- Galway taxi drivers have criticised the temporary reduction of the Eyre Square rank
- Capacity has been cut to five cars from 1 November
- Drivers say the change affects passengers with reduced mobility
- The market is expected to draw large visitor numbers until early January
- The Galway Christmas Market runs from 6 November to 3 January
Galway taxi drivers have criticised the temporary reduction of the Eyre Square rank for the Christmas market. Capacity has been cut to five cars from 1 November 2026. Drivers say the change particularly affects passengers with reduced mobility and wheelchair users. The market is expected to draw large visitor numbers until early January.
Drivers have voiced frustration, calling the closure disgraceful. They point out that the reduction severely impacts vulnerable and wheelchair-bound passengers, with drivers forced to manoeuvre close to pedestrian lights and traffic or assist passengers onto the main road where there is no dropped kerb. Local drivers argue that they service the city 11 months of the year, only to be pushed out during the busiest month.
The Galway Christmas Market is scheduled to run from 6 November 2026 until 3 January 2027. Last year, the event drew over 450,000 visitors to Eyre Square. Local operators advise pre-booking journeys well in advance, particularly during peak hours from 6pm to 10pm and over Christmas week.
