Brimming with a keen sense of vibrancy and comfort in equal measures, Plámás is a cafe that is without a doubt a staple in Galway’s coffee culture. For three years now, the speciality cafe in Galway’s Westend has been a hub for the Irish language, coffee enthusiasts and most importantly, community.
The shop is warm as the sun spills in through the large cafe window; the atmosphere is distinct, art led and inviting. However, it’s the dedicated staff that truly brighten up the room and make Plámás the beloved cafe we know today. In the little shop on Dominick Street Upper, great coffee and bright conversation intertwine with an inflection of care and consideration that rings out into Galway’s Westend.
“It’s about sitting down, taking a bit of time for yourself, maybe meeting some of the other regulars who come into the shop,” says Áine Keaveney, Plámás manager. “You’re a part of the community and we want you to feel valued.”
One of the most notable characteristics of Plámás is the dignity and kindness each customer is treated with. The staff; Áine, Gloria, Aoibhín, Ciara, and Emily, address everyone who comes through the door as if they’re old friends. More than just an excellent cup of coffee, and fabulous baked goods, Plámás provides a space of comfort and consideration that is matched by no other. For Áine, it’s about “being able to talk to anyone who comes in and just being able to listen to someone if they need to talk.”
Serving Geometry Coffee, a Galway based speciality coffee roaster, Áine shares, “we’ll always have consistently good coffee. We all keep an eye on the recipes.” With over 100 five-star reviews, there’s no doubt that they take their coffee seriously.
Additionally, the baked goods are supplied by local bakeries, Hāpi Bakery and Lán Kitchen. In collaboration with Jess Murphy of Kai and Hāpi Bakery, the counter is always brimming with incredible choices. Freshly baked cinnamon buns, indulgent cakes and brownies, and insanely good sandwiches that garnered national attention are only a few of the treats available at Plámás. “They’re amazing to work with,” Áine gushes. “Molly, the head baker at Hapi Bakery, is brilliant. It’s such a privilege to be able to sell their stuff and it’s always such a high standard.”
Another element to Plámás’ success and individuality is their connection to the Irish language. With a 10c discount for anyone who orders in Irish, the shop encourages you to brush up your Irish and give it a go, in a completely non-judgmental and open space.
Áine says, “my Irish has gotten so much stronger since working here, but I suppose it’s about just making the effort, and not being scared of getting it wrong… all the girls who work here at the moment, we all have strong levels of Irish, but none of us come from fluent Irish speaking backgrounds. I kinda like that because it makes it a more approachable place to use the language - there’s no judgement.” With their Irish language initiative, the cafe was named the winners in The Tourism & Hospitality Category in the Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh in 2022. “That was a nice recognition of the work we do, it was a lovely validation.”
Three years have gone by since opening, and Plámás has excelled in a consistency of the integral - there is no waver in the quality of coffee, baked goods, or the attitude of kindness exuded by the staff. This character and sense of self saturates Plámás and makes it the one of the best cafes in Galway. Áine says that it’s about “keeping this playfulness… our cheeky character.” She continues; “I think the space reflects that. It’s found its voice. I suppose that’s what I’ve noticed through working here, it’s just about finding our feet, and what I’ve seen is we’ve found our space in the community.”
All photography by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
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