Summer ‘26: Boutique Galway
These are the places that put the grá in Galway City.
Where to Stay
The Snug Townhouse
Luca Architects’ ambition for the overhaul of Galway’s old hostel was to create rooms where “the design is inspired by overnight sleepers and boat cabins and the overall vibe is fun but low key”. They succeeded. These rooms are peachy, and the ergonomics are so well achieved that their compactness is a virtue. Being bang on Quay Street means there is street noise, so they provide ear plugs. Excellent value in a city where hotel rooms are expensive.
The Stop
Everyone’s favourite Galway B&B, and the Stop breakfasts are as idiosyncratic and individual as the design of the house. Pure Galway, inasmuch as the entire building is a living, working, breathing art space. Which means you have just become a work of art.
Corrib House
Down by the River Corrib, this 200-year-old townhouse offers excellent rooms, and its very own Tea Rooms for breakfasts and snacking.
Where to Drink
Sheridan’s Wine Bar
Not just the best wine bar in Ireland, but one of the best wine bars in Europe. Stupendous bottles of the good stuff from the Grape Circus wine company; plates of superb cheeses minded by the Sheridan’s Cheesemongers, downstairs. Part of the fabric of the city, and offers excellent value for money.
The Bunch of Grapes
“What white wines do you have by the glass?” we asked. “I have two sauvignon blancs, a chardonnay, a pinot grigio, a riesling and a gruner veltliner” replied the manageress. Wow! And the white wine selection is just one of the reasons why Galway food professionals drink in this smashing bar.
Coffeewerk & Press
Voted amongst the best coffee shops in the world, and richly deserving of the praise. Every cup is pristine, and the aesthetic is unique.
The Universal
A lovely bar filled with Galway locals, and the cooking is quietly ambitious and properly achieved. Nice vibe.
Bierhaus
The craft beer capital of the West, always heaving with connoisseurs of the hop.
Tigh Neachtain
It’s on every visitor’s must-visit list, and with good reason. Beautiful, ancient, always up to 90.
Where to Eat
Darog
A tiny room with high counter seats and a few tables, with a stupendous wine offer, and some of the city’s finest cooking to match those peerless bottles. You might get lucky and grab a seat at the bar, but best not to take a risk, so book.
Magpie Bakery
Tucked away in the Mall, Magpie is that hidden gem (yeah, sorry) that you hope to find tucked away in the middle of a Mall. Beautiful baking right across the board.
Aniar
Twenty courses of intricate, Faberge-like jewels which showcase the flavours of the West of Ireland in an extraordinary starburst of culinary imagination. A cultural and culinary jewel.
Ard Bia
Left-field central for the city, a punky, funky hybrid of modern international dishes. Lovely location and take note of The Tweed Project and their accommodation both inside and outside the city.
Dela
Just look at the weekend queue snaking down Dominic Street as the hungry punters wait to enjoy the best brunch in the city. The produce, from their own organic farm, is superlative.
Cava
Always jammers tribute to Iberian food from the team at Aniar. Party central most every night of the week, and the cooking is fashioned from sincerity and respect. Lovely sherries for them as wants it.
Dough Bros
The Pizza kings of Ireland, serving stupendous pies in one of the busiest, funkiest rooms in the city. Regularly voted amongst the best pizzerias in Europe.
Kai
The cooking is an homage to the best of the West Coast artisans, and the atmosphere is always rockin’. The fish fingers are the stuff of legend.
Ruibin
For a lot of food lovers, Ruibin in the docklands is today the first port of call, the room that says Galway with every bite. Sweet and lovely modern cooking.
Wa Sushi
Acclaimed Galway-Mae sushi, served in a compact, elemental room which makes the experience even more sublime. Properly understood Japanese cooking is rare in Ireland, but in Wa you find the real thing.
Plamas
Great coffee shop with the hippest staff. Take your cup of Geometry or Ground State and your tasty cinnamon bun down to Spanish Arch and feel good about everything.
Where to Shop
Ernie’s
You likely don’t need to visit a vegetable and food shop when visiting Galway, but even a browse in Ernie’s will make you feel good about the world.
Cloon Keen Atelier
Maggie Mangan’s temple of scents is a magical place. Once tempted, you’ll never leave Galway without a scented candle. Our favourite is Spanish Arch.
Gannet Fishmongers
The funkiest fishmongers in Ireland, operating out of their HQ in Ballybane, but you can also find them in the Saturday Galway Market, and order online. Great selection of Conservas and always the most interesting and diverse selection of fish.
Sheridan’s Cheesemongers
The original home of the now nationwide Cheesemongers. No-one knows or handles cheese better than these guys, and everything they sell is something you want.
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