outdoorsey, Cauldron Designs, Shannon Cully Jewellery, Ballymore Honey, Canard Suavage Sweets, plus many more.