Fantastic food experiences in Galway City
If you’re in the mood for an incredible food experience, Galway City has an abundance of possibilities to please every visitor.
From fresh fish along the harbour to afternoon tea in a Georgian townhouse, exploring such a vibrant place makes for hungry work.
Discover the best food and drink experiences in Galway City and enjoy Fantastic food experiences in Galway City
Savour a seafood feast
Thanks to its location perched on the North Atlantic waters of the Wild Atlantic Way, the seafood in Galway is world-class. At The Dockside Deli @ Galway Bay Seafoods, over 70-years of expertise shine at a family business that’s been here, right in the heart of Galway’s docks, for generations. Alongside cooking classes and a shop that’s very popular with the locals, the deli’s choices include Galway Bay oak smoked salmon and smoked mackerel pâté.
Check out the award-winning Oscars Seafood Bistro on Dominick Street nearby in Galway’s West End. Serving up some of the best seafood on the west coast, their mouth-watering menu includes crispy fried oysters, scallops and monkfish mussel fricassee.
Looking for a more traditional vibe? Located on bustling Quay Street in the Latin Quarter, McDonagh’s Seafood House serves up a well-shucked Clarenbridge oyster and fish fried to order with a generous portion of chips.
Enjoy the freshest seafood in Galway.
For a more hands-on option, book a lobster safari with Galway Bay Boat Tours. With their ‘Catch, Cook and Eat’ programme, experience the thrill of the trawl and see how fishing traditions are kept alive in the region.
Tuck into terrific pub grub
A cosy pub, a fire and a song can be just the ingredients for an ideal afternoon. But what about the food? Brasserie On The Corner Restaurant and Wine Bar is known for their stellar service and get their surf and turf just right with prime steaks alongside grilled garlic and herb prawns.
The Kings Head may be over 800-years-old but they take a modern stance with a commitment to sustainable and organic produce. Their prime Irish, Hereford, King Charles 1 Burger, is a cut above, with Hegarty’s cheese, Andarl Farm suckling pig and homemade red onion relish on an artisan brioche bun.
The Kings Head, Galway City, Co. Galway
Along Salthill Promenade, the Galway Bay Hotel Conference and Leisure Centre can feed you from brunch to dinner. Visit the hotel’s Atlantic Bar and choose from a classic all-day bar menu, a favourite with locals.
Go on a Galway food odyssey
Set out on a delicious excursion with Galway Food Tours for over two hours of walking, chatting, nibbling, drinking and laughing. A choice of itineraries seeks out local delicacies from a ‘Galway Whiskey Tour’ for lovers of uisce beatha to a ‘Sweet Tooth’ ramble that takes in the city’s finest bakeries and pastry shops.
Learn from the food experts with Galway Food Tours.
Heading out of the city centre towards the spectacular wilderness of Connemara, Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate sits on the edge of Lough Corrib. The estate has distinctive restaurants in The River Room, with glorious views from its 18th century windows, and Palmers Bar & Kitchen for more casual dining. But the real showstopper is the Pullman Restaurant, set in two carriages salvaged from the Orient Express. Flanked by two gold lions and treated to silver service, this journey back in time is an eating experience to write home about.
Enjoy a meal and a drink in Palmers Bar and Kitchen.
Watch the world go by as you dine
To enjoy the pleasures of people watching over lunch, head for The Hardiman and their Gaslight Bar & Brasserie’s bright Victorian bay windows, overlooking Eyre Square.
When the sun shines, get yourself to The Galmont Hotel & Spa and lounge on a wraparound waterfront terrace with views of Lough Atalia.
To observe arty types over hearty food, head to 56 Central, an eclectic restaurant that hosts cultural events and yoga sessions. Old and new collide here. Sip a flat white as you peer out of ancient windows onto Lynch’s Castle or relax over a breakfast bruschetta in the zen rooftop Buddha Garden.
Another favourite of the cultural crowd is Ard Bia at Nimmos, situated right in the shadows of the Galway City Museum and the Spanish Arch. This stylish spot blends global cuisine with Irish flavour in dishes like Connemara crab tostada and kimchi fried potatoes.
Photo credit: @ardbianimmos. Experience Irish flavours in new ways at Ard Bia at Nimmos.
Fine dining, small plates, great tastes
Galway’s Michelin-starred Aniar Restaurant is appropriately influenced by the west of Ireland’s salty spray of flavours and local produce. Chef JP McMahon has honed centuries of culinary traditions. He pickles, cures, smokes and ferments a tasting menu of 18 dishes. McMahon is also the brains behind tapas bar Cava Bodega, where duck fritters with seaweed jam make for a mind-blowing take on the small plate.
Photo credit: @cavagalway. Taste big flavours jam-packed on a small plate at Cava Bodega.
Local favourite Kai has also been catching the attention of the fine dining set. Their aim is to make you feel at home, with stone-flagged floors, rustic touches and bushels of fruit lying around. The menu changes seasonally and head chef Jess Murphy creates playful takes on classic dishes like Roscommon lamb chops with green tahini.
Taste head chef Jess Murphy’s creations at Kai.
Memorable markets
The famous Galway Farmers Market is a brilliant place to spend a couple of hours. Every Saturday and Sunday by St. Nicholas’ Church you can taste the best produce Galway has to offer. The coastal setting means fresh fodder for the likes of the Oyster Man, who often shucks as crowds gather around. The market is home to local artisans and vintage stalls, where you are sure to pick up something unique.
Umbrella Le Chéile is a social enterprise hosting an indoor market every third Sunday that focuses on uplifting local makers. Swoon over intricate jewellery designs, handmade beauty products and contemporary art.
Sample local produce at the Galway Farmers’ Market.
Wine and cheese your way through the city Local legends Tigh Neachtain have been offering warm hospitality to natives and tourists since 1894. Known for hosting live music throughout the week, you can also drop in for platters of seafood, local cheeses and charcuterie featuring favourites like Flaggy Shore dainty oysters, Cashel Blue and Gubbeen salami. Graze away happily while tunes get your foot tapping.
