Galway’s Hidden Gems – The Westend

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….

Why Galway’s Westend?

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 Pubs

The Crane Bar

The Crane Bar is one of the most well-loved traditional Irish music bars, not just in Galway but in Ireland.

The Bierhaus

Serving over 20 different beers, The Bierhaus is every reveller’s dream.

M.P. Walsh Bar

M.P. Walsh Bar has maintained the warmth and charm of an old Irish pub.

Daróg’s Wine Bar

Located on Dominic Street, Daróg’s Wine Bar specialises in serving tasty and biodynamic wines.

Massimo’s Bar

Massimo’s is where the locals gather for a night out.

Monroe’s Tavern

With food and live music 7 nights a week, there’s never a lull at Monroe’s.

Áras an nGael

Áras an nGael is a centre dedicated to promoting the Irish language, the bar, a great place for a few drinks.

Róisín Dubh

The Róisín Dubh is one of the best-known music and comedy venues in Ireland, staging much-emerging talent and many a famous face.

There’s More…..

The Blue Note, Taylor’s Bar, The Universal, John Keogh’s Gastropub, Carroll’s, and The Salt House are also well worth seeking out.

The Cafés

Arabica Café

Serving delicious light meals and quality coffee, Arabica Café is a dream.

Gourmet Tart Company

Great coffee, tea, and juices besides some of the most delicious cakes and patisserie have never disappointed anyone.

The Secret Garden

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.

Plámás

A hidden gem within a hidden gem, Plámás should be a stop-off on everyone’s trail.

An Tobar Nua

Nestled on the canal, An Tobar Nua has great warmth, a bookshop next door, and excellent coffee and light bites.

Urban Grind

Urban Grind serves a great selection of top-quality coffee and scrumptious snacks.

The Shops

Galway’s Westend is home to the following outstanding and unusual shops:

Ernie’s where you get fresh fruit and veg and a whole load of other healthy and delicious foods and drink
Flea Style Market for a great selection of vintage clothes and accessories
Bell Book & Candle for music and books you won’t find anywhere else
Daisy Bowl Florists for flowers, flower art, flower arrangement and more
Aplomb Menswear for sustainable fashion for gents
Corless Menswear to get suits and more for sale or hire
Dr Clare Apothecary for health consultations, remedies, foods, and more
Vintage Pearl Bridal is every unconventional bride’s dream
West Ireland Cycling for bike repairs, maintenance, and sale
Ali’s Fish Market for fresh fish straight off the boat
Galway Simon Community Shop to support the homeless and get lots of cool stuff
Hickey Meats for your craft butcher cuts

The Restaurants

There is a restaurant for every palate and pocket in Galway’s Westend, here’s a quick overview:

• Mona Lisa: Italian cuisine
• Greens & Co Galway: high-quality vegan food
• Hooked: Seafood
• Oscar’s Seafood Bistro
• Kai Restaurant: Michelin Star cooking
• Aniar: Michelin Star cooking
• Deli La Tasca: Spanish cuisine
• BóTown Burger Bar
• Il Vicolo: Italian and Irish artisan cooking
• Rouge Restaurant: French dining at its best
• Dela Restaurant: Scandinavian cooking
• Vinnie’s Take Away and Pizzeria
• Apache Pizza

Other Gems

There are too many businesses to mention, but here are some other interesting Westend places:

The Train Station

Fitness Studio

Just Art It

Gallery, workshop, retail

Volunteer Galway

Where those with time to donate can find Galway volunteering opportunities.

Join a Walking Tour to Discover More

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: