This is Galway November/December 2022 Edition - Issue #28

fiona murtagh

Words by Chloe Richardson Photography by Boyd Challenger

Through perseverance, fortitude, and graceful humility, Fiona Murtagh has proven her ability to overcome obstacles and create opportunities that have changed her life for the better. The Galway rower has the unique gift of turning sentiment into results. In 2020, Fiona and her teammate Aifric Keogh became the first Galwegians to bring home an Olympic medal for Ireland. Fiona has a sense of determination that is not only inspiring, but an integral component to her success.

Like anything in life that garners a feeling of accomplishment, there is an underlying feeling of struggle. It’s the conviction of self-belief reflected in the words, ‘it’s hard because it matters.’ What marks the greatness of an individual lies in their recognition of this struggle; not in a deprecative way, rather as a marker for growth. Fiona strikes this balance in all she does, focusing on the importance of continual reflection.

For Fiona, her rowing career has been incredibly fulfilling, despite the disheartening moments along the way. Sitting down with Fiona to discuss her career, she offers insight and her thoughts on this process. “It’s important to reflect but not focus on the past too much... If you always look in the past, you’ll never get any faster.”

“For people who feel like they’re useless there is something for you, you just haven’t found it yet. So [practice] patience and a little kindness to yourself.”

Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Fiona has taken this mindset to heart, and through this she’s had incredible success and been an inspiration to many. Fiona has stayed grounded in this feeling by focusing on the small moments she experiences through rowing. “There are moments… certain scenarios. You would see a sunrise and the water would be flat, and the rowing would be really good, and you would think this is unbelievable. That’s what keeps you going.” Sometimes, the moments in between struggle and accomplishment are what sustains the spirit’s desire to persist.

One of these moments was the qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Going into the trials with an awareness of now-or-never, the women’s coxless four knew they had to give it their all. “We were training with the sense of we haven’t made it yet… We have to make sure this is our moment. So going through all of that…and then winning the qualification regatta…it was like ‘oh my god this is actually happening.’”

The team later made history by winning Irish rowing’s first women’s Olympic medal. “It was lovely on the podium, we got to present our medals to each other… It was such a personal moment. Everyone was crying, we’re an emotional bunch,” Fiona says through the glint of a nostalgia filled smile.

Along with the awards, and medals, Fiona has the special privilege of her own name being adorned across a rowing boat at the University of Galway.

What marks this as a significant milestone for the rower is the opportunity to witness the endowment with her own eyes, “the funny thing is in rowing a lot of those people [who have had boat blessings] are deceased… so to be a living person and actually see my name was beautiful.”

Fiona’s journey has been one of tenacity. After studying in New York at Fordham University on a rowing scholarship, she came back to Galway. She eventually transitioned from club rowing to rowing professionally. But Fiona’s passion was not always so definite. Before she took up rowing, she felt uncertain about her ability in sports.

“I was terrible at everything… I just happened to fall into rowing, and somehow became not too bad at it.” Fiona hopes to inspire others to keep going. “For people who feel like they’re useless there is something for you, you just haven’t found it yet. So [practice] patience and a little kindness to yourself.”

After what she refers to as a “heartbreaking end to a long season” Fiona returns to the reflection point that she finds such solace in. With a set goal, there is little that won’t be done to accomplish it. “The goal is for Paris, we’ve taken three weeks to decompress, regather, see what we need to change for next year…how we can get a little faster.” This is a drive and determination that lives within Fiona, and will continue to lead her further down the path of attainment, and personal accomplishment.

Just because the temperature is dropping, it doesn’t mean you should miss out on visiting all the amazing places Galway has to offer. Are you ready for our monthly bucket list number two? Let’s go!

receive some pampering

A must-do spa experience in Galway, the Spirit One Spa at The Galmont Hotel offers a selection of spa therapies and beauty treatments which are just what you need to help you wind down and relax. Options include massages, facials, scrubs, manicures and pedicures. You can also avail of the unique ‘float’ treatment and feel your worries float away.

dive into Galway’s past

Take a glimpse into the archaeology and history of the City of Tribes at Galway City Museum and immerse yourself in Galway’s creative culture. The museum’s free programme caters to all interests, consisting of exhibitions, gallery tours, illustrated talks, workshops and more. We recommend checking out the War of Friends exhibition which tells the moving civil war story of Pádraic O’Máille and Liam Mellows, and the Poetry as Commemoration Workshop is certain to be an incredible creative event. For more, check out their brand new website at www.galwaycitymuseum.ie

heat things up

Now that the seasonal chill is officially here, we can’t think of a better way to warm up than enjoying some of the goodies on the winter warmers menu at O’Connell’s Bar. Cosying up with a hot toddy or one of their famous Irish coffees is one of the most recommended methods of staving off the cold and one we are known to follow religiously. Make sure you give it a go...

check out the local talent

Showcasing exceptional Galway artists, Outset Gallery is a creative space dedicated to exhibiting contemporary art in the west. For those rainy day meanderings or if you are looking for a bit of inspo, we highly recommend popping in and checking out their latest exhibition. They also have a retail area where you can snap up some pretty cool artsy items and one of their lush plants.

share delicious food with pals

There is something about sharing platters of small plate tapas that makes it taste so much nicer. At 1520, you and your friends can sink your teeth into a taste of Spain with Head Chef Nicolas Betts’ tapas-style menu. Canarian potatoes, prawn & chorizo skewers, Spanish meatballs and more... You have got to try this!

Illustrations by Áine Keaveney

Words by Gráinne Thornton

TTThis December, Harry’s Bar at Water Lane in Bohermore will be alive with birthday celebrations. Since opening their doors back in 2017, Harry’s Bar has only gone from strength to strength.

Boasting numerous awards for their burgers and cocktails, a chic interior décor and an incredible team, there’s no doubt that Harry’s Bar will be marking more amazing milestones in the years to come.

With 5 sensational years under their belt we got chatting to the man behind it all. For Steve Harris marking Harry’s Bar 5th birthday feels somewhat surreal; “It’s class. It flew by but to get to where we are now is brilliant, because at the start we didn’t really know what we were.” What had started out as an urban bar transformed over the years into the cocktail lounge and sports bar you know today. “We found ourselves after a little while”, Steve added.

The five years have not been without their ups and downs, but Steve is grateful for each experience and for all the team both past and present that have helped Harry’s get to where it is today.

The Covid-19 pandemic presented its own difficulties but Steve and his team managed to continue to do what they do best and were amazed by the response they received. Steve recalled; “It was a hard time for everyone and we didn’t know if we would open again and then we decided to open to do takeaway and we were flat out busy”

Expressing his gratitude to everyone who helped in making their success happen, Steve warmly remembered; “our team didn’t really know what was going to happen, whether they’d be out of jobs or what but one of best things was to be able to have our people work, everyone was secure.” The hard-work of the Harry’s team was swiftly rewarded, in 2020 they won the Just Eat Award for their takeaway cocktails. Since then, National Burger Day has voted them Best Burger Bar in Ireland in 2021 and Best Gourmet Burger Specialist in Connaught in 2022. Steve fondly said of it all; “winning those awards and having a great team and everyone working together - that’s when I’d be most happy because we have a great team.”

Reaching the five year milestone brought Steve a sense of relief because, as he amusingly explained; “someone told me when we had just first opened that rule number one was to stay in business so once you reach the year 5 mark that you are pretty safe.”

With five years done and dusted, Steve fondly reflected on his time at Harry’s Bar; “Just starting off and knowing it as just a bar to getting so many followers on Instagram and so many returned customers, It’s a great feeling.”

Open seven days a week, Harry’s Bar has something for everyone. Offering weekend brunches, a wide range of mouthwatering food, including wings, burgers, steak, nachos and desserts. They also boast a drinks menu that features everything from classic shakes and just about every type of daiquiri to shots, sours and signature classics. The ideal place for date night, a girls night out or enjoying the game with pals, you’ll be a Harry’s Bar regular before you know it.

Words by Gráinne Thornton Feature photo by Boyd Challenger

NEW FACES

In each magazine we are setting out to introduce you to some amazing new places in Galway that we know you will absolutely love. We have got an incredible selection lined up for this edition. So without further ado, give a warm Galway welcome to…

An Tobar Bar & Kitchen

If you’re looking for a cool place to enjoy a night out in East Galway, An Tobar Bar & Kitchen in Ballygar is the latest spot to try. Owners Jason and Mark have taken things to another level. With live music every weekend, unmissable meal deals and food and drink menus that are full of serious goodness, there’s no better place for going on an auld session.

Now Open at Main Street, Ballygar

Wishbone Galway

Wishbone Galway have all the wings, tenders, desserts, beers and cocktail specials you could possibly want. Sprinkle in their additional daytime lunch offers and you would be clucking mad not to try it! When you do pop in, check out their creative Galway slang wall and see how many of them you know - what is your favourite bit of Galway slang?

Now Open at Unit 6/7 Eglinton Court, Eglinton Street

The Lane

A neighbourhood wine bar and restaurant run by two friends who set out to create a relaxed space in the style of the Continental enotecas and neighbourhood bistros we all know and love. Offering an extensive, primarily European, wine list, and a selection of delicious artisan boards to cater for every taste. The Lane is a place where people can meet friends and like-minded fellows while discovering great food and beautiful wines.

Now Open at Kirwan’s Lane, Latin Quarter

An exciting New Innovation for Galway Music Residency

An exciting New Innovation for Galway Music Residency

For the first time in a decade, Galway Music Residency has invited a new Guest Resident Artist to join their programme - the internationally renowned Italian guitarist Marco Ramelli.

Marco’s talents extend to composing and artistic direction as well as performing. This exciting residency will see Marco curate and perform in six concerts across Galway city and county this November and December.

Everyone has the right to listen to, learn about and love music - This simple belief is the driving force behind everything GMR aims to achieve. It exists to provide the people of Galway city and county opportunities to experience music in new and unexpected ways, to learn from inspiring musicians and spark joy in their lives.

“I am thrilled to be part of the Galway Music Residency, a fantastic and innovative project. I am really honoured to be able to share the stage with a group of such talented musicians as the ConTempo.”

Marco Ramelli is a guitarist, composer, artistic director and lecturer at TU Dublin Conservatoire of Music. He has performed at major concert halls all over the world, including performances at several international music festivals.

A keen advocate of contemporary music, Marco commissioned and premiered more than fifty compositions for solo and chamber music.

During his career, he has been awarded various first prizes in important international competitions in Italy, Spain, UK, France and Serbia. As a composer, Marco won the prestigious “World Guitar Composition Competition” and his music is performed by internationally acclaimed soloists.

Marco’s programme with ConTempo Quartet includes two free lunchtime concerts on the first Tuesday of November and December in Galway city’s atmospheric St Nicholas’ Church; two free iterations of GMR’s hugely popular 3 Kinds of Music concerts featuring a range of musical styles and genres at The Mick Lally Theatre; and two free Countywide concerts in the exquisite, landmark buildings of Claregalway Castle and Ballygar Courthouse.

“In the following months, we will bring a kaleidoscope of music for the guitar and strings quartet. I chose two themes to be my guide: landscapes and the power of the voice. These two themes strongly relate to each other and to the west of Ireland, where songs and landscapes are so profoundly connected from ancient times.”

Joining Marco throughout the residency will be ConTempo Quartet. Specially chosen as Galway Music Residency’s Ensemble in Residence in 2003 they continue to captivate audiences throughout the city and county with its repertoire of classical, contemporary, folk and traditional music. Since its formation in Bucharest in 1995, ConTempo Quartet has performed more than 1,800 concerts world-wide in 46 countries.

Marco’s kaleidoscopic journey brings a range of music and styles to audiences across Galway county and city. For more information visit www. galwaymusicresidency.ie.

Galway Music Residency is kindly supported by the Arts Council of Ireland, University of Galway (Education Partner), Galway City Council and Galway County Council.

Scan for programme of events

Photos courtesy Marco Ramelli

Howya! Any craic?

I’m good thanks, very busy the last few months building the foundations and organising the launch of West End Art Collective. Lots of amazing people involved in the Collective so loads of craic too of course.

Tell us about yourself...

My name is Jarlath Tourish. I’m a tattoo/visual artist working out of Claddagh Art Collective which I opened a few years back with my arch nemesis Joe Westcott, and also now I work sometimes out of West End Art Collective which I opened with my wife Maeve and my two daughters Aria and Willow. On the odd occasion, when I have spare time, I like to paint with oils and create wood burning art, pyrography.

Why do you do what you do?

I’m obsessed with it, creativity is life.

What’s your happiest memory?

Nothing in particular, I tend to embrace what’s ahead rather than looking back.

Who’s your favourite artist?

My favourite visual artist is Alex Grey, a Mystic Visionary artist from New York, and also my sidekick Joe Westcott. Both are very inspirational to me in my career.

howya?

What bought you to Galway?

I came to Galway in 2005 as a mature student to study Psychology and Philosophy.

What’s your favourite thing to do in Galway?

A ramble in Barna Woods with my kids and also a few pints on a Sunday with friends in the West End and I’m happy out, mostly in MP Walsh’s or Taylor’s finishing with John Conneely in the Róisín.

Tell us one thing that you’d change about Galway?

The housing and accommodation situation, disgraceful.

Tell us a secret...

I have no secrets, all the cards on the table as far as I’m concerned.

Tell us a joke!

Politicians, as Billy Connolly once said: the very fact that someone wants to be a politician should ban them from ever being one!

“Don’t waste time doing things you hate, Peace and Love.“

howya?

Photo by Boyd Challenger

what’s Going on?

Photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige

There’s no better way to finish off the year than booking yourself into a plethora of events taking place across Galway throughout November and December. Highlights include club nights, family fun days and the return of the festive marketplace, but really that is only the start of a very exciting lineup…

Galway Brú Theatre presents Selvage; an unstable fable of our times. This is an evocative, inventive theatre show merging puppetry and physical storytelling with a live music score by Anna Mullarkey. Selvage was initially developed through the Druid FUEL programme and funded by the Arts Council and Galway City Council.

November 10th / The Mick Lally Theatre

At long last, the Galway Science & Technology Festival makes its roaring return to the University of Galway campus for a family fun day of education, learning, inspiring and nurturing an interest in science, technology, engineering and maths. The free exhibition will include over 80 interactive stands, 20 shows and workshops and plenty more demonstrations of rockets, bubbles, snakes and spiders.

Nov 13th / University of Galway Campus

Blush Club Nights

Head on over to Galway’s Westend for the hottest new club night in town! Kickstart your weekends with Blush, a multi-genre club night focused on platforming women, lgbtq+ and non-binary Irish artists and DJs. Bringing you non-stop tunes and craic until the early hours, what better way to wrap up a work week than throwing shapes on the dance floor?

Every Thursday Night/ Róisín Dubh

Galway Science & Technology Festival

GALWAY’S WESTEND

NUN’S ISLAND

CLADDAGH

BOHERMORE

by Fuchsia MacAree

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Can’t Believe You haven’t Seen… The Wizard of Oz

Town

A festive winter wonderland, Elf Town is a magical 2 hour Christmas experience for the whole family. There will be loads for the little ones to see and do over the course of the 2 hour experience, including decorating Christmas cookies, posting their Santa letters, meeting Santa Claus himself and getting a gift to take home with them.

Nov 25th to Dec 23rd / Galway Racecourse, Ballybrit

Renmore Pantomime

Christmas Market

If there is one Galway Christmas tradition you should partake in it is visiting the annual Christmas Market. Here you can visit the glut of food, drink and craft stalls; take Instagram worthy pics from the top of the ferris wheel; hop aboard Santa’s express train to see the city’s decorative Christmas lights; gather the pals for a sesh in the beer tent, or bring the little ones for a spin on the carousel.

Nov 11th to Dec 22nd / Eyre Square

One of the highlights of the Galway Christmas calendar is heading to the theatre to see the charming Renmore Pantomime. This year they will be performing Cinderella, where with the enchanting Fairy Godmother and mischievous Ugly Sisters you will ‘Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo’ your way through this fairytale adventure with Cinderella and her friends.

Shows from Dec 29th into the New Year / Town Hall Theatre

wonderful winter walks in galway...

Words by Ado Lyons

Here at This Is Galway, we are finally starting to realise that Winter is actually the ideal time for a stroll in the great outdoors! The shorter days make it easier to catch the stunning sunrises and sunsets, the colder weather means you can wrap up cosy in a hat and scarf, and the festive decorations make the whole city sparkle!

So, embrace the wild west’s winter weather and get out exploring Galway!

Walk the Waterways

We absolutely love walking along Galway’s canals, rivers and waterways. Always teeming with life, from rowers battling the current to swans gliding gracefully along the top, so keep your eyes peeled for all the action and be ready to snap a photo! Start at University of Galway in Newcastle and follow the greenway alongside Eglinton Canal, then finish off with views of the iconic Galway Hookers overwintering at the Claddagh. A quick takeaway pastry from Gourmet Tart Co on Raven’s Terrace is the perfect way to break up this excursion.

Step into Christmas

The glittering of Christmas lights transforms Galway city’s historic, cobblestone streets during the winter months and never fails to put a smile on the faces of those who wander below. Regardless of age, religion, beliefs or background, it’s hard to deny that the seasonal decorations brighten up the long, dark evenings of winter. We strongly recommend ordering a rich, creamy hot chocolate from Espresso 44 on William Street to accompany your meander along Shop Street, High Street, Quay Street and The Latin Quarter. If the ceiling of fairy lights starts to get a bit repetitive, there are lots of local independent businesses along the way that go to serious effort with their Christmas window displays and even rival the well-known Brown Thomas Try to take a peek at 2wildgeese, Coffeewerk + Press, Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop and Hazel Mountain Chocolate while you’re out and about!

Stroll the Prom at Sunrise

Salthill Promenade is probably one of the most famous walking trails in Ireland and we’re sure there are very few of you who haven’t walked it yet… but have you ever walked it at sunrise? Morning breaks a little later in November, between 7.30am and 8.30am, making it the ideal time of year to start your day the right way! Galway Bay glistens as dawn breaks over the Clare Hills and orange hues move across the landscape. You’ll be surprised by how many people are out swimming at Blackrock even at this early hour and, who knows, you might build up the courage to join them sometime! If you do, reward yourself with a hearty and warming breakfast at Ground & Co or Chef Laura Rosso afterwards.

Wander Around Galway’s Westend

There is one very special part of Galway city where the changing of the seasons is especially palpable; Galway’s Westend. The leaves in Fr Burke Park turn brown and crisp underneath your feet, the fresh produce on display outside Ernie’s Shop begins to mirror the time of year, hot whiskeys flow by the stove in Bierhaus and the welcoming locals start to chat excitedly about the festive season and all the fun it brings. A stroll from the historic Small Crane to the Playground is only a short distance but could end up taking hours depending on who you meet while you’re out and which warm pub they coax you to join them in!

Photo by Evan O’ Flatharta

in

The Gin Guide Awards

From stocking stuffers to more elaborate mementos, ‘tis the season for spoiling the ones you love. Turn over the page to find out more about these stunning gifts...

Gifts of Christmas

Public Romance - Accessories - from €4.50 to €12

Something your loved one can wear time and again, there’s nothing like being given a gift set of Public Romance’s eye-catching selection of colour popping accessories. These are guaranteed to go down a treat!

52 Abbeygate St Upper

Plámás - OG Beanie - €20

Cosy hats are appropriate year round in Galway so you know these Plámás Beanies make for the perfect Christmas pressie. With loads of fabulous colours to choose from, your loved one will be able to keep warm while looking blooming lovely. The only difficulty is choosing which colour to buy!

Plámás, 6 Dominick St Upper

2 Wild Geese - Eternal Love Painting - €55

Created by Irish artist, Lorraine Fletcher, ‘Eternal Love’ is a lovely acrylic on canvas painting. If you have someone in your life who adores the natural world, Lorraine’s range of products at 2 Wild Geese will undoubtedly be a crowd pleaser.

13 Cross Street Upper, Kirwan’s Lane

Pálás Cinema - Gift Voucher for Pálás - Undetermined Popcorn, drinks and the best seat in the house at the screening of their choice, the gift vouchers at Pálás Cinema offer the chance of giving someone a cinematic experience they’ll never forget.

15 Merchant’s Rd Lower

Aplomb Menswear - Jill & Gill Casual Everyday Orchid Flower Hoodie - €120

The Autumn/Winter range at Aplomb contains loads of fab wardrobe additions that will look beautiful on your loved one. The Irish owned unisex collection is all sustainably sourced and made with love. This collection is big on energy and pops with bright colours.

23 William St West

Irish Socksciety - Socks - €7/9

Give the gift everyone actually wants - cosy pairs of Irish made socks. You can simply gift one pair as a chic stocking filler or sign your gift receiver up for 3, 6 or 12 months Sock Subscription which will get them a random pair of Irish Socksciety’s socksy socks every month!

www.irishsocksciety.com

Outset Gallery - Framed Original Shane O’Malley Artwork - €1850

Buy the artwork in store at Outset Gallery and avail of their bespoke framing service to complete your gift. Outset Galway comprises Outset Gallery, Outset Design & Outset Framing acting as a one stop shop for Art, Prints, Framing, Furniture, Botany, Homeware & More - the perfect place to find a unique gift for Christmas.

Cornstore, Unit 14 + 15, Middle Street

Coffeewerk + Press - Grey Felt Slippers - €75.95

Make this Christmas all about comfort with a gift of cosy felt slippers. Made with 100% pure natural wool with a sole of soft calfskin, these slippers were created with comfort and easy mobility in mind.

4 Quay Street

Yes Flowers - Traditional Candle Logs - €145/135

Handmade in the atelier of Yes Flowers by Raytus Gassner, these Traditional Candle Logs are a beautiful symbol of welcome to strangers and to remember those who are far away from home at Christmas.

5 Eglinton Street

The Sheep - Foxford Throws - from €120 / The Sheep - €495

Who wouldn’t love receiving a gorgeous Foxford Throw for Christmas? The Sheep stocks Cashmere, Lambswool and Merino Wool Throws by Foxford and they are the ideal present for that special person in your life who is always cold. Alternatively, their adorable handcrafted Sheep come in all shapes and sizes and are exactly what ewe need this holiday season.

4 Mainguard Street

Grá Chocolates - Chocolate Heart - €35 / Chocolate Christmas Baubles - €18

This is a gift that’s guaranteed to bring a smile to their face. Grá Chocolates’ Mince Pie Chocolate Heart is ideal for lovers of the festive flavours- brandy butter and mince pies. The hand painted Chocolate Christmas Baubles are stunning additions to the Christmas tree and each contain a different delicious fillings. They’re a Christmas necessity if you ask us!

www.grachocolates.com

Ahascragh Distillery - Xin Gin - €42

Winner of ‘Best in Ireland’ at The Gin Guide Awards, Xin Gin is a certified treat for the tastebuds. The word Xin itself means ‘heart’ or ‘feelings’ in Mandarin so it really is the perfect Christmas gift for the gin drinker in your life.

www.ahascraghdistillery.com

Get out of the city and explore… Oranmore

*Approx 20 min drive from City Centre

Thanks to its easy access transport routes into Galway City, Oranmore village is in the perfect location for a weekend getaway or afternoon adventure. Even though its petit nature might make it easy to pass by, Oranmore is home to an abundance of unique places that should be on every Galway adventurer’s to-visit list. Here’s a snippet of what it has to offer…

Walk amongst Galway’s Natural Beauty

Exploring the stunning walkways of Rinville Park and Woodlands is a wonderful family-friendly activity. Complete with beautiful parkland trails, a playground and picnic tables, bring along a coffee and some treats from Brazco Coffee Academy and this is the perfect addition to a day in Oranmore.

Indulge in Delicious Dishes

If fresh, homemade and organic Italian food with a full bar menu and fantastic ambiance sounds good to you; you simply need to book yourself in for a meal at the authentic Italian restaurant, Basilico. Everything they offer has been prepared with their guests in mind making for a lovely experience.

Shop the New Styles

There’s no better way to welcome in the cold season than spending a few bob on a fab new winter wardrobe. And, at Wolf & West Menswear they’ve got you covered. No matter if you’re on the hunt for a fresh new suit or something more day-to-day, you are certain to walk away with an eye-catching new look.

Book some Tee Time

Who doesn’t love a good tea break? ..or should we say tee break! If you are like us and need to getaway every now and then, just know that Galway Bay Golf Resort offers an escape like no other. This 18-hole course blends both natural beauty with golfing adventure and it’s regarded amongst the very best golf courses in Ireland. Even if golfing isn’t your thing, be sure to call by for a stunning lunch with friends and enjoy panoramic views of Galway Bay.

Enjoy a Jazz Infused Evening Out

Every Thursday night (or at Sunday brunch if you’re visiting on the weekend), the cosy French restaurant Armorica comes alive with catchy jazz tunes. Spending your evening dining on French inspired foods and rich wines while enjoying toe tappingly good beats is really the perfect way to wrap up a busy day in Oranmore.

Party through the Night

For all your night out needs it has to be Porterhouse Showcasing live performances each weekend, an unbeatable drink menu and live sports on the big screen, the craic is unmatched at this vibrant gastropub. Beloved by locals and always a big hit amongst visitors, if there is one place in town for enjoying a cold one, it is with the sound team at Porterhouse.

William Street, Galway

www.orjewellery.ie

Start your weekend off right by soaking in the panoramic views of Galway City over brunch at Sophie’s Rooftop Restaurant. Whatever the weather, the fully covered heated outdoor terrace remains the perfect setting throughout the year.

Packed full of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, Sophie’s brunch menu offers irresistible bites with breakfast favourites like eggs benedict and avocado toast, to sweeter treats like their Nutella and toasted hazelnut pancakes, which are simply too good to miss. In the mood for a boozy brunch? They’ve got that covered with a range of cocktails so good you’ll want to work your way through the menu. Whatever your preference, Sophie’s will leave you with a delectable dish that’ll have you dreaming of your next visit all week.

80-86 Prospect Hill, The Dean Hotel Galway (091) 749 210 / www.sophies.ie

The History of MC McGraths

Words by Gráinne Thornton Photographs by Boyd Challenger

SSStretching back over 6 generations and 200 years, MC McGrath’s Bar has undoubtedly become a monumental part of Clifden’s lengthy history. With a fierce dedication to their roots, the family-run original Irish bar offers visitors a place by the fire to rest their legs and savour a well-poured pint and toetappingly good tunes.

To get to know more about the legacy of MC McGrath’s Bar, we chatted with current owner Michael Carey.

Once you step in the door, you can’t help but be wrapped up in the cosiness of the authentic original Irish bar. The cosy lighting and two open fireplaces set the ambiance, with woody scents and the low crackle of logs burning. If you have a chance to muse about the bar we highly recommend it as you’ll soon discover loads of interesting additions to the bar’s décor that each have their own story. The wheel above the fireplace originally from Breffni Builders in Westport was unearthed from outside the bar, a bodhrán that adorns the wall carries Michael’s family coats of arms, the Honda 50 motorbike that Michael used to ride to school and a plethora of pictures that depict the story of the Carey and McGrath families from down through the years.

One of Clifden’s oldest family-owned bars, Michael Carey’s family has always had its roots in Clifden. In 1818, his great grandfather helped to plaster Clifden Castle, and the McGrath family were part of the Darcy estate. When the castle eventually fell into disrepair, slates from the castle roof were salvaged and now can be found tiling the roof of MC McGrath’s Bar.

For Michael, taking over the ownership of MC McGrath’s was the obvious choice. He had known the bar his whole life and grown up in it, even when he left Clifden over the years to work in America and Germany, he always knew he would return, as Michael explained; “I love it. I’ve worked all over the world, I have many opportunities of moving but Clifden is home, it’s where the heart is.“

After growing up with a musical instrument in hand, once he had taken over the bar Michael knew music would be instrumental to the bar’s way of life. The Carey family had always been musical; Michael’s father Peter, played in Ballynahinch Castle for over 35 years. Michael himself had been a regular performer in EJ Kings. Michael, his brothers and his father all play together whenever they get the chance, their go-to song is Sweet Sixteen by The Fureys as it is his father’s favourite.

Over the years, Michael has played with and met many recognisable figures including Sharon Shannon, The Wolfe Tones, Matt Molloy and Brendan Gleeson, he also met Paul Harrington in the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel shortly after winning the Eurovision Song Contest with Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids, (be sure to keep your eyes peeled for their photos with Michael on the bar wall!)

Open 7 days a week with live music from 9-11pm every night, this is one location that visitors to the West of Ireland should experience. Regular local performers such as Pat Coyne, Kevin Holmes, Conal Flaherty, Sam Carey and Michael himself, guarantee that the legendary musical nights that MC McGrath’s is famous for, never changes.

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