With parks, river walks, shops, pubs, restaurants, and cafés easy to reach by foot, Galway is one of the most beautiful and relaxed cities you can explore. Its distinct village feeling combines with the power of the Atlantic Ocean and a vibrant community, creating an atmosphere that would sweep any visitor off their feet.
Starting out on Eyre Square, you’ll find restaurants to fit all budgets and palates, any product you desire on top of cultural offerings for all tastes.
Walk down to the Latin Quarter at night only to be enthralled by ceol and craic (music and good times 😄).
But let’s venture further this time, cross the Corrib and explore one of Galway’s hidden gems, Galway’s Westend. It’s got something for everyone, visitors, locals, students, professionals….
The close-knit community in Galway’s Westend collaborates to provide visitors with a unique experience. Their manifesto reads:
“Galway’s Westend will strive to be a city quarter filled with gigs, festivals, exhibitions, music seminars and fringe events. We will promote independent retail, markets, vintage, thrift, low-cost and high-quality.“
And that is what you precisely find when you are there, great food, excellent music, out-of-the-box shopping, and impressive art.
Most businesses in Galway’s Westend are family-run and have been for generations. You won’t find world brands, instead, you will find people, places, and products bursting with authenticity.
So, let’s just see all the treasures lying within Galway’s hidden gems.
The Crane Bar is one of the most well-loved traditional Irish music bars, not just in Galway but in Ireland.
Serving over 20 different beers, The Bierhaus is every reveller’s dream.
M.P. Walsh Bar has maintained the warmth and charm of an old Irish pub.
Located on Dominic Street, Daróg’s Wine Bar specialises in serving tasty and biodynamic wines.
Massimo’s is where the locals gather for a night out.
With food and live music 7 nights a week, there’s never a lull at Monroe’s.
Áras an nGael is a centre dedicated to promoting the Irish language, the bar, a great place for a few drinks.
The Róisín Dubh is one of the best-known music and comedy venues in Ireland, staging much-emerging talent and many a famous face.
The Blue Note, Taylor’s Bar, The Universal, John Keogh’s Gastropub, Carroll’s, and The Salt House are also well worth seeking out.
Serving delicious light meals and quality coffee, Arabica Café is a dream.
Great coffee, tea, and juices besides some of the most delicious cakes and patisserie have never disappointed anyone.
A tea shop with a difference, The Secret Garden serves more than 100 premium teas in artistic, cosy surroundings inside and out in the courtyard.
A hidden gem within a hidden gem, Plámás should be a stop-off on everyone’s trail.
Nestled on the canal, An Tobar Nua has great warmth, a bookshop next door, and excellent coffee and light bites.
Urban Grind serves a great selection of top-quality coffee and scrumptious snacks.
Galway’s Westend is home to the following outstanding and unusual shops:
There is a restaurant for every palate and pocket in Galway’s Westend, here’s a quick overview:
There are too many businesses to mention, but here are some other interesting Westend places:
Fitness Studio
Gallery, workshop, retail
Where those with time to donate can find Galway volunteering opportunities.
If you are keen to explore more, you can join a Westend Walking Tour. And we will give the last word on this Galway hidden gem to the locals: