What Not to Miss at This Year's LEO Food and Craft Gift Fair
In partnership with Local Enterprise Office - Galway
Galway’s beloved Local Food and Craft Fair returns to the Black Box this festive season – this time, for an extended run, from 27th November to 2nd December, with over 50 stands showcasing the best locally-produced gifts.
Bursting with local creatives, unique gifts and artisan food produce, it’s the perfect place to soak up the joys of the season and start ticking presents off your Christmas list.
From handmade knitwear to pistachio chocolates and luxurious scented candles, here’s our guide to the standout stalls to check out at this year's LEO Food and Craft Gift Fair.
For the foodies: Foods of Athenry
Known best for its gluten-free products and natural, local ingredients, family-run Foods of Athenry is the perfect place to pick up some treats this festive season.
From irresistible (and award-winning) mince pies to crunchy cookie shots, the thoughtfully curated range has baked goods to suit every taste and dietary requirement.
For the beauty obsessed: Floraith Skincare
Created by bridal makeup artist Fiona Coyne, Floraith Skincare is a luxury skincare line that focuses on nurturing inner beauty.
The products are named after Irish goddesses and mythical women – think Niamh, Muireann and Clíonadh – adding a touch of magic to your skincare routine.
The range includes organic rosewater face mist, hyaluronic balm and an exfoliating oil cleanser, all designed to nurture your skin and soul. The perfect self-care gift for the busy woman in your life.
For the homebodies: Blackthorn Candles
For those who love a relaxing night in, there’s no better way to set the tone than a beautifully scented candle.
Based in Galway, Blackthorn Candles specialise in hand-poured candles made with natural soy wax and combined with luxurious fragrances, making them an ideal gift for those who love to unwind.
As well as their handcrafted candles, Blackthorn also offers candle-making workshops, wax melts, bath salts and relaxation gift sets, allowing you to give the gift of warmth and light to your loved ones.
For the ocean souls: Marabay Deco
Looking for a unique Christmas gift for the ocean lover in your life?
Marabay Deco is one to check out.
This west of Ireland small business sells sustainably-sourced decorated shells, inspired by nature and classical historical designs.
Products include sweet scallop earrings, beautiful decorative hanging oysters and framed artworks.
The new mid-century modern collection will be available at the market, for those looking for cool illustrated Christmas decor.
For the sustainably stylish: The Little Siopa
The Little Siopa is a haven for cosy knitwear lovers, and those who endeavour to shop sustainably.
From personalised baby jumpers to dog knitwear, cosy hats and Christmas stockings, the charming selection is perfect for those on the hunt for unique gifts.
The Cosy Arís project gives new life to pre-loved goods with hand embroidered personalisation, making for a sustainably-sourced gift that your little one will cherish for life.
For budding knitters, Aideen also sells patterns, so they can try their hand at making a hat or scarf to keep you cosy through the cold months.
For the fitness lovers: Sportskn
Those who are into sports and fitness know the importance of recovery and restoration.
Sportskn, created by professional rugby player Jarrad Butler, is a skincare brand crafted with natural ingredients that help hydrate, heal and protect the skin from damage caused during exercise.
The products have antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties aimed to prevent redness and breakouts and reduce signs of ageing.
From a restorative shower gel that rehydrates and soothes to a coffee face scrub that revives tired skin, there’s something in the range for everyone who loves to move.
For the jewellery magpies: Skye Jewellery
Featuring dainty claddagh bracelets, statement star earrings and meaningful seanfhocial necklaces, Skye Jewellery offers a timeless collection of thoughtful gifts to pop under the tree this Christmas.
The pieces are high-quality and tarnish-resistant, crafted with stainless steel and gold plating to ensure you can reach for every day.
For a health boost: Juice Genie
As we head into the depths of winter, the season of low energy and lingering colds is unfortunately upon us.
If you’re looking for a reset, look no further than Juice Genie’s delicious, locally sourced, fresh juices.
Whether you commit to an energy boosting juice plan or prefer an immunity supporting health shot, the benefits of juicing are not to be sniffed at.
Filled with nutrient-boosting ingredients and anti-inflammatory properties, a consistent juicing regime will have you feeling nourished, energised and ready to conquer the cold months.
For the sweet tooths: Brontleway
Founded by Silvia and Adi Gorgone, whose family has harvested the rarest Bronte pistachios in Sicily for generations, Brontleway aims to bring the taste of Bronte to Europe.
The pair fell in love with Galway after a six month adventure in Ireland, and decided to make the move, returning to Sicily each year to harvest pistachios by hand.
Their products include moreish chocolate bars, silky spreadable pistachio cream and flavoured truffles crafted with Ireland’s finest ingredients.
For the art collectors: MNE Fine Art
Meadbh Ni Eidin, aka MNE Fine Art, is a contemporary artist from Spiddal who takes inspiration from the natural world and reflects the rhythms of Irish music and cultural heritage in her art.
Her work often features bold, vibrant colours and abstract outlines that will add a sense of character to your home.
From expressive Connemara landscapes to portraits of musicians in action, Meadbh’s pieces carry strong visuals of Irish culture and lifestyle.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect decor for your own house or a heartfelt gift for a loved one, Meadbh’s art is truly special.
Don't miss this year's LEO Food & Craft Gift Fair, running at the Black Box from Thursday November 27th to Tuesday December 2nd.
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