PICTURES: College students crowd Galway pubs as Christmas Day comes early

Thousands of students flocked to the pubs around the city and to the ticketed Beer Tent event to start the festive celebrations before their dreaded college exams in a couple of weeks.

Raves and parties underneath the Quincentennial Bridge had been the call previous Christmas Days but gardai put a stop to it last year over safety concerns and also had the area sealed off in preparation for today.

Some of the photos below show students in packed events in Mary Mullens, Carroll’s and the Christmas Market’s Beer Tent.

Those attending the Christmas Day event were issued safety tips ahead of a long-day of shenanigans:

A message from Galway City Council Night-Time Economy said. “We want you all to enjoy college Christmas Day safely. Whether you're out for food, drinks, music, or catching up with friends, take care of yourself and those around you. Stay with your group; Keep an eye on your belongings; Respect the city and its residents and get home safely. Have a great week and help make Galway's night-time experience positive for everyone. Be Safe and Sound.”

The Galway Christmas Market will decorate Eyre Square with festive lights and cheer from Friday November 6 until the end of December.

It is the 16th year of the festive attraction which will see over 70 stalls from around the world as well as plenty of entertainment in the amusement arena, which includes a Beer Tent also open on Friday and operating until 10pm each day.

Galway’s Christmas Market open to the public 12-8pm Monday to Wednesday; 10am-10pm Thursday to Saturday and 10am-8pm on Sunday.

You will have your choice of food and sweet treats around the Market with hotdogs, burgers, waffles, pastries and confectionaries being washed down with steins and mulled wine.

There will be no limitation this year on when one-litre steins can be served with punters only needing a ticket for the Beer Tent if they want to reserve seating.

General Admission is still possible but queues are expected - especially the likes of Christmas Day - with tickets available through the Roisin Dubh website.

The 32-metre high Big Wheel will give you a bird’s-eye view of the entire city while Santa’s Cabin and the Santa Train will give children their first sprinkle of Christmas magic.

A spokesperson for Galway Christmas Market said: “For more than 15 years, the Galway Christmas Market has been one of the city's most popular festive traditions, bringing thousands of visitors together in Eyre Square to celebrate the Christmas season. What began as a seasonal event has grown into a much-loved part of Christmas in Galway, welcoming families, friends and visitors from near and far to enjoy its traditional wooden chalets, festive entertainment and lively atmosphere.

“With over 70 wooden chalets, the market offers a wonderful mix of handcrafted gifts, Christmas decorations, artisan products and seasonal food and drinks. Visitors can enjoy everything from freshly prepared crêpes and hot dogs to traditional Glühwein, while attractions such as the Big Wheel, Santa's Grotto and festive entertainment offer something for all ages. Combining the charm of a traditional European Christmas market with Galway's own character, it has become a favourite annual celebration for locals and visitors alike.”