APRIL 2019 // FREE // THISISGALWAY.IE
ISSUE #17
WHAT’S INSIDE
4 8 18 22 26 30 36
NICOLE FLATTERY // A little bit of Flattery goes a long way DRINK // Thirst-quenching whiskeys along the Wild Atlantic Way
IRISH SOCKSCIETY // a light heart and a happy sole
FRESH PLACES NEW FACES // Discover your new favourite restaurants, cafés, shops and more EAT // Breakfast - because no one ever said brunch was the most important meal of the day.
WHAT’S ON // Festivals, music, food and more in Galway this month HOWYA // A meeting of street photography and chats with some of Galway’s familiar faces
WHO WE ARE... Art Direction & Design Martin Browne info@thisisgalway.ie
Photography Boyd Challenger boyd@thisisgalway.ie AdditionalPhotography Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Editor Lisa O’Brien lisa@thisisgalway.ie
Advertising Queries Maxi Browne // Mattie Cahill marketing@thisisgalway.ie Image by: Boyd Challenger
NICOLE FLATTERY Nicole Flattery has taken the Irish literary community by storm with the release of her debut short story collection Show Them a Good Time. The Mullingar-born author’s unique and layered writing skills have landed her an impressive book deal with UK publishing house Bloomsbury. We caught up with Nicole to talk about the art of writing, living in Galway and her appearance at the upcoming Cúirt Festival. Nicole Flattery writes with an undefinable air of mystery, leaving a sense of detachment between her words and the reader. Her debut book comprises of eight short stories, each one more compelling than the last. Whoever picks up this book will put it down with a different sentiment, a different message in mind. Within each story, we are shown a glimpse into the incredibly complex emotions of an array of different women. Exploring these characters allow us, in turn, to explore ourselves and the roles that exist within our society. Having devoured and enjoyed every page of Show Them a Good Time, it was entirely unsurprising to discover that Nicole is an extremely well spoken and composed woman. Having spent the past five years writing in a dedicated way, Nicole has honed her craft. Dark humour laces the book, which adds a wry edge to the prose.
Image by: Boyd Challenger
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When talking about her creative process, Nicole described herself as a big re-drafter. “I write to the point where I’m really, really into it and then I try to get the story to a natural conclusion. That’s when I know that it feels finished. The thing about writing a story is that you can keep tinkering around with it and you never quite know when it’s done”. Another key part of writing, for Nicole, is to set herself deadlines. “They can seem quite academic - the opposite of the artistic endeavour - but they can be very very useful. I’ve had deadlines from editors and publications and competitions in the past so it’s nice to have a goal in mind”. It is quite rare for an author’s debut release to be a collection of short stories, but Nicole’s passion – with the help of The Stinging Fly – are reviving the art form. “Short stories allow for more ambiguity, moral or otherwise. The Stinging Fly are so dedicated to publishing short story collections and have been so brilliant at reviving that form. I hope that all these brilliant collections that are coming out will be inspiring for young writers who want to start. A novel shouldn’t seem like a superior form just because of its length. It shouldn’t win prizes simply because it’s longer”. Nicole studied Theatre & Film in Trinity, an experience which has stood to her when penning dialogue and utilising the setting of a story. She then went on to do a Creative Writing masters before jetting off to New York for a brief period. When Nicole decided to come back home, Galway was in her sights. “It’s a great arts-based community; there are lots of visual artists and other writers. When the rain stops and the sun’s out, everyone’s happy”. Too right, Nicole! From the 8th to the 14th of April, Cúirt – the International Festival of Literature – will be taking place in Galway city. Nicole will be appearing alongside Lucy Caldwell, David Hayden and Mary O’Donnell. “I’m really looking forward to it because I enjoy all of their work, so it will be great to have a chat. I’ve always really enjoyed the events and listening to writers talk about their work is very inspirational. It’s strange to transition from being the person who’s hanging around the hotel bar to reading at it!”
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For any budding creatives who may be reading this, Nicole has offered her two cents. “The only solid bit of advice you can give to someone who’s starting out is to read a lot, read everything that you can get your hands on. Figure out what you like from that. If you’re in the process of writing, find a good reader. Find somebody you really trust to give you feedback. You can take it from there”. For now, Nicole is working on another book. This endeavour has involved a lot of research and we are sure that it will be just as impressive and thought-provoking as the last. The release of this is forecast for 2021 so until then, pick up a copy of Show Them a Good Time, pour yourself a cuppa tae and get reading. WORDS by: Sarah Gill
PHOTO by: Lisa O’Brien
“The only solid bit of advice you can give to someone who’s starting out is to read a lot, read everything that you can get your hands on.”
Check out our cyber selves Swing by our pretty little website for a simple, honest and aesthetic shop window view of our beautiful city. We’ve got the low-down on the best spots for a burger, the tastiest pints in town and where you should while away the hours in the bustling city of Gaillimh. You can thank us later. www.thisisgalway.ie
Image by: Boyd Challenger
THE WHISKEY LIST Galway’s status as one of the key visitor destinations on the island has been enhanced in recent years by its trail of Irish Whiskey bars. We delve into what delights they have to offer visitors here at the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way.
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O’Connell’s Bar O’Connell’s Bar is a traditional-style pub with tons of energy and a warm inviting atmosphere. It feels like sitting inside a piece of history with most of its original fixtures and fittings still intact. Here you will find a wide selection of craft beers, premium gins and spirits from all around the world. They are well known for their vast and ever-expanding whiskey collection, which currently has over 120 whiskeys to choose from. O’Connell’s Bar was recently crowned Pub of the year 2019 (Connaught) at the Irish Restaurants Awards and is also a member of ‘The Galway Whiskey Trail’. This trail is a collection of the finest 11 whiskey bars in the city, each waiting to share their story with you. O’Connell’s Bar has a whiskey for all tastes, whether you are looking for that rare exclusive malt, traditional favourites or wish to sample whiskeys from a wide variety of distillers and premium casks. This extensive collection is sure to have what you are looking for. Later this month they will be launching a selection of premium whiskey tasting platters. 8 Eyre Square, Galway // (091) 563 634
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The Blue Note Take a step off Galway’s tourist trail and you will find this hidden whiskey gem - The Blue Note whiskey snug. A fine array of whiskey greets you from the shelves, the temptation to dive in is aided by The Blue Note’s great pricing for the range. The bar itself is crafted from whiskey barrels that were discovered during renovations during the early 21st century! Make sure to call in on a cold winter’s night and try their groundbreaking flavour combination of ginger nut biscuits dipped in your favourite hot whiskey. The bar staff will happily join you for a glass and talk of Craic & Divilment. 3 William Street West, West End, Galway // (091) 589 116
The King’s Head The 800 year old Kings Head Pub is located in the heart of Galway’s Latin Quarter and has historic links to the beheading of King Charles 1st in 1649. A member of the Galway Whiskey Trail, The Kings Head Whiskey Bar is home to a fantastic array of Irish Whiskeys. Pull up a seat by the original 200 year old Persses Galway Whiskey Mirror or by the 400 year old fireplace and enjoy an award winning Irish Pot Still or Single Malt. 15 High St, Galway // (091) 566 630
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An Pucan An Púcán is renowned for its remarkable selection of Irish and international whiskies, with over 200 to choose from. The extensive range can be enjoyed in a number of ways including tasting platters and in delicious cocktails. An Púcán is the proud winner of Best Single Cask Irish Whiskey 2015 for their 13 Year Old Bottling. And in 2015 and 2016, An Púcán also won Gold Medals for Connacht Whiskey Bar Of The Year. Ideally situated just off Eyre Square - this is a favoured stopping off point for visitors to Galway and promises an intimate and relaxed whiskey tasting experience. 11 Forster St, Galway // (091) 376 561
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The 1852 Whiskey Club at The Skeff The 1852 Whiskey Club is a cosy, intimate bar located on the ground floor of The Skeff facing Galway’s famous & historic Eyre Square, where you’ll feel right at home learning about the whiskeys of the world! A gold medal winner at the 2018 Irish Whiskey Awards, this Whiskey Bar features an extensive, carefully considered and always evolving collection of over 100 Irish whiskeys - and there are some international whiskeys too! Don’t worry if you don’t know your Malt from your Pot Still from your Single Cask because at the 1852 they just love talking whiskey and can share with you everything you need to know about Irish Whiskeys and how they are produced. There are tasting platters available to whet the appetite and they even have their own whiskey book with tasting notes and lots of info on the Irish whiskeys on offer! The 1852 Whiskey Club really is that a developing club where members get together to discover and try new things. Customers are encouraged to build on their knowledge of whiskey by trying as wide a variety of whiskey as possible in a comfortable and fun environment. 27 Eyre Square, Galway // (091) 563 173
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Garavans Garavan’s is nestled in the heart of Galway city’s main shopping area of William Street and is the perfect stop off point for a restful moment and a luxurious whiskey. The building dates back to medieval Galway and has some fine artefacts from the era including original stone fireplaces. Garavan’s has won Connacht whiskey bar of the year for 5 years running and overall Irish whiskey bar of the year in 2017. Their hugely popular Whiskey Platters offer customers a unique and enjoyable experience. They are also world famous for their unique Irish coffee - this is served in its own specially designed glass, using Garavan’s traditional methods. The combination of coffee and whiskey, strong and slightly sweet, picks you up and puts you down, while the cool cream is sheer indulgence. If you want to take a piece of history home with you there are gift sets available and now also their very own 15 year old limited edition Garavan’s Power’s Pot Still Irish Whiskey! Already a collectors item, this single cask offering is one of the finest examples of Ireland’s signature Pot Still Whiskeys available - pop in and try it! 46 William St, Galway // (091) 562 537
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McCambridges On the 3rd of July 1925, George McCambridge opened a “high class grocery, provision, wine and spirit establishment” at 38 Shop Street, right in the heart of Galway, and this family owned restaurant, deli and fine foods shop has continued in that same spirit for almost 100 years since. The off-license section of the ground floor is a whiskey lover’s dream come true. The enthusiasm and knowledge of the staff is infectious and there is always a fantastic selection available at the tasting table! Don’t be surprised if you find your new favourite whiskey on your next visit! And if all that isn’t enough Tom Conway is currently putting together an expansive whiskey menu for the upstairs restaurant! 38-39 Shop St, Galway // (091) 562 259
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Freeney’s Take a wander down into old Galway and do not pass by Freeney’s on High Street. A venerable museum to Irish whiskey, the collection on display is incredible and so is the range available to try by the glass and to buy by the bottle! Irish whiskey has become highly collectible with rare and discontinued whiskeys growing in value. Freeney’s Whiskey shop is one of the best places to seek out a prized find! In times past and before the age of logistics and modern distribution Freeney’s ‘racked’ their own whiskey. This practice involved stocking five gallon glass jars or bottles of various brands and then Freeney’s would fill standard bottles from it. These would then be available for sale for patrons to bring home with them. In this way you could get naggins, halfs or full bottles of Paddy, Powers or Jameson. Tony Freeney remembers these days well. He says that “bottling Powers was tricky because of the three labels; there was the front and back labels but also 3 swallows neck label”. He also reminisces that in those days The Coopers (the people who made the wooden barrels to age the whiskey) were paid as much as the GM! But he says that the camaraderie and personality is still in the whiskey industry despite the huge growth in Irish whiskey over the last 10 years. 19 High St, Galway // (091) 562 609
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TAYLOR’S Taylor’s Bar & Beer Garden has a very long history on Dominick Street, dating back to the early 19th Century. It had legendary status in Galway in the latter 20th Century when it was the favoured stomping ground of the artistic, musical and creative communities that gave rise to many of today’s bands, artists, theatrical, cultural organisations and arts festivals. Today this historic bar boasts as fine an Irish Whiskey selection as you would expect, with tasting trays available for you to try across the full range of Pot Still, Malt, Grain and blended expressions. Once again a key destination on Galway’s pub trail, there is live music every night and it is spacious to the rear where whiskey events are hosted and includes a splendid beer garden - perfect for those liquid sunshine days! 7 Dominick Street Upper, Galway // (091) 450 475
If you are a visitor to Galway, all of the bars mentioned are in walking distance of each other and make for a very pleasant self led tour of the city. There are many an historic sight to see along the route, including the old Persse Distillery, visible looking north from O’Brien’s Bridge. If you happen to be taking in some of the countryside or on into Connemara we suggest you drop in on Lowry’s Bar in Clifden, Campbell’s Tavern of Cloughanover near Headford or Eddie’s Bar in Clonbur. In each and all of these will you find a fine selection of Irish Whiskeys and a warm West Of Ireland welcome! Whiskey feature photos by: Boyd Challenger
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IRISH SOCKSCIETY A LIGHT HEART AND A HAPPY SOLE
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Irish Socksciety supply the people and businesses of Galway with the most colourful and quirky socks imaginable, but you already knew that, didn’t you? We caught up with Joanna, one half of the team, to talk about their brand’s identity, spanning from sustainability to brand awareness. Joanna and I dodged raindrops and splashed through puddles on our way to Kai, the home of their very first customised sock. Since it’s Daffodil Day, Joanna has donned a pair of their Irish Cancer Society socks. Genuine passion and love for their work shines out of her face as she describes their journey from selling souvenirs to seeing their designs all around the country. Joanna and Alex, her business partner, are sole sisters. They were neighbours back home in Poland but by some twist of fate they didn’t cross paths until they came to Galway. Way back in 2011 the duo started their initial business selling Irish souvenirs to tourists, a concept which has been evolved and remoulded into the form of Irish Socksciety. “We have a genuine passion for Ireland and the business was born out of that love. We’ve had really tough times and we’ve had really good times, but it’s the sense of humour and the Irish kindness that have kept us going”. Each design celebrates a different element of what it is to be in Ireland, and our humour is unique as feck. From the changeable weather and music sessions to leaving the immersion on and mammy’s dreaded wooden spoon, they encapsulate the craic of the country like no other. For Joanne, their line of work is very joyful; “people laugh when they see the socks. We’re selling something people understand. They know how to wear them, and they know how to wash them. We don’t need to explain anything”. Countless businesses around Galway have benefitted from Irish Socksciety’s custom designs. Once Kai got their very own design, word spread like wild fire through the restaurants, cafes, bookshops, and even windmill companies of the country. “It’s a lovely gift. It’s not heavy, it won’t break and if you only have hand luggage it’s so easy. It brings the brand of these businesses somewhere else”. Take Walsh Waste for example, a waste management and recycling company out in Oranmore got their designs with “What a load of rubbish!” written across the soles. It lends each company a quirky and unique edge.
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Everything about these designs is personal, right down to the illustrations on the labels. Irish Socksciety strive to produce an ethical and sustainable product. “We put a lot of effort into our packaging to ensure it’s recyclable. Sustainability was always very important to us, so we do our best to be as ecofriendly as possible”. The brand also promote sustainability across all their social media platforms, encouraging people to give up plastic for Lent. Sure why would you be giving up chocolate when you could be saving the planet? Irish Socksciety tick a whole hape of boxes, but the most important aspect of their business – for them – is the craic. “It’s a product that sells identity, whether it’s a brand identity or the Irish identity. We incorporate the humour so that if you’re living in Australia and get socks saying, ‘did you turn off the immersion?’ you will laugh”. Their customisable subscriptions allow you to select dates to have socks sent out on, sorting all your gift giving for the year. So you have no excuse for forgetting your dad’s birthday, Christmas or Father’s Day presents. Down the line Joanna and Alex hope to introduce more designs and new products as well as promoting more Irish artists through their socks, following the success of their collaboration with Shane O’Malley. For now, the duo describe themselves as “two happy little dogs, wagging their tails”. They are doing what they love and sharing that love through their product. Irish Socksciety provide a fun and practical gift. They give brands a whole new level of awareness while being environmentally conscious. Above all, the brand is filled with laughter and that good old-fashioned Irish craic. When you make a purchase from Irish Socksciety, you’re buying so much more than just a pair of socks. You’re buying a memory, a story, a piece of history. You’re buying something that will give you a giggle when you put your feet up at the end of a long day. You start your day off by shticking your feet into a pair of socks, so why not start the day with a laugh? #THISISCLASS WORDS by: Sarah Gill PHOTOS by: Boyd Challenger PRODUCT PHOTOS: Julia Dunin
“It’s a product that sells identity, whether it’s a brand identity or the Irish identity. We incorporate the humour so that if you’re living in Australia and get socks saying, ‘did you turn off the immersion?’ you will laugh”
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GALWAY HOOKER Established in 2006, Galway Hooker is Connacht’s oldest existing brewery, and the second-oldest fully independent brewery in the entire country. Business has gone from strength to strength over the past decade for the Oranmore-based brewery. Within an ever-expanding, competitive market, the creators of Irish Pale Ale are still at the forefront of Ireland’s craft beer scene. “I think there’s a brewery in every county now. I remember 10-15 years ago saying to people that there’s no reason there shouldn’t be, but I never thought it would actually happen. It’s unbelievable how much things have changed.” This is a good change, though, according to Aidan Murphy, co-founder of the business, in speaking about the growing popularity of artisan brews in Ireland. “There’s definitely a demand for this type of local produce.” With this in mind, the brewery have recently expanded operations, ordering brand new equipment to allow for greater flexibility with experimentation, and, put simply, to store more beer. At full capacity, the tanks can now hold up to an eye-watering 70,000 litres of beer. That’s some sesh! Though the main operation consists of four core brews, a good example of the team’s taste for Galway flavours came last year in the form of a Honey Beer. This recipe was developed with locally-sourced Sliabh Aughty Honey. And their appetite for growth doesn’t end there – Galway Hooker are looking to collaborate with a number of other local producers in the coming months and years, establishing a sort of ‘Galway Beer Terroir’. “What we want to do is harness the flavours of this part of the world, because that’s what makes us different.” Imbuing their product with Wild Atlantic character, Galway Hooker are set for exciting things in the future. A bunch of sound heads with a solid product that supports local enterprise. Sure where would you be going? You can find Galway Hooker in all good bars and offlicences across Galway
WORDS & PHOTOS by: Ciarán MacChoncarraige
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FRESH PLACES NEW FACES Brand spanking new businesses to check out in Galway!
Woozza Relax in the cosy and comfortable environment of Woozza Middle Street while you indulge in a big aul cheesy pizza. These artisan pizzas are made in wood fired ovens with fresh ingredients imported from Italy, so get ready for an Italian taste explosion. If you fancy something a little different, try their Nutella and strawberry sweetzzas. 21A Middle Street, Galway // (091) 330 350
Coffee + If you’re in need of a caffeine fix, make sure to pay a visit to Coffee+ out in Mervue. This coffee and sandwich bar have got some of the tastiest coffee around, along with some delicious smoothies and a mouthwatering food menu. The team at Coffee+ use only the best of local produce when preparing their sandwiches to be enjoyed with a barista coffee. Throw in some flavoured syrups or some plant based milk alternatives to get your coffee of choice just right. Plunkett Ave, Mervue, Galway // (091) 443 832
The Olde Brewery A home away from home for a feed of pints while you watch the match, The Olde Brewery is a comfortable sports and music bar in Oranmore. You can kick back and relax with a glass of fine wine while enjoying a live music session or spill your pint while you’re roaring at the telly in a warm and friendly environment. The staff are a sound bunch so if you’re from out of town, they’ll mind you. Main St, Oranmore, Co. Galway // (091) 794 118
NEW FACES
Papa’z Bistro Having built quite the reputation through the successes of their Limerick location, Papa’z Bistro are bringing their amazing chicken to Middle Street. Whether you’re in the mood for a bowl of soup and a cup of coffee or a sexy salas and a glass of vino, Papa’z menu has it all. As if that wasn’t enough, this Bistro is also dog friendly! So you can bring your little pooch for the night out you know he deserves. 19 Middle street, Galway // (0)85 8341097
Vocho This small, independent restaurant’s Tex-Mex style grub will have you drooling all over your burrito. Constructed from shipping containers in Galway’s East Village, Vocho serve up delicious and freshly made quesadillas, nachos, burritos and chili in an extremely quirky and unique setting. They’ve even got Buckfast lamp shades! If you like Mexican-style street food made fresh in-house, then this is your spot. 19 Forster St, Galway // +353 (0)87 0978165
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BREAKFASTS of CHAMPIONS Let’s face it, no one ever said brunch was the most important meal of the day. Too many notions and edible flowers are bad for the health, so let’s just focus on what really matters in life: breakfast. Whether it’s a hearty feed to start your day or a big aul bap when you’re hanging, Galway’s got a bit of everything. We here at This is Galway are firm believers in the division of breakfast and lunch, the more meals the merrier. So put on your comfortable pants and get your coat, it’s time for brekkie.
DISCOVER
56 Central & 37 West
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Whatever your taste, 56 Central on Shop Street is sure to cater to all of your breakfast needs. Whether it’s a traditional full Irish breakfast, luxurious buttermilk pancakes with chocolate sauce and mascarpone, or smashed avocado with scrambled eggs on sourdough, you are absolutely sorted. Food isn’t their only specialty, however – they serve a full-range of expertly prepared Bristot coffees to make the morning grind that bit easier. Looking for a fruity kickstart to the day? No bother! 56 Central are known for their savage smoothies. Overall, this is such a great quality, centrallylocated spot for a bit of bricfeásta ar maidin. For more info on 56 Central, visit: www.56central.com 5/6 Shop St, Galway // (091) 569 511 Healthy is the new sexy at 37 West, 56 Central’s gorgeous sister establishment on Newcastle Road. A favourite with students and locals alike, you’ll find characters of all creeds in this cosy café. It’s a great spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Tuck in to a delicious selection of homemade pastries, delicious omelettes, and a lovely cup of coffee to start the day off right, any day of the week. Top tip: pay a visit on Sunday for a super all-day brunch menu, with hapes of waffles, eggs and burgers on offer, along with their famous Chicken Melt. For more info on 37 West, visit: www.37westcafe.com 37 Lower Newcastle, Galway // (091) 524 122
Café Temple Heaven on earth for all you vegan and veggie folk, Café Temple have got all the plant based goodness you need to kick off the day. You can shake off the cobwebs with a delicious smoothie and a vegan bite while on the go, or relax in-house with a hearty feed and a flat white. Their grub is all made using the very best of local and Irish suppliers, and the cherry on top? All the profits made by the guys at Temple go towards supporting local charities, so while you’re stuffing your face you’re also supporting the community. A morning well spent. St Augustine St, Galway // (091) 568 776
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1520 We know that the sesh is very important to a lot of us here in Galway, and some morning you might just be a tad more delicate than usual. You’re only human. The crew at 1520 know the suss, and their morning menu will serve you up the cure on a platter. Amongst other delicious options, the Hangover Breakfast Burger is the feed you need to get back on track. It’s a toasted brioche bun loaded with an 8oz beef patty, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, lightly spiced pudding, a fried egg and some jalapeno relish. Get a pot of tae with it and you’ll be fresh as a daisy. 14 Quay Street, Galway // (091) 569 600
The Kitchen If you want your breakfast served up in a creative, buzzing environment, head in to the Kitchen. Their menu is brimming with veggie and vegan options and the food will have your taste buds tingling. Whether it’s a veggie bagel, a vegan fry or their Wild West Breakie, there’s something for everyone. The team at the Kitchen are like a close knit family, so you should feel right at home with them taking care of you. They’ve also got their sister business Marmalade Bakery opening up on Middle Street, so it’s all systems go. Galway City Museum, Spanish Parade, Galway // (091) 534 883
Porterhouse Right in the heart of Oranmore, Porterhouse is a casual country pub that serves up the most delicious grub. Their mouth-watering breakfast menu ranges from a gourmet omelette and french toast to a hearty full Irish fry up with all the bells and whistles. The pub offers such a relaxed setting and inviting atmosphere that you’ll end up hanging around the bar until it’s socially acceptable to order a pint. Howley Court, Dublin Rd, Oranmore // (091) 788 800
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Ground & Co If you’re one of those people that likes to start the morning off with a brisk walk down the prom, Ground & Co have got all the tasty food and steamy coffee you need to warm back up again. Creamy oats, eggs made just the way you like them and all of the sweet treats you could hope for can be enjoyed in their cosy interior or you can nab them all to go and enjoy them overlooking the beach. Sounds like bliss. Atlantiquaria, Toft Park, Salthill, Galway // (091) 527 846
Delight The team at Delight produce their food with one goal in mind; to create food that restores, replenishes and revives. They source their produce from local suppliers, serving up healthy and tasty food in a bright and clean environment. A great spot to get your breakfast fuel, they have a Delight-ful range of dishes ranging from a homemade fruit & nut granola to a fresh fruit salad. This award-winning hidden gem is located in Renmore. The Kingfisher Club, Renmore Avenue, Galway // (091) 761 466
Upstairs at McCambridges This local family business is ingrained in the hearts of many Galwegians, serving up the most delectable food using ingredients from the finest artisan producers. From their Herterich’s Maple Coffee Smoked Bacon and Colleran’s Pudding to Janet’s Country Fayre and Corrib Free Range eggs, your breakfast will have a true taste of Galway. Start your day in the casual atmosphere of McCambridges and if you’re inspired to recreate your feed at home, most of their ingredients are available to buy downstairs! 38/39 Shop Street Galway // (091) 562 259 SOCIAL WHITE:
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WHAT’S going ON? Image by: Ciarán MacChoncarraige
APRIL FESTIVALS
WHAT’S ON
Literature, live music, food and the great outdoors: we thought you might like it!
Cúirt International Festival of Literature Galway’s International Festival of Literature is one of the oldest and most recognised festivals of its kind in Europe. Cuirt is a celebration of literature and shines a spotlight on the best national and international writers of the past and present. With an array of events hosted around the city, the main emphasis is on promoting the written word in poetry, literary fiction and non-fiction. 8 - 14 April
Westend Easter Street Feastival As no one can wait until June, Galway’s Westend have decided to host the Street Feast as part of their Easter celebrations. The food feastival is a celebration of all local eateries, each giving a flavour of what they do, in a street festival setting. After a successful turn out last year, this Easter is expected to be a busy one! Our advice, get there early!
Clifden Trad Fest
22 April// Galway’s Westend
Inishbofin Walking Festival
2019 marks the 10th Anniversary of the Clifden Trad Festival. The four-day festival is a celebration of traditional Irish music, attracting some of the countries most talented musicians into town. Clifden will be a haven for trad musicians with a plethora of pub sessions and workshops to beat the band. It’s a weekend full of céilí and plenty of craic!
Enjoy a weekend of leisurely strolls off the Wild Atlantic Coast of Ireland at the Inishbofin Walking Festival 2019. This April, hundreds of walkers will take part in many expeditions across the rugged land and seascapes of Inishbofin. With plenty of events right through the weekend, walkers will be spoilt with views of our beautiful Atlantic coast and award-winning beaches. And if you’re a budding musician, join in on the local trad sessions...the more, the merrier!
11 - 14 April
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WHAT’S ON
HIGHLIGHTS
Nora’s Walking Tour
Connemara Marathon
Come and embark on a journey through the stories of Nora Barnacle. Nora was best known as the wife and muse of poet James Joyce. Growing up in 1800’s Galway, Nora resided in a small house along with her mother and six siblings, before she fled to Dublin and met Mr.Joyce. Each year Tigh Nora teams up with Cúirt Festival to tell the tales of Nora Barnacle, through the streets where she grew up.
If you’re a running enthusiast who appreciates our rugged landscape, then you might want to consider this year’s Connemara International Marathon. With three levels available, from half marathon right up to Ultra level (if you’re totally mental!), there’s something for runners of all paces. The course is set in rolling hills of Connemara and is sure to be a test for the body but a treat for the soul.
April 10 // Tigh Nora
April 14 // Maam Cross
You had me at Dog Brunch @Pálás
Evening with Niall Flynn @ Loam
For the weekend that’s in it, Galway Street Club will return to their old haunt for two nights of ceol and craic. Saturday’s show starts at 8pm, Sunday’s kicks off at 5pm and for a fiver in you may as well head along to both! The Street Club began in 2016, when a heap of individual buskers came together to jam as a group and the result was extraordinary – go see for yourself!
As part of Spanish Wine Week, Michelin-starred restaurant, Loam, will be hosting a spanish whites & sparkling wine tasting evening that will delight your palate! The evening will be curated by Niall Flynn, who will take you on a journey through the choice of wines and a perfectly paired taste of some seafood dishes.
April 22 //Merrow Bar @ Pálás
April 10 // Loam, Fairgreen SOCIAL WHITE:
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GZA
Talos
GZA, better known as the Genius, was the most cerebral MC in the Wu-Tang Clan, and let’s face it, probably the most acclaimed! GZA is hitting up the Róisín this April, bringing all the classics from Liquid Swords and some classic Wu-Tang treats. The lyrical genius graces us with his presence this April 6th, don’t miss out!!
After spending the last few months touring around the world, Talos are gracing the Róisín Dubh with their presence this April. Hailing from County Cork, Talos has made massive waves on the music scene since 2014, starting out in monumental venues like Connolly’s of Leap and our very own Róisín Dubh. Their music is captivating, bringing sounds of electronic pop to a whole new level.
April 6 // Róisín Dubh
April 26 // Róisín Dubh
Inni-K ‘The Hare & the Line’
Monty Python’s Life of Brian 40th Anniversary
Named as ‘one of ten fierce women defining Irish culture’ by RTE, Inni-K will be hitting The Black Gate this April. The Dublin based artist has received consistent praise for her fresh style on indie folk since the 2015 release of her acclaimed album, ‘The King Has Two Horses Ears’.
April 12 // Black Gate Cultural Centre
Returning to cinemas for its 40th Anniversary, in glorious standard definition and mono-sound, Monty Python delivers a scathing, anarchic satire of both religion and Hollywood’s depiction of all things biblical with their 1979 feature film Life of Brian. As part of the 40th Anniversary, Palas will be screening the highly controversial movie on April 18th. April 18 // Pálás
WHAT’S ON
Shivers x Gash Collective Good Friday Boat Party With their second party of the year, Gash Collective have announced their Good Friday Boat Party. With a serious lineup of local and international talent - Gash Collective have your whole evening sorted from water to land. April 19 // Electric
Connacht Rugby v Cardiff Blues Owen Colgan The Hardy Bucks Hero is hitting up the Town Hall Theatre with his latest show “The Woke Tour”. After a successful national tour in 2018, the Mayo funnyman is on the road again, pulling out all the stops.
As the Guinness Pro14 series continues, Connacht Rugby will take on Cardiff Blues on home soil this April. The rival teams will be hitting the pitch at 3pm in Galway’s Sportsground. April 13 // The Sportsground
Family Easter Egg Hunt Come celebrate a fun-filled Easter at Brigit’s Garden with their annual Easter Egg Hunt. With two specials traisls for older and younger kiddies, every child is guaranteed a fun day of exploring the gardens, games, and plenty of arts & crafts. The Easter Bunny will make an appearance, and best of all, every child gets a prize. While the kids are at play, enjoy a nice breather at the Garden Cafe. Spoiler alert, their cakes are a-m-a-z-i-n-g.
“All my new gained knowledge along with my love for Jambons, Crows and grown men fighting will be bestowed upon the people of the Emerald Isle. So sit back, take off your pants and enjoy the multi-layered, high octane shit talk experience of a lifetime. ” – Owen Please keep your pants on! April 12 // Town Hall Theatre
April 20-21 // Brigit’s Garden SOCIAL WHITE:
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Image by: Christian Tierney
wya?
Who are you and what do you do? My name is LAOISE and I am an Electro-Pop artist from Galway What’s your sound like, for anyone who hasn’t heard it? It’s changed a bit since I started releasing music, obviously we use a lot of synths, but I guess now that I’ve released by new EP it’s quite upbeat and freeing for me. I’m heavily inspired by Kate Bush and Stevie Nicks and then the honesty of Taylor Swift, so it’s kind of a mix of all that. Go-to breakfast and brunch spot in Galway? Dela. I love Dela. Their veggie fry is the best. It’s just a beautiful place to be and everyone’s really nice. I just love it! Favourite spot for a drink in town? I love going down to An Pucán because it’s just a bit of fun and I love their outdoor area. The colours in it are just bright and warm. It seems like it’s just a sunny place in there all the time. Favourite spot to get away from it all? The Secret Garden. I like to come here because I remember my friends talking about it years ago, so I came in on my own. It was probably the first time – when I was really big into reading and poetry and songwriting and when I discovered loads of people like Sylvia Plath – that I came out on my own and had a coffee on my own and I remember that so well, out of a sort of independence. So, I’ve always liked to come back and re-experience that. Favourite time of year in Galway? Not Winter. I used to have to have a spare uniform in my locker because I would get so wet sometimes. I like the Summer. I love when you see loads of people visiting the city. Because I live quite close to town, I had kind of forgotten how beautiful the city was and how much we’ve kept. There’s so much that hasn’t been demolished and has been really savoured and I think it’s interesting when you see loads of tourists coming and they’re looking up and you think “what are they looking at?” and then you look up and you think “yeah, wow, this is wow! Obviously!”. Galway’s best kept secret? I have to say Public Romance. I can always find an item of clothing in there that I can’t help but bring with me and Sinéad - the owner - is incredible! I love supporting cool vintage stores.
What has been your career highlight so far? There are two and they’re very much on two ends of the scale. One was being nominated for a RTÉ Choice Music Prize, that was insane! Especially because I’m an independent act and it’s all self-funded and I do pretty much everything on my own and with Seán Behan, who is the other half of the project. I think that [‘Again’] was the most honest and raw song I’ve released so far. For people to compare it to the list of nominees, that was really exciting. And then on the complete other end is playing festivals. I loved playing Electric Picnic last year because there were so many people singing the words and so many people that were there properly early to see us go on. When people literally say words back to you that you wrote when you were in such a crappy head space, it’s insane because you feel like they’re giving you a pat on the back. The Irish music scene has changed so much, from trad to more experimental sounds. Do you think being in Galway influences that or did moving to Dublin make you more creative? For me personally, being able to move away from a city that I grew up in and knew inside out and being completely out of my comfort zone in a new environment, around new people, sprung a different type of creativity for me. I guess I did all the groundwork when I lived in Galway and then when I moved to Dublin, I got to break the rules. The music scene is gorgeous in both sides, in trad or commercial music. Even at the Choice Awards, it was like walking into a group of friends. It’s a really really nice, impenetrable community to be working in. Finally, let’s talk about your new EP, ‘MAD’. It’s four songs, ‘Again’ is on it and I guess the way I’ve been explaining the EP as a whole is that they’re just confessions – urgent ones. They’re nearly like word vomit. They’re the things you want to say very quickly and straight up to someone’s face. There’s a lot in it that a lot of people can relate to because in one way I’ve been bottling up certain emotions or certain things, or being scared to say certain things in a song because of what other people think and I’ve come to a stage in my life where I just don’t really care, it makes no difference. I’ve surrounded myself with people who encourage me and make me feel good and I hope I do that for them too. So yeah. It’s nice to just spit out loads of words on a page and for them to become songs.
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WHERE IT’S AT
This is a list of places mentioned in the articles in order of appearance. Each business has a number with which you’ll be able to use to find them on the map above. 1. O’Connell’s 2. The Blue Note 3. The King’s Head 4. An Púcán 5. The Skeff 6. Garavan’s 7. McCambridges of Galway 8. Sonny Molloy’s 9. Freeney’s 10. Taylor’s Bar & Beer Garden 11. Woozza
12. Coffee + 13. The Olde Brewery 14. Papa’z Bistro 15. Vocho 16. 56 Central 17. 37 West 18. Café Temple 19. 1520 20. The Kitchen 21. Porterhouse 22. Ground & Co
23. Delight 24. Upstairs at McCambridges
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Image by: Ciarán MacChoncarraige