Galway was made for slow mornings and easy afternoons. Whether you're wandering by the River Corrib or making your way through cobblestoned streets, here is This is Galway's top picks of scenic routes that couple pleasantly with your morning coffee!
above: photo by Ado Lyons
The Spanish Arch
Where to get your coffee? - Start your day with a riverside wander down Galway City's Spanish Arch along The Long Walk. A postcard perfect stretch on sunny days. Run over to one of Galway's hidden gems Ard Bia at Nimmos, stashed right by the Spanish Arch, where the coffee is locally roasted and their tea comes from a carefully curated selection. Bonus tip! You can always grab a seat by the window and soak in those riverside views.
Walk this way - The Spanish Arch is one of Galway’s most famous landmarks and with good reason! Here you can admire the rows of colourful houses lined up like they're posing for a painting. Reimagine Ed Sheeran's Galway Girl music video by seeing the famous ending scene featuring the lovely Spanish Arch. The walk along the Claddagh and the Long Walk here is unbeatable on a sunny day. The boats come out for a sail and seagulls soar the sky. If you're lucky you might catch locals fishing or a street performer playing near the Arch. Bring a friend, get your coffee, find a bench and just be. It's that kind of place.
Galway’s Westend
Where to get your coffee? - Over the bridge, the Galway’s Westend bursts with character. Try The Secret Garden for a peaceful tea house feel, twinkling fairy lights and blankets galore. The cafe offers more than 100 types of teas from around the world. Think high quality cappuccinos and lattes. Want to be spoiled for choice? An Tobar Nua has made-to-order espresso drinks that originate from a traditional Italian roast! The venue itself is excellent for river views and warm hospitality. If you're craving delicious patisseries, tasty coffee, cosy seats and lines that move quickly, Plámás and Dela is yours to benefit from.
Walk this way - As you wander, take your time. This part of town rewards slow strolling and a cuppa! It's the kind of place you might bump into a friend, join conversation or discover some of Galway’s colourful murals and appreciate art.
Francis Street Finds
Where to get your coffee? - A short stroll away, Francis Street has a great mix of local cafes. Roscoes and Tribe are top spots for a flat white and friendly faces, while O’Conners Bakery delivers all the comfort bakes alongside coffee that you could want. And if you’re after something sleek and traditional, Brazco Cafe has you covered with their certified barista training and passion for using old Irish baking techniques with recipes passed down through generations.
Walk this way - The walk from Francis Street to the University of Galway is one of Galway's most peaceful routes. Short but lovely, especially if you detour through Eyre Square first. On your way to campus and up and over the bridge and soak in the cathedral! It's one of the most photogenic spots in town, with swans gliding by and the cathedral rising up ahead. The Quadrangle, an ivy covered stone building that looks straight out of a storybook, is worth a visit too!
Druid Lane / Galway City Centre
Where to get your coffee? - Winding off the busy streets of Galway City lies Druid Lane. A charming narrow laneway dipped in heritage and old stone buildings. There you'll find cobbled surfaces that date back to the area's medieval past. Nestled partway down Druid Lane you can find The Lane Cafe. A welcoming spot for great coffee or lunch away from the main street bustle. Known for cappuccinos with froth and friendly service all tied to a snug ambiance. The Lane Cafe is popular with locals and visitors alike.
Walk this way - And of course, after your coffee, no Galway walk is complete without a meander up Shop Street. Starting from Druid Lane, here you will find little boutiques and independent art spots perfect for a bit of window shopping. There is always something going on here. From fiddlers, guitarists, jugglers and maybe even a full band if you're there at the right time. The cobblestones, the chatter, the live music it all adds up to give Galway its beloved charm.
Woodquay Wander
Where to get your coffee? - Round it all off with a peaceful stroll by the Waterside, the kind of place that makes you want to wander. There you’ll find Corrib House Tea Room. Think river views, homemade cakes and the perfect pot of tea. Or dillydally over to Bar Italia Ciarlantini for authentic Italian coffee. The cafe serves caffe sun, a beautiful mix of arabica and robusta beans all the way from Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia and India. The beans are said to undergo a light and slow roasting process, blossoming in coffee with a creamy body and a lingering taste, sprinkled with hints of chocolate and tobacco alongside a liquorice aroma and citrus notes!
Walk this way - For a quieter, more local feeling start in Woodquay. This riverside wander is where Galway slows down a little. There are benches where you can sit and watch the river rush by. It's one of Europe's fastest flowing rivers, so there is always movement and energy. You might even see kayakers training.
Feature photo by Chaosheng Zhang.
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