This is Galway February/March 2023 Edition - Issue #29

24 There are loads of exciting events right around the corner WHAT’S ON 30 The story so far... CHEF LAURA ROSSO

34 38

Discover the new places in Galway NEW BEGINNINGS FOR NEW FACES

Creative conversations with programmer Will Fitzgerald PÁLÁS CINEMA

Useful phrases and places to practice your Irish GIVE GAEILGE A GO 40

Chats with some of Galway’s interesting characters HOWYA? 44 Ones to watch: Tune into Telebox TELEBOX 46

jess murphy

Award-winning Chef, famous Galway local, caring neighbour, and owner of the community based restaurant Kai - these are some of many titles associated with Jess Murphy. Jess means so many things to so many different people and that’s why we felt that there was no better way to begin our first magazine of 2023 than by catching up with the legend herself.

Amidst the busyness of her daily work life, we got talking to Jess in the place where all the best conversations happen - in the kitchen.

This last year has been many things but for Jess Murphy boring is not one of them. The last twelve months have seen; The launch of the Accidental Bakery, from which fresh loaves of sourdough bread can be bought from Ernies Fruit & Veg in Galway’s Westend; Jess was awarded the Irish Best Cookery Writing Award by the Irish Food Writers Guild; Kai made it into the world-renowned 50 Best Discovery; and the release of Jess’ and Eoin Cluskey’s cookbook, The United Nation of Cookies, which is now nominated for the World’s Best Fundraising Book.

Taking a moment to reflect on the creative process that went into writing The United Nation of Cookies, Jess said; “The book was amazing but the people that we met were more amazing.” While curating a cookbook comprising recipes from a multitude of cultures around the world brings its own challenges, the experience was life changing. Placing emphasis on the brilliance of those both she and Eoin Cluskey met whilst writing the book, Jess explained the motive behind its creation saying; “I really wanted a book to bring everyone together” and there can be no doubt that The United Nation of Cookies achieves just that. All proceeds from the book go to the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, proving that it really is ‘a little book with a big heart’.

“I never really had that connection with people until I moved to Ireland and now I have a whole tribe.”

The love story between Jess and Galway began almost two decades ago when Jess and her husband Dave left everything behind to seek new adventures out West. Starting out as Head Chef in Ard Bia for 5 years, before getting a job at Sheridan’s Cheesemongers, Jess has certainly been around the block in Galway’s food culture. Making the ballsy move to open Kai in 2010 during the middle of the recession, little did she know what she had just begun. Ever since then Kai has been a hub of community spirit and the setting of many happy memories. The move to Galway would prove to be meaningful in more ways than one because after years of travelling and being on the go, Jess and Dave had found a place they were happy to call home; “I never really had that connection with people until I moved to Ireland and now I have a whole tribe.”

Life as a chef means you are never standing still. Always eager to expand her knowledge both inside and outside the kitchen Jess has begun training as a butcher at the Craft Butcher Centre in Athenry to grow and sharpen her skills in preparing ingredients for the restaurant. When it comes to creating the menus at Kai, Jess and her team follow the Galwegian seasons and listen to local farmers from across Galway county who supply them with fresh produce. As Jess explained; “We listen to the local people. We cook what they tell us to cook.” Everything Jess puts into her work is done from a love of what she does.

Meeting new people and trying new things keeps Jess’ life incredibly busy, but she wouldn’t change a thing; “It’s all so different all the time, it’s like working with a colour palette. Working with different people as well. Different people, different cultures. Kitchens have always been like the United Nations. When you work in a kitchen you’re always working with at least ten different nationalities which always keeps things nice.”

A keen spokesperson and supporter for all upcoming chefs, Jess believes strongly in promoting others saying that it is something that people should do for one another. Taking a moment to express her gratitude to be in a position where she can help promote the amazing talents of others she called attention to her team at Kai, saying that she believed herself lucky to have been able to meet and work with such a talented group of people.

Always moving forward, Jess plans for 2023 include visiting her home in New Zealand to enjoy a well deserved break before returning refreshed and feeling better than ever, ready to take Kai to the next level; “I’m really excited to get my energy back and really get back to settle down with the team and enter into a really successful summer.” If you are as excited as we are to see what Jess comes up with next, stay tuned for the April/May edition of our magazine. We are cooking up something really special, with some sweet (and savoury) surprises coming your way.. Stay tuned!

Words by Gráinne Thornton Photography by Ciarán MacChoncarraige

We want to introduce you to all of the gorgeous places that Galway is home to. So, get ready to get out exploring with our monthly bucket list number 3…

enjoy a post-prom morning walk feed

There’s nothing better than a brisk stroll along Salthill’s famous promenade in winter. With the crisp sea air and all the gorgeous sights and sounds of Galway Bay - how could you not love it? Especially when afterwards you get to enjoy a rich coffee and energising brekkie from Ground & Co. We absolutely love their French toast and the breakfast bun. Alternatively, we can never say no to one of Leroy’s sausage rolls.

immerse yourself in nature

The perfect cure for the winter blues is spending an afternoon sight-seeing at the beautiful woodland, Coole Park. Some of the area’s treasures include; the famous autograph tree with initials of many of the leading figures of the Irish Literary Revival and the swans and deers that call the park home. Coole Park has a fascinating history and we highly recommend doing a bit of research before your visit so you can truly embrace all its wonder.

treat your mammy

We hope you didn’t forget that Mother’s Day is right around the corner! If you did, you need to take a spin out to Barna’s Ro & Vee and let the gift buying commence. Ro & Vee is a gorgeous little store that brings together beautiful artisan products from Ireland, Africa and beyond. These amazing women will provide loads of wonderful gift ideas for your mammy and if you fancy.. a little something for yourself too.

dance your socks off

The Blue Note is Galway’s true home of Disco, House & Dance. If you haven’t boogied, shifted or completely lost the run of yourself on this dancefloor then you haven’t really experienced a night out in Galway! The besht of both local & International DJ’s have all played and partied under the famous Disco Ball; and now so should you!

throw a family get together

For decades, Freddy’s has been a restaurant where families come together to celebrate special occasions and enjoy delicious pizza and pasta dishes. It’s the one family tradition we can always get behind. We’ve never met anyone who hasn’t loved Freddy’s and since it’s regularly cited as some of the best pizzas in Galway, you might want to host your own family get together here asap.

Illustrations by Áine Keaveney

Words by Gráinne Thornton

WOMP

events

Words by Chloe Richardson

Main image by Florian Stravock / Xadacka Photography

With a passion for consciously chaotic craic, WOMP Events host some of the most sensational and silly quiz nights in Galway. Becoming an institution in their own right, the evenings put on by this group are legendary.

In the words of one of the creators Niall Horisk, “WOMP Events is a bedroom business borne from boredom.” WOMP began in the long ago days of 2020. Through a WhatsApp chat, a group of friends searched for a way to unite people in a time of uncertainty. Niall Horisk, Katie Walsh, and Ian Burke worked to put together online Zoom events that would give people a sense of community. “We spent those numerous lockdowns hosting virtual comedy quizzes. They were a good way to bring people together while they had to be apart.”

When Galway reopened, WOMP was more than ready to bring the madness back to the city. “We could finally move from the virtual world to real craic, and a string of sold-out themed events followed.” Based on beloved television shows and movies, these quiz nights quickly became a signature of WOMP. “One consistent compliment we get at our themed quiz nights is the attention to detail… We spend a lot of time decorating the venue, dressing up as characters, and thinking up interactive rounds to get the crowd involved.” These details are part of what makes WOMP Events so special and exciting to be a part of.

There’s a sensational schedule ahead for WOMP. Throughout the spring, they’ll host their Common Knowledge Quiz in The Ol’ 55. The quizzes will be held on February 7th/22nd, and March 7th/21st. Tickets are on sale now! WOMP will also host a number of special quiz nights. A ‘heavenly’ event for Father Ted fans is back! The Annual Father Ted Table Quiz will be put on by WOMP on March 1st in Massimo. In celebration of Paddy’s Day a fully-themed pub quiz on all things It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia will take place on March 12th in Róisín Dubh. “We’re very grateful to all the people who have joined us to have the craic at our events… We hope more people can give us a go throughout 2023.” Although building a reputation for their themed quizzes, they have many plans for events that won’t require you to get quizzical. To stay up to date on all things WOMP, check out their websitewompevents.com

Meet West End Art Collective’s All-Women Team

A welcome addition to Galway’s tattoo industry, West End Art Collective has been making waves as the county’s only exclusively female tattoo studio. Pushing the boundaries of their art form, these tattooists are professionals at creating exceptional masterpieces on a day-to-day basis. While visiting artists are always passing through, you’ll find Stephanie Amaterstein and Anna Ki doing their thing all year round.

Stephanie Amaterstein

Arriving in Galway at the end of 2022, Stephanie brought with her years of experience in both tattooing and painting. The Australian born artist is heavily influenced by her love of science fiction, dark surrealism and all things weird & wonderful. Working with her clients’ ideas, she explores different tattooing styles, including full colour, botanical illustrations and pattern work while applying her own individual flair to each piece she creates. “I originally got into [tattooing] because I liked making art and that’s a very individual thing usually. So I was surprised when I started tattooing that I really enjoyed the fact that you have to interact with another human being, making someone feel comfortable and having that kind of collaboration is so important in the tattoo process.”

To book an appointment with Stephanie & see her previous designs, visit her website at www.amatersteinart.com

Anna Ki

Setting out on her tattoo journey in her hometown in Portugal, Anna spent years exploring various different styles and techniques before settling on her own preferred style. Specialising in geometric shapes, blackwork, dotwork, fine lines and ornamental style tattoos, Anna’s expertise really speaks for itself. Finding inspiration from nature, ancient and tribal art, her style reflects a beautiful understanding and appreciation for organic designs and geometric shapes. After moving to Galway, Anna opened up her own private studio called “Kiitsune Ink” in 2021, before joining the West End Art Collective team. “I’m really grateful that I get to do my own art everyday and to be able to make a living out of it because it doesn’t really feel like work.”

To book an appointment with Anna & see her previous designs, visit her website at https://www.kiitsuneink.com/booking

West End Art Collective is the creation of Claddagh Art Collective’s Jarlath Tourish and his wife Maeve. Showcasing art pieces from local artists and creators as well as providing a professional tattooing service, West End Art Collective brings together a plethora of artistic geniuses. Keep up to date on the latest news at https://www.instagram.com/westendartcollective/

Words by Gráinne Thornton Feature Photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige

SCALPING THU 23 FEB | RÓISÍN DUBH

DANNY CARROLL SUN 26 FEB | RÓISÍN DUBH

PADDY HANNA THU 2 MAR | RÓISÍN DUBH

GEMMA HAYES SAT 4 MAR | RÓISÍN DUBH

NEWTON FAULKNER THU 9 MAR | RÓISÍN DUBH

BEES & SAWDUST THU 16 MAR | RÓISÍN DUBH

LE BOOM THU 23 MAR | RÓISÍN DUBH

ANDY IRVINE

9 APR | RÓISÍN DUBH

SUN

Spring into Style

Words and Photography

by Chloe Richardson

Temperatures are rising, and so are hemlines. This can only mean one thing; Spring Style 2023 is here. It’s the dawn of a new season, and we want to be your guides to the style essentials you’ll need this year in Galway. We’re diving into emerging trends, what pieces will stand out, personal style, and where to shop this spring in Galway.

Paying attention to trends, designers, and the fashion world can be a great indicator for what will be sought-after in our shops. This season we’re anticipating everything from silken slips, to dramatised waist lines that will flare and flirt with our depth-perception. Designers played with classic silhouettes and colours to deliver styles that are representative of the world we live in, while also reaching far beyond what some would classify as a, ‘comfort zone.’ Mandy Maher of Catwalk Model Agency notes that this season will be filled with chances to experiment and express oneself. “Fashion is all about experimenting,” and by using style as an outlet, there’s a deep communal aspect of communication that we get to be a part of!

Essentially, expect the expected but with a twist. Asymmetrical lines, bright colours, florals, and fringe. These are definitive of the spring season, so here are some of our favourite places in Galway to shop these styles.

Aplomb

Sustainable menswear never looked so good! Aplomb found in the Westend is home to high quality clothes that you can feel good about wearing. They encourage consumers to shop capsule wardrobes with pieces that will last a lifetime. These classic tees are a perfect staple for this spring.

Style is more than just the clothes on our back, it’s a form of expression. There’s a sense-of-self wrapped up in fabrics, shapes, colours, and everything in between. So all is fair in love and vogue; take what you like, leave what you don’t, and wear what you love!

Number 8

No. 8 is a haven for those who stay on top of the trends. Their shop is filled with pre-loved designer pieces that are timeless! For this season, they’re a fabulous place to find all of your spring style essentials. What’s unique about No. 8 is the attention to detail they pay to what will be trending. You’re sure to find pieces that are current and fabulous. This textured top paired with a structured floral skirt is an elegant way to style the spring trends.

Public Romance

Shopping second hand vintage is one of the best ways to find unique and personalised pieces. At Public Romance, they’re sure to have beautiful and sustainable spring styles that are the perfect addition to your 2023 wardrobe.

This stunning lilac knit skirt is bringing the traditional spring motif to the shelves with its own spin. The floral hem lining is subtly playful, and really one of a kind. Their accessories are a must buy as well! These tote bags are sure to brighten any room they’re carried into.

Words by Gráinne Thornton

Photography by Ciarán MacChoncarraige

Worldly Wines with Rúibín’s Sommelier

Settle in by the cosy fireplace and let the magic of Rúibín commence. Specialising in contemporary Irish dishes with influences from around the world, the excellence of the food menu truly speaks for itself. Equally exceptional, Rúibín’s carefully curated wine list provides a real cherry on top of every visit. To meet the person responsible for introducing us to delicious new wines, we sat down with Rúibín’s Sommelier Ophelia Mortimer…

Nowadays, you’ll find Ophelia guiding guests through the wine list, sharing her recommendations and brainstorming future wine lists with a little help from Richie and a few necessary wine tastings with the team.

Tailoring a menu to include a bit of everything, from both the classics to the more funkier natural wines, Ophelia has guaranteed that there is a wine here for everyone. Taking care to showcase high quality wines from a variety of winemakers from different regions, examples include a high quality Lebanese blend and a Portuguese blend made from indigenous Portuguese grapes that were successfully saved from near extinction.

A few of her favourite pairings include Rúibín’s house red as a companion to any rich red meat dish, alternatively if you opt for a fish dish, the Pinot Noir is ideal because it is so light. A classic pairing would be the Paddy Borthwick Riesling which pairs perfectly with a spicy fish dish like ceviche, thanks to the blend of spice in the Aguachile and the dry pear notes in the Riesling.

Each day at Rúibín brings something different, giving Ophelia the chance to chat wines with new customers and introduce them to delicious new flavours. A constant reminder why she loves her work, Ophelia reminisced; “Talking about the wines and talking to people and finding them something that they love, that maybe isn’t something that they always go for as well... people often get really excited about it, it’s nice.”

No matter what you order, Ophelia’s wine list does an amazing job appealing to the individual palate. If you’re not sure what wine will suit you best, all you have to do is ask.

Book a table at Rúibín at https:// www.ruibin.ie or call them on (091) 399 200

what’s Going on?

Photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige

Start 2023 the right way and book your place at a variety of events throughout February and March. With a heaping of birthday celebrations and theatrical performances, we’ve got an amazing selection of events lined up for you in this edition…

St. Patrick’s Day

The highlight of the spring season, St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Friday this year so you better make the most of the long weekend! Fill your day with pints of the good stuff, watch the iconic parade as it moves through the city streets and dress in your finest green attire as you share in the Paddy’s Day merriment. Sláinte!

March 17th / Everywhere!

The Blue Note’s Birthday Bash

The craic is always mighty at The Blue Note boozer, and if you’re looking for a spot to dance all night long - this is it. This February 24th-26th they’ll be throwing one hell of a shindig to celebrate their birthday and with Deece playing on the 25th you know it’s gonna be one to remember! Always the best DJs, the best vibes and the best company.. you’d be nuts to miss it!

February 24th - 26th / The Blue Note

Coffee Tasting

Through a guided experience, taste some of the best coffees in Europe and learn all about its production. Dive into the world of coffee to learn about the three main coffee processes - washed, natural, & anaerobic. From picking the cherries to brewing methods, discover a side of coffee you’ve never experienced before. This is the perfect way to brighten up a winter evening!

Dates to be confirmed / Kali Coffee Bar

Photo by Mark Gusev / Adobe Stock

Photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige

Photo by Boyd Challenger

Breath-taking views of Galway Bay, an incredible food and drink scene, cute gift shops and plenty of entertainment, all while being just a hop, skip and a jump from the city centre - we could go on and on with reasons we love Salthill and during the spring months this vibrant village looks exceptionally beautiful. If you haven’t already taken a whirl down to Salthill, visiting it on the cusp of its busiest season of year is a phenomenal time to...

01. Blackrock Cottage Blackrock House, Salthill

02. Barnacles Bar & Kitchen

163 Upper Salthill

03. Osaka

157-159 Upper Salthill

04. Kali Coffee Bar

133 Upper Salthill

05. Chef Laura Rosso Grattan Road

Map illustration by Fuchsia MacAree

06. The Pear Tree Café & Bistro

107-109 Upper Salthill

07. Ground & Co Claude Toft Park, Atlantaquarium

08. Black Cat

179 Upper Salthill

09. Galway Atlantaquaria Seapoint Promenade

10. Circle of Life Commemorative Garden Quincentennial Park

11. Salthill Promenade Salthill

12. Blackrock Beach Salthill Rd Lower

13. Salthill Playground Quincentennial Drive

14. Leisureland Upper Salthill Rd

Some Girl(s)

SamePage Theatre returns with their sixth production, Neil Labute’s Some Girl(s). Join them as Guy (played by Oisín Parslow) travels across America to make amends with four old flames and clear his conscience before his Wedding Day. With a blend of honesty, humour and heart, this riveting dark comedy is a perfect parable of modern relationships.

Feb 27th to Mar 1st / Town Hall Studio

WOMP Events

Paddy’s Day’s Pub Quiz

Start your Paddy’s Day celebrations early this year with a fully-themed pub quiz on all things It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Get the gang together, whip out that greenman suit and celebrate in style with fight milk cocktails and some questionable rum ham. The WOMP crew will have plenty of prizes up for grabs and we promise you won’t have to resort to cannibalism, kidnapping, huffing paint, grave-robbing or setting anyone on fire to win!

March 12th / Róisín Dubh

Druid presents The Last Return

Druid’s latest production The Last Return is a thrilling comedy about conflict, peace and the pursuit of territory at any cost. From acclaimed playwright Sonya Kelly, The Last Return won a Fringe First Award during its run at Edinburgh Fringe last summer. In their five-star review, The Times called it ‘a true work of genius’ while The New York Times described it as ‘‘wonderful ... unexpectedly touching’.

March 8th-11th / Town Hall Theatre

Photo credit: Ste Murray

Waterloo ABBA Tribute Show

Waterloo tribute act, will be performing all the Golden Hits from the Swedish pop legends ABBA at the Clifden Station House Theatre. Voted as Ireland’s most authentic ABBA tribute of all time, prepare yourself for dazzling dance moves, replica costumes and plenty of audience participation.

Feb 11th / Clifden Station House Theatre

HystERia Téatar presents Murder Mystery - Who killed the groove?

Fans of free-spirited rocker Janis Lee; rejoice!

You’ve been invited to an intimate event that promises to mellow out even the harshest of vibes. We hear Janis has some radical plans to bring her music and message to all you free spirited souls out there. That means this is a one night only gig, you dig? So, hop into your slug bug and travel back to the groovy 60’s! But wait… There is a crime brewing on the horizon and they need YOUR help to solve it! Someone is going to be murdered… Who could it be?

March 22nd / Massimo Bar

Music Bingo

Gather your friends for some Music Bingo with your legendary local hosts Paul Belton and Mark Dooley. Each week they curate a new customised selection of songs that everyone will know, meaning that anyone can play and win!

There’s over €100 worth of prizes to be won, a complimentary drink included on arrival and once the bingo has wrapped up, DJ Paul Belton will continue playing tunes until the early hours. So, get yourself down to the Westend and wrap up your week with a bit of craic and entertainment.

Every Sunday from 8.30pm / Taylor’s Bar & Beer Garden

chef laura rosso the story so far

Introducing beautiful Brazilian flavours to Salthill and beyond, the dedication and hard work of Laura and Lucas has seen them through thick and thin. What began as a love for creating delicious food for family and friends, gradually grew into a rewarding career as a professional chef and led to the creation of two blossoming eateries - Chef Laura Rosso and Pear Tree Café & Bistro.

Partners in both life and business, Laura and Lucas have supported one another since the beginning. Laura’s love for cooking stems from days spent learning to bake under the guide of her first teacher, her grandmother. Never forgetting the joy cooking for others gave her, it became clear to Laura that this is what she wanted to spend her life doing. After developing her talents in the kitchen in both Australia and Italy, Laura and Lucas decided to make one final move to Galway in 2019 where they soon put down their roots. Since then, Laura has devoted her time to improving her culinary skills by attending a 3 year course at ATU - Atlantic Technological University (formerly GMIT). Laura said; “I love college, I improved so much [thanks to it].” She continued; “I started with what I knew from my grandmother and then this really helped me improve a lot and they [the course lecturers] were responsible for teaching me.”

During lockdown, Laura and Lucas began their company Chef Laura Rosso as a takeaway and one year later they opened up the restaurant at their current location. Thanks to the support of the Galway community and the deliciousness of Chef Laura’s Brazilian cuisine their business has been flourishing ever since. Returning from a well-deserved and much-needed break at the start of 2023, Laura and Lucas whipped up a brand new menu that continues to delight both new and returning customers.

The menu offers something for everyone; an updated version of their popular Brazilian lunch, Brazilian meat boards you can’t find anywhere else, a wider selection of vegan and vegetarian options, new sandwiches and salads and much more. Remember to call into their seaside restaurant to try out these new dishes for yourself.

Less than one year later, the couple opened their second location, Pear Tree Café & Bistro at The Nest Boutique Hostel. “I always told Laura that I always wanted to open a coffee shop,” Lucas explained and Laura, who doubted that it would be a worthwhile venture, “went on daft to prove to me that I should forget about it. Then, when she opened daft the first place on it was this place [Pear Tree Café]”. Laura jokingly added; “We didn’t choose Pear Tree Café, it chose us.” At the core of the new bistro, the duo set out to work with small local suppliers to bring their customers a menu made from the very best locally sourced ingredients including breads from Sullivan’s in Oughterard, organic mixed leaves from Mill House Farm and house specialty coffee from Soma Coffee Company. Looking ahead, they have loads of exciting plans in the works, with the opening of a wine bar at Pear Tree Café being just the start of a very promising year, so stay tuned for these upcoming additions and the next time you are in Salthill call into them and enjoy delicious food that has been made with love.

Words by Gráinne Thornton Photography by Jennifer Zdrojewski (Jay Photo Studio)

DISCOVER THE WILD

Wildlands in Moycullen, just 10 mins from Galway city centre, is the perfect adventure paradise. With a host of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages, it's the ideal entertainment experience, whatever the weather.

Wildlands offers 14 unique, architecturally designed detached cabins with luxury interiors throughout. It has five styles of cabins now available - studio cabins, two bed family cabin; large studio cabins; large studio cabins with kid’s room; and a large accessible cabin. All cabins are centrally located, a minute's walk from Wildlands' adventure hub and the award-winning Olive Tree Kitchen.

Test your wits on our Zip 'n' Trek course It is our most popular activity standing 15 metres above the ground, stretching for over 1 kilometre, with spectacular views of Ballyquirke Lakeshore along the way Up to 3 hours to complete 4 circuits with climbing tower and free fall jumps.

These cabins can welcome up to 70 guests during each break Each cabin has been designed with families in mind and is fully equipped with all your family needs while providing comfort and quality. They are the perfect home away from home

q y safety and comfort of colourful surrounds Here, you can climb to the ceiling and discover your strength and agility in a new and exciting way

Go head-to-head with your teammates in the Celtic Challenge Rooms. Discover the extent of your critical thinking skills in a relaxed and fun environment With 24 fully automated challenge rooms, this is the perfect way to prove your team building talent by navigating the time sensitive rooms, which are fully customised to reflect Irish myths and legends

Not only that, but you can be your own warrior on the Ninja Course as you navigate rope swings, incline steps, a spin cycle and so much more.

Luxury Cabins now available to book www.wildlands.ie

NEW FACES

A new year in Galway can only be celebrated in one way… by introducing yourself to the places that have opened their doors in the last few months. In this edition, we’ve got an impressive list in store for you. Folks, say hello to…

Tigín

While it may only be a new addition to Woodquay, Tigín is already building up a loyal clientele. Its name meaning ‘small home’ or ‘cottage’ in Irish perfectly captures the essence of Tigín - a cosy space where people can come find warmth and enjoy good company. Complete with an inviting atmosphere, live music Thursday to Saturday, delicious pints and amazing staff who go an extra mile to ensure their customers have a terrific experience with them. You’ll feel right at home the moment you step through the door.

Now Open at 32 Woodquay

Photo by Evan O’ Flatharta

Blackrock Cottage

Blackrock Cottage is the latest venture of Executive Head Chef Martin O’Donnell, who you may know from his instrumental role at The Twelve Hotel in Barna. With a style of cooking that focuses on local and seasonal produce, Blackrock Cottage works with a variety of local suppliers to bring you delicious contemporary modern Irish cuisine. They have also collaborated with Álainn to bring their guests the popular Álainn bowls. Housed inside a beautifully restored and renovated 1830s cottage, you’ll find them located alongside Salthill’s iconic Blackrock Diving Tower. The ideal spot for sea-swimmers, prom walkers and locals to sit, chat and enjoy delicious food.

Now Open at Salthill Promenade

Photo credit: Chaosheng Zhang

Barnacles Bar and Kitchen

The duo behind Linnane’s Lobster Bar and Flaggy Shore Oysters, Mark Commins and Conor Graham have partnered up once again to bring you Barnacles Bar and Kitchen. With the aim to introduce both Salthill locals and visitors alike to a unique dining experience, the menus at Barnacles are heavily influenced by their proximity to the sea and local seasonal produce. Alongside the exceptional menus, at Barnacles you can enjoy a fully stocked bar, a cosy atmosphere and the very best of Irish hospitality.

Now Open at 163 Upper Salthill

Osaka

Bringing brand new tastes to the West of Ireland, Osaka Japanese and Korean BBQ restaurant is a hugely welcome addition to Galway. Osaka offers visitors a dining experience of the finest Japanese and Asian cuisine. Their kitchen uses only the freshest ingredients and never uses MSG. Serving Hot Pot, Donburis, Currys, Sushis, Noodles and Wok Stars, there is something to suit everyone, with a variety of gluten free and vegan/vegetarian options available too.

Now open at 157-159 Upper Salthill

Photo credit: Anita Murphy

Photo by Evan O’ Flatharta

FREE TO JOIN

€1=1 point on all purchases

100 points = free ticket

No online booking fee

FREE TO JOIN

€1=1 point on all purchases

100 points = free ticket

No online booking fee

€5 Student ticket available Mon-Wed

€4 Popcorn: Any size, anytime

· Must be under 25 or have a vaild student card

· Membership needs to be renewed after 24 months

€25

€1=1 point on all purchases

100 points = free ticket

No online booking fee

2 free tickets for Pálás Cinema

10% ticket discount excl. event cinema

10% discount on popcorn

10% discount on hot drinks

10% discount on concessions excl. alcohol & hot food

· Valid for 12 months

€20

€1=1 point on all purchases

100 points = free ticket

No online booking fee

2 free tickets for Pálás Cinema

10% ticket discount excl. event cinema

10% discount on popcorn

10% discount on hot drinks

10% discount on concessions excl. alcohol & hot food

· Must be over 65

· Valid for 12 months

Milestone Moments at Pálás Cinema

Words by Gráinne Thornton Photography by Ciarán MacChoncarraige

With a new programmer at the helm, Pálás Cinema marks both their milestone 5th birthday and the beginning of a new age of cinema.

As an arthouse cinema, Pálás acts as an artistic community space in the heart of Galway city and the person responsible for making this cinema experience unique is Programmer Will Fitzgerald. Will describes his role to be; “the hand that shapes the experience that people are going to have”. From curating every programme with special thought to the interests of their audiences and hosting special retrospective programmes around the holidays to organising themed quizzes, game and bingo nights in the bar, Will and the rest of the team are the creative forces behind each phenomenal event.

No stranger to the ins and outs of Irish film culture, Will has 5 years of experience curating programmes for the world-famous Galway Film Fleadh. Will expressed gratitude to moviegoers for their continuous support in getting the Irish film culture to such a healthy place. Speaking on the sensational Irish black tragicomedy ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ which landed in cinemas in late 2022, Will acknowledges; “It’s definitely the Irish film that brought audiences back to cinemas in a big way.”

“At the end of the day”, Will continues; “what it comes down to is he [Martin McDonagh] is a canny director who has got great actors together in a film that had something to say. It wasn’t overly complicated, had a beautiful landscape, beautiful costumes and people loved it, it was as simple as that.”

As the Oscars draw closer, Will shares his hope that ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ receives the recognition it deserves both in terms of its storytelling and great acting by an amazing cast. Additional recommendations for moviegoers, Will suggests ‘Tár’, starring Cate Blanchett as a wonderful take on the story of the problematic genius. ‘The Fabelmans’ is another Steven Spielberg classic. Sam Mendes’ ‘Empire of Light’ is a particular favourite of Wills’ as it places a special focus on cinema houses themselves. The documentary ‘All the Beauty and Bloodshed’ will be of particular interest to fans of ‘Dopesick’ as it follows the story of Nan Goldin as she exposes the Sackler family. Brendan Fraser gives a phenomenal performance in Darren Aronsky’s ‘The Whale’ and deserves recognition for it this Oscar season.

Coinciding with the Oscar season, Pálás is celebrating 5 years open, making this a very special time at the arthouse cinema. Will says; “even though we are coming up on 5 years it feels like we’re starting afresh and honestly I’m looking forward to the challenge”. Extending a warm welcome to all moviegoers, Will and the rest of the Pálás team are inviting you to once again share in the magic of film in 2023.

Give Gaeilge a Go

An bhfuil aon Gaeilge agat?

Well if your answer is níl, or you just couldn’t understand what we were saying above, then now is the perfect time to learn a bit of Irish! Our native tongue is going through a bit of a resurgence at the moment, with growing numbers of young people speaking the language, various media campaigns being rolled out to encourage its use and organisations working to give it more prominence in our day-to-day lives. Here at This is Galway, we have a huge grá for promoting the language; it’s a great way to keep the unique culture of the West of Ireland alive and thriving.

Useful phrases and places to practice your Irish Conas atá tú?

So with Seachtain na Gaeilge running from March 1-17, you might be thinking it’s time to join the Gaeilge Gang, and we want to help! On the next page you’ll find some simple and useful everyday phrases you can use, as well as a couple of places where you can practice them to improve your confidence in speaking the language and to help spread the word (literally!).

Oh, and remember: Is fearr Gaeilge briste, ná Béarla clíste (Broken Irish is better than clever English!). So don’t be nervous!

01 02 03 04 05 06

How To Say It…

Hello! = Dia Duit [jee-ya gwitch)

Hello (to more than one person) = Dia dhaoibh [jee-ya yeeuv)

I would like… = Ba mhaith liom… [ba wah lum]

Please = Mas é do thoil é [mosh ay duh hell ay]

Thank you very much = Go raibh míle maith agat [guh row meela maw ogut]

Where Is the…? = Cá bhfuil an… ? [kaw will on]

You can now shout some Gaeilge from the rooftops and help spread the word, but there are a few particular places across Galway which will help you hone your skills even more!

Over a coffee...

If you want to practice your Irish daily, head to Plámás. The lovely folk at this cute and cosy little coffeeshop in Galway’s Westend go above and beyond to champion the Irish language. They’ve got phonetic instructions written on the wall (i.e. the sounds you need to make!) on how to place your order through Gaeilge, and you’ll even get a discount when you try it out. You don’t have to be a native speaker to get a coffee here, just give it a go!

Surrounded by culture…

Speaking of keeping Irish culture alive, nothing goes better with Gaeilge than ceol agus ól (i.e. trad music and a pint of Guinness!). So we highly recommend heading to Taaffes, an iconic Irish pub on Galway’s Shop Street where a lot of the bar staff and customers speak fluently. There’s always GAA on the telly and a trad session in the corner so you can further surround yourself with the culture and language. Alternatively, if you like the sound of Irish culture but don’t fancy a pint, head to An Taibhdhearc to see an Irish language play!

At The Gaeltacht

They say the West Coast of Ireland is home to the last remaining vestiges of old Éire, and it’s easy to see why as you explore those parts of Connemara and County Galway where Gaeilge is the primary language and our heritage is very much alive. From road signs to shop names and Sunday mass sermons to pub small talk, everything happens through the Irish language in these charming pockets in Galway and they are the ideal place to fully immerse yourself! For the city slickers who are afraid to stray too far into the countryside, sign up for the Irish language classes at Áras na nGael in Galway’s Westend.

Running from 1st-17th of March, Seachtain na Gaeilge is an international Irish language festival sponsored by Energia, which is the biggest celebration of our native language and culture that takes place in Ireland and in many other countries every year. So, this March, make use of our handy tips and start speaking our lovely language.

Howya! Any craic?

Nah, that will come later. We’re getting ready for Valentine’s

Tell us about yourself...

My name is Dave Andrews. I am the owner of Laura Jane. I’m the most easy-going guy in the world. I worry about nothing and am well capable of dealing with people’s problems and giving them advice.

At what point did you decide that this was the business for you?

1994. I was married. I had 6 children. I had no job. I said ‘what can i do that nobody else is doing?’ and this is what I did. I opened an adult store in Dublin and now I’m in Galway, 13 years. The one in Dublin closed, because Laura Jane is not Laura Jane unless I’m here.

What’s the most rewarding part of the job?

There’s multiple answers for that. Since I started, the industry has changed totally. It’s gone from being behind closed doors and pressing buzzers to come in, to women walking in now as if they’re walking into a supermarket. Women have changed everything, so there is a real satisfaction of seeing women coming in. We get a lot of women that were in bad relationships, and they come in and they’re all shy and they walk out the door with a nice toy and smiling all over their faces.

Would you say Galwegians are prudish or do people frequent your store more than we would think?

There’s a lot more people coming in. When you mention Galway people being prudish, Galway’s not the old Galway of 20 years ago. It’s multinational now, we’ve got people from all over the world living here. Totally different. Totally.

Any plans for Valentine’s?

Nothing at the moment. I’m single, so any good women out there looking for a man who’s nearly dead give me a shout.

What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done?

That’s hard. I don’t look at doing things as being memories and nice things to do for people. I think the nicest thing you do for anyone is to sit down, don’t judge them and listen to their problems.

What’s your biggest seller on Valentine’s?

The biggest seller on Valentine’s, everyone thinks it’s lingerie but it’s not. It’s sex toys.

What is your favourite thing to do in Galway?

I don’t have many hobbies. The job is my hobby, the job is basically my girlfriend. What I used to like to do pre-Covid was I used to like going out to pubs. I like live music, sitting and having a few pints. I’d normally book a hotel in Galway because it was cheaper to stay overnight than it was to get a taxi home and a taxi back in. Now I’m just married to the job.

Tell us one thing you would change about Galway?

The road system. Definitely.

Have you ever brought your work home with you?

Nope.

Tell us a secret...

I have no secrets. No secrets at all. I always believed that if you have a shit memory you need to tell the truth all the time.

At Valentine’s, people use the phrase ‘say it with flowers’ but what would you say..?

Flowers don’t last as long as batteries.

Photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige

telebox

Words by Chloe Richardson

Feature image by Leo Seoighthe

Local Galway band Telebox have a sound to be reckoned with. Passionate as well as reinforced by the veil of optimism inspired by youth, they’re working towards the preservation of one of the few sacrosanct art forms left: rock ‘n’ roll.

We were thrilled to spend an evening chatting with Telebox about their journey thus far, what playing together means to them, and what lays on the horizon for the band.

Telebox is composed of four members; Joe Kelly on vocals and guitar, Stevie Healy on drums, Eoin Kileen on bass, and Conall Ó Floinn on guitar. They started playing together in April of 2022. Since then, they’ve been steadfast in spreading joy through their music. “Being able to connect with others and share this is what I love so much about being in a band,” notes Stevie. The vibrance they exude shouldn’t be confused with naivety - their grasp on the world is real, and their message is indisputable.

There’s clarity of thought found through their creative process. “It’s sometimes difficult to really say how you feel about something” says Conall, “but when you put a chord to it, it makes an awful lot more sense.” There’s also a discernible notion of comfort found in music; that’s something Telebox hones in on. Eoin says, “I just like making things that exude the feeling of, that’s nice.. I want people to listen to the things we play and think, that’s really great.” Music can be the solace in the universal, the language that unites. It’s their go at creating something that’s allencompassing. It’s what tears the inside of us apart, while simultaneously acting as the bandage on the open wound.

While their songs find their genesis in truth and realism, the resolute feeling is the indiscernible experience of longing that encourages our efforts to connect with one another. Their most recent singles, Signs of Joy and Platonic Plague, veil that desire for connection in energetic and upbeat tunes. They hope to make music that reflects inward, but also encourages people to, as Joe puts it, “fuckin’ dance, move, this is a wonderful thing.”

When they take to the stage, the cover of individualism is shed. This is a place where their collective talents unite each other, and the audience. To attain that, dialogue proves vital. “One of my lines was… I don’t care if you hit someone, kiss someone, or spit on someone. I said something like that at the gig and all I saw were my mother’s eyes looking at me… but I just think it’s about letting loose,” says Joe. Even in these moments of fervent expression in the hunt for understanding, parental influence is indispensable.

This is just the beginning for the band. With more upcoming gigs and an EP on the way, Telebox are claiming their spot on the stages of Galway and in the airwaves as well. “There is lots to come soon from us” says Stevie, “...we are so excited for people to finally get a chance to hear more of our music.” Their effort to connect has been fruitful, their sound is curiously addictive. What sustains this, is the true devotion they have for making music with each other and then sharing it with the world.

To stay up to date on everything upcoming from Telebox, you can find their Instagram @_telebox_

“It’s sometimes difficult to really say how you feel about something but when you put a chord to it, it makes an awful lot more sense.”

Photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige

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who

Art & Design

Marty Browne

marty@thisisgalway.ie

Editor & Writer

Gráinne Thornton

grainne@thisisgalway.ie

Writers

Ado Lyons

Chloe Richardson

Photography

Ciarán MacChoncarraige

Marketing Director

Maxi Browne

maxi@thisisgalway.ie

Contributors

Áine Keaveney

Illustration

Evan O’ Flatharta Design

Distribution info@thisisgalway.ie

FAMILY BOND

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