Exciting New Venue for Galway as Barnacles Bar & Kitchen Opens in Salthill

Barnacles Bar & Kitchen is now open at 163 Upper Salthill in Galway and is the newest venture from long-time friends and business partners, Mark Commins and Conor Graham. Find out more here...

Barnacles Bar & Kitchen sees the duo bring their passion for food and hospitality to Salthill, building on their incredible success at the award-winning Linnane's Lobster Bar as well as Flaggy Shore Oysters which they acquired in 2022 and operate from New Quay pier, overlooking the pristine waters of Aughinish Bay.

Guests can expect the very best food and drink in a traditional Irish pub setting with menus that change in line with the seasons, featuring local produce and seafood inspired by the venue’s proximity to the sea. Signature dishes include roast whole west coast lobster with dulse seaweed, mint butter potatoes and Celtic salad, and Barnacles fish & chips. The Barnacles Sunday Roast, featuring premium Irish beef and lamb, is already set to be a favourite with diners.

Food is complemented by a wide-ranging drinks menu including prohibition-style cocktails, with many featuring spirits from nearby Micil Distillery. Sample cocktails include The Salthill Lady made with Micil Spiced Orange Gin, Cointreau, lemon, rosemary syrup and egg whites and the French 75, made with Gunpowder Gin, lemon, sugar and Prosecco.

The interior offers the epitome of the comfortable, traditional Irish pub, complemented by quirky elements like artifacts from Galway’s iconic Druid Theatre and others.

Commenting on the opening, co-owner Mark Commins said; "Conor and I are delighted to bring our knowledge of local seafood and suppliers to Barnacles. Our vast combined experience in the sector means we intend to deliver the very best hospitality. At Barnacles Bar & Kitchen, guests can expect delicious food, an extensive drinks menu and the warmest of welcomes."

Galway native Conor Graham has worked in the hospitality industry for more than 15 years. He started his career working with his parents in Moran's on the Weir. Conor went on to train as a chef at Ballymaloe Cooking School, and shortly after he moved to London to work in Bibendum. In 2017 Conor moved home and took over Linnane's Lobster Bar with his good friend Mark Commins. Mark earned his hospitality experience working with the O’Callaghan Hotel Group. In 2017 Mark took over Linnane's Lobster Bar in New Quay, Co. Clare with his business partner Conor. Working as the General Manager of Linnane’s Lobster Bar, Mark manages administration and front-of-house staff.

Barnacles Bar & Kitchen, 163 Upper Salthill, Galway, is open Wednesday to Sunday from 12 midday to late. Last orders for food are 9pm. Book online at www.barnaclesbar.ie

Keep up to date with the latest news by following Barnacles Bar & Kitchen on social at @BarnaclesGalway