Discover Galway City’s Culinary Delights
In 2018, County Galway was designated a European Region of Gastronomy, and its capital will become a European City of Culture in 2020. To get a taste of what makes this small, westerly stronghold of Irish culture a must-visit destination, embark on a culinary journey through Galway City’s winding medieval lanes, uncovering its best artisan restaurants and quirky food producers.
Aniar – For a Taste of the Earth
Chef JP McMahon’s menu at Aniar absorbs the flavors of the indigenous ingredients he forages and sources from the local soil, making it Galway City’s first Michelin-star restaurant. Aniar’s Nordic cool blue décor and blond timber backdrop stand in contrast to its more subdued neighbors on Dominic Street. However, the food is authentically modern, showcasing the best of the west of Ireland. Diners can enjoy a daily-changing tasting menu that features hot and cold starters, a main course, cheese, and dessert on a six-course spread (€68). Highlights include clams served with seared cucumber and seaweed, brill atop a foaming bed of sea beet, and hay ice cream infused with birch sap.
The Pie Maker – For a Taste of Sweet and Savory
The Pie Maker offers the perfect remedy for a rainy Galway day with its cozy, quirky 12-seat establishment facing Kirwan’s Lane. The organic pastry is filled with gourmet ingredients, ranging from Irish black pudding and goat cheese to beef and Galway stout. The indulgent banoffee pie, made with ripe bananas, is a culinary landmark in the city. If seating is scarce, which is often the case, visitors can opt to order ‘on the go’ and savor their pie along Kirwan’s Lane or at the nearby Spanish Arch.
Sheridan’s Cheesemongers – For a Taste of the Pastures
Venture down a narrow market lane by Saint Nicholas Church to find Sheridan’s, where the aroma of artisanal cheese fills the air. With a wide selection of blue, hard, and soft cheeses from across Europe, visitors often find it challenging to choose. The helpful staff is more than willing to provide advice or samples. Notable offerings include the mature cheddar “15 Fields” and the wild-herb-flavored Saint Tola’s goat cheese from County Clare’s Burren region. Don’t forget to inquire about their wine pairing options and picnic baskets for an outdoor lunch in one of the city’s green spaces.
Kai Café – For a Taste of Fusion
Kai, a Maori term for food, represents a seamless blend of exotic flavors and local ingredients under the expert guidance of New Zealander chef Jessica Murphy and her Irish husband David. This culinary fusion features dishes like Roscommon hogget with harissa and fresh Galway haddock crusted in panko. Expect long lines during lunchtime as word has spread about the standout dishes.
Loam – For a Taste of Sophistication
Loam’s contemporary venue, located in a modern glass building just a stone’s throw from Eyre Square, showcases Chef Enda McEvoy’s culinary creations. Previously associated with Aniar, McEvoy sources local ingredients from the Connemara landscape. His daily changing tasting menu (€70) offers a refined dining experience, while a scaled-back two-course option is available for €40. Reservations are advised.
Cava Bodega – For a Taste of Spain
Located near the historic Spanish Arch, Cava Bodega honors the area’s rich trade history with a menu that presents the best tapas in Ireland. With a thoughtfully curated wine list, diners can explore a variety of dishes categorized by vegetarian, fish, meat, and sweet selections. Expect delectable surprises such as pig’s head fritters and scallops paired with local black pudding. Larger parties of eight or more can opt for a tasting menu (€25), providing a flavorful overview of the restaurant’s offerings.
Cupán Tae – For a Taste of Nostalgia
Despite its eclectic kitchen decor, the little restaurant at the heart of medieval Galway offers hearty, traditional Irish breakfast options such as eggs and black pudding. However, it’s Cupán Tae’s afternoon tea that has gained a devoted following, featuring leaf tea and an optional glass of prosecco. Traditionalists will appreciate the €20 fixed-price option that includes tea-flavored sandwiches, snacks, and scones. For heartier fare, the ‘Baaaaaaaad Ass Slow Cooked Lamb Stew’ is highly recommended.
Pullman – For a Taste of Romance
Lying on the enchanting grounds of Glenlo Abbey, Pullman is a unique dining experience comprised of two restored carriages from the Orient Express, including one featured in Sidney Lumet’s 1974 film Murder on the Orient Express. Guests can expect a refined menu (€57) featuring game and locally sourced fish, all served with French-style elegance on fine china.
Dunguaire Castle – For a Taste of the Past
Situated in Kinvarra, just 30 minutes from Galway City, Dunguaire Castle has withstood the Atlantic’s fury for centuries. Once a haven for literary icons during the late nineteenth-century revival, the castle offers a unique banquet experience. Here, the works of legendary poets like WB Yeats and Sean O’Casey are recited to the sounds of a bodhran or melodic harp, all while guests enjoy standard fare of smoked salmon, chicken, and apple pie, alongside the traditional mead.
The Oyster Festival – For a Taste of the Sea
The Galway International Oyster Festival started over 60 years ago to attract visitors during the shoulder season, evolving into a highlight of Ireland’s September festival calendar. Festivities kick off on Friday, September 28, with traditional music and seafood for €40. The grand finale, the Mardi Gras masquerade ball (€100), features a lively atmosphere with sparkling wine, Guinness, and a generous selection of oysters, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
