Running for 3-days a week from the final weekend of April through to September, Tiny Traders Village has just announced it's return for the 2025 summer season. For the April/May '25 edition of our This is Galway Magazine, we caught up with its founder to learn about the motivation behind this beloved community marketplace. Read all about it here..
On any given summer’s weekend in Galway, a vibrant hub of creativity and commerce comes to life. Tiny Traders Village, a grassroots marketplace founded in 2017 by Paul David Murphy, is more than just a collection of stalls—it's a lifeline for Galway’s creative community.
Born out of a desire to protect the artistic talent in the city, Paul envisioned a space where independent artists, makers, and entrepreneurs could thrive. “I’ve seen so many of my friends leave Galway year after year because they didn't have the right opportunities,” he says. “I wanted to set up something that could give people a platform to showcase their talents.”
above: photo of Paul David Murphy, by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Thanks to his experience in the events industry, Paul saw firsthand the struggles faced by small businesses. He realised Galway needed a dynamic, accessible space where local talent could be nurtured. Enter Tiny Traders Village—a market that doesn’t just sell goods but fosters a sense of community and artistic expression. Since its inception, the initiative has grown dramatically, now boasting over 280 active traders, with thousands having passed through its stalls over the years.
At its core, Tiny Traders Village is a response to the erosion of local culture. He explains, “Even in a city as culturally strong as Galway, it is harder and harder for authentic small businesses to survive.” His vision? Reclaiming public spaces—like Eyre Square and Spanish Arch—and transforming them into vibrant spaces for creativity. Adding that the aim was always to “put the talents of Galway in front of as many eyes as possible.”
Beyond the market stalls brimming with handcrafted jewellery, artisan foods, and eclectic artwork, Tiny Traders Village embodies something deeper—a return to community-driven commerce. “Towns and villages are best defined by their small businesses. [Small businesses] make Galway what it is,” Paul says. This belief fuels his goal of keeping the market affordable and accessible, ensuring that financial barriers don’t stifle creativity.
above: Tiny Traders Village at the Spanish Arch on a summers' day | photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. But the resilience of Galway’s community kept the vision alive, proving that the demand for such a space was stronger than ever. Now, as Tiny Traders Village heads into its 2025 summer season, big plans are on the horizon. Starting from the end of April, the market will continue its transitions between Eyre Square and Spanish Arch, but it’s looking to expand. With talks of a new location in Salthill in the works, as well as a potential retail pop-up in Eyre Square Shopping Centre, these spaces provide an affordable alternative for aspiring shop owners.
Yet, at its heart, Tiny Traders Village remains what it has always been: a place where artists, entrepreneurs, and dreamers can gather, share their talents, and build something meaningful. “People are genuinely so happy to be here,” Paul says. “Even on days when it’s pissing rain, we have the craic… It doesn’t feel like work.”
As Galway's artistic scene continues to evolve, the Tiny Traders Village stands as a testament to the power of community, creativity, and the unwavering spirit of local entrepreneurship. Follow along on their story @tinytradersvillage on Instagram and Facebook, so you never miss out on any future updates.
Both the above and main photo courtesy of Tiny Traders Village.
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