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Does Galway have a street market?
Yes. Street Markets are part of the historic fabric of Galway City and add to its distinctive traditional flavour.
The city has two market areas:
- St. Nicholas's Market (Church Yard Street/Lombard Street/Market Street) trading on Saturdays from 6am to 6pm and on Sundays from 12pm to 6pm
- Eyre Square North trading from Monday to Saturday inclusive 6am to 6pm
The St. Nicholas's Market also operates from 14th to the 24th December each year and the Summer Market runs Wednesday - Friday for July and August.
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What is a Casual Trading Licence?
A Casual Trading Licence is a permit that allows the licence holder to operate a market stall selling goods in a designated area at particular times in Galway City.
Licences are issued for the following designated areas:
- Eyre Square North Market, which operates Monday to Saturday inclusive
- St. Nicholas's Market (Church Yard Street/Lombard Street/Market Street) which operates Saturdays and Sundays
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Where and when can I trade if I have a Casual Trading Licence?
The licence you are issued with will specify where and when you are permitted to trade.
There are three casual trading licence types available for the designated areas:
- 1. Eyre Square North Market Licence – trading Monday to Saturday
- 2. A Saturday trading licence for the St. Nicholas's Market
- 3. A Sunday trading licence for the St. Nicholas's Market
There are additional trading days at Christmas:
St. Nicholas's Market traders may apply to trade during the Christmas period, 14th to 22nd December inclusive. This market is subject to application and licence.
St. Nicholas Saturday Traders are permitted, under their Saturday licence to trade on the 23rd and 24th of December annually.
Trading is also permitted at the St. Nicholas's Market on Wednesday - Friday for July and August as the Summer Market. Traders must apply and be granted a licence in order to trade during this period.
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If I have a casual trading licence can I trade at the Eyre Square Continental Christmas market?
No. Galway City Council does not operate the Eyre Square Continental Christmas Market, therefore holders of casual trading licences issued by Galway City Council are not permitted to trade at the Continental Christmas Market.
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If I have a casual trading licence when can I trade?
Casual Trading Licences are issued for specific days - either a Saturday or Sunday. If you wish to trade Saturday and Sunday you will need to apply for two separate licences.
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When can I apply for a Casual Trading Licence?
Applications for Casual Trading Licences are advertised annually in September with a closing date in October. Advertisements are placed in the local newspapers and also on the Galway City Council website.
Casual Trading Licences for the Eyre Square Market and the St. Nicholas's Market are issued on an annual basis and are valid from the 1st January to the 31st December.
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How do I apply for a Casual Trading Licence?
All applications must be completed electronically online via the relevant portals.
Please note: paper application forms will no longer be accepted
St. Nicholas Summer Market 2025 - July and August
- Wednesday - Friday 12 noon - 8pm trading hours
- €65 per linear meter
- Portal will open in May 2025
- The St. Nicholas Market Saturday and Sunday 2025 trading period application portals have closed as of Friday 25th October 2024.
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The Eyre Square 2025 trading period application portals have closed as of Friday 25th October 2024.
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The St. Nicholas Christmas Market 2024 trading period application portals have closed as of Friday 25th October 2024.
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What documents do I need to submit with my application for a Casual Trading Licence?
It is a requirement to submit a current tax clearance certificate issued from the Revenue Office, along with two passport-sized photographs of the proposed licence holder with your completed application form.
If you are trading food items you are also required to submit a Certificate of Approval from the Health Service Executive as part of your application.
If you are a current licence holder, you must submit the expired licence with your documentation.
Current licence holders renewing their licence can pay the required fee when submitting their application. New applicants should not submit any payment until they are advised if their application has been successful or not.
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What is a linear metre?
A linear metre is the measurement of the length of the pitch/the trading space.
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When is the closing date for applications for Casual Trading Licences?
The closing date for annual applications falls in October each year. Advertisements are placed in local papers and on our website, advising of the closing date.
Late applications are not accepted.
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Is there a charge for a Casual Trading Licence?
Yes the charge for a casual trading licence is as follows:
Market Area and Days Charge Licence Valid From / To Eyre Square North Market (Monday to Saturday) €250 per trading bay 1st January to 31st December (1 year) Saturday Trading Licence at St. Nicholas's Market €65 per linear metre 1st January to 31st December (1 year) Sunday Trading Licence at St. Nicholas's Market €65 per linear metre 1st January to 31st December (1 year) Summer Trading License €65 per linear metre Wednesday - Friday, July & August Christmas Trading at St. Nicholas's Market €65 per linear metre 14th - 22nd December (Monday - Friday) E.g A trading pitch, 2 metre wide by 2m deep, at the Saturday St. Nicholas Market costs (2 x €65) €130 per annum.
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Where can I get a Tax Clearance Cert?
A tax clearance certificate can only be obtained from the Revenue office. The Revenue Office for Galway is located at Geata na Cathrach, Fairgreen, Galway City.
Visit http://www.revenue.ie for contact details -
When & where can I apply for a Casual Trading Licence for the Christmas market?
The Galway City Christmas Market takes place from the 14th to the 24th of December at the St. Nicholas's Market. Priority is given to casual trading licence holders who have a current Saturday or Sunday Market Licence.
Applications for the Galway City Christmas Market will be advertised in local newspapers and on the Galway City Council website in October/November each year. Applications should be returned to Customer Service, Galway City Council by post or by hand.
There is a Continental Christmas Market that takes place in Eyre Square during part of November and December each year (subject to approval). Galway City Council does not operate the Continental Christmas Market.
Information on applying for a licence to trade at this market can be obtained from www.galwaychristmasmarket.ie or by emailing info@milestoneinventive.com
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What is a Special Events Licence?
A Special Events Licence is a permit to allow market trading at or within the immediate vicinity of a special event/events as specified on the licence.
This licence prescribes the location and period of trading permitted and is subject to a fee of €100 per day or part thereof.
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Do market traders have to reapply for a licence to trade at special events e.g. Volvo Ocean race?
Yes. A separate Special Events Licence is required for each event, and all interested parties must apply and be issued with a licence before trading is permitted.
Applications for a casual trading licence for a special event will be advertised in the lead up to the event.
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How do I apply for a Special Events Licence?
An application form for a Special Events Licence must be completed and submitted to the City Council at least 2 weeks prior to the event. Applications must be accompanied by a current tax clearance certificate, 2 passport photographs, and HSE Certificates where appropriate.
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What are the Casual Trading Bye-Laws for Galway City?