Galway city is well known for its lively arts and culture scene, but it is also a culinary hub. There are numerous tasty spots both inside and out of the city and particularly exciting, for travellers and locals alike, is the growing wine scene. We’ve picked out some of the best wine bars, countywide, for you to explore.
Wine Bars Galway
Kasbah Wine Bar
Fresh and locally sourced food in the heart of Galway. Kasbah is located above
one of the city’s most famous pubs. You can opt for indoor dining or take a seat
by the open fire just outside. This cosy and intimate space is perfect for sampling
their wide selection of wine and beers. The food menu is bursting with
flavoursome dishes and the staff are always at hand to guide you in the right
direction. Grab a window seat, a selection of your favourite cheeses and camp
out all night long.
Tartare Café + Wine Bar
In the morning, they serve artisan coffee with freshly baked pastries but come
sundown Tartare becomes a lively wine bar with a unique menu. Serving mostly
organic and natural wines, this place is not to be missed. This is the perfect spot
to catch up with a few friends and share some small plates. The menu changes
based on what’s in season in the West of Ireland, so you’ll always find something
new. The wine list is extensive, so you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Sheridan’s Wine Bar + Shop
Sheridan’s cheese shop is a place the Irish know well, but their wine bar in the
centre of Galway city is just as good. Situated above the cheese shop on
Churchyard Street and just beside the weekend market space means this is
always a good place to refuel as you make your way through the city. The focus
of their wine bar is on Old world wines; mainly Italian and all imported and
selected exclusively by Sheridan’s. In the daytime you can find peace, quiet and a
quick glass of vino, but by night this place becomes a Galway hot spot. They
regularly host wine and cheese tastings so make sure to check out their website.
Loam
Loam is a Michelin-starred restaurant and wine bar located just off Eyre Square.
Like many other Galway restaurants, Loam is seasonally driven and they focus
on the finest food and wine that Ireland has to offer. The menu changes daily, so
you’ll never sample the same dish twice. Their cheese selection is otherworldly
and the wine list is almost never ending. This place is a real treat, and should be
enjoyed by all. Avoid disappointment by booking in advance.
Éan
Adorable bakery by day, fusion wine bar by night– God, this place is good. And it
just so happens to be Loam’s little sibling. Éan is known for their five star
reviews, inventive dishes and sleek décor. Located in the same building as Druid
Theatre Company, Éan is often packed with creative and artists looking for a
good bite to eat. Make sure to pop in during the day too, their pastries are made
in house and their sourdough is the best around.
Cava Bodega
Opened in 2008 to bring the finest in Spanish cooking to Galway, Cava Bodega is
still a favourite for locals. The tapas menu features classic Spanish dishes with a
twist and the wine menu is built to match. Favourites include: the paella, goat’s
cheese croquettes, and the whole prawns. If you simply can’t decide, go with the
charcuterie.
The Universal
Technically a gastropub and not a wine bar, The Universal is a prominent feature
of Galway city. The quirky interior and range of music are always crowd
pleasers. Their menu is on the smaller side and perfect for a quick drink and a
chat with friends.
The Lamplight, Clifden
The Lamplight is a wine bar, shop and fine food restaurant and a stunning
garden, nestled in the heart of Clifden. They have a wide selection of biodynamic
and sustainable wines and a terrace where you can enjoy live music all year
round. Their food is cooked in a reverse offset smoker, meaning their dishes are
infused with smoke and moisture to slowly build a flavour profile that is to die
for. The food menu is adapted to fit new wines so there is always something new
to try, but they will always have the regulars: oysters, charcuterie & dessert!
Il Viloco
This modern Italian restaurant is the perfect place to grab a drink. The
restaurant is built into a former watermill and so if you’re lucky enough to grab a
window seat, you can watch the water flow right underneath you. They offer a
range of Venetian Tapas, select wines, and tasty cocktails. The focaccia is always
a great kick off, but leave room for dessert: the tiramisu is unforgettable.
Once the wine is drank…
When you’ve tasted all that Galway city has to offer, you’ve got to squeeze in
some live music. We recommend the Róisín Dubh, Tíg Cóilí or just head straight
to Eyre Square—there’s bound to be a local band or songwriter singing on the
street. Galway city is known for the best buskers in Ireland!
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