Whether you're a walking work of art or your skin is still as fresh as a baby's bottom, there's always a real buzz about getting that new piece of body art. Check out the best tattoo artists and studios in Galway below..
Here in Galway, you really are spoiled for choice with loads of tattoo artists operating at the height of professional service and quality. Their designs are truly mind blowing and once you've read all of this, we know you'll be booking yourself straight in for an appointment...
Obsidian Arts
A brand new body piercing, custom tattoos and art gallery in the heart of Galway's Latin Quarter, Obsidian Arts is run by its resident artists Caz (tattooist) and Debbie (piercer). Both are experts in their craft, and can create the perfect piece of body art for you, no matter whether that’s the piercing you’ve always wanted or a tattoo designed specifically for you. The space also includes an art gallery which displays a wide range of art from local artists and beyond. Joining them in studio are experienced tattooists; Anna and Ollie as well as expert piercer; Sinead. This team of artists are always bringing something new to the table, so if that sounds like your thing make sure you book in ASAP. Hit the link below to meet the artists.
3 Fagan Court, Cross Street Lower // Check out their tattoos here
above: photo courtesy of Obsidian Arts, tattoo by @Caz050
AWOL Tattoos
This family-run tattoo studio has been decorating the people of Galway for the best part of a decade. The highly skilled artists at AWOL have a varying range of specialities from neotraditional and traditional to new school and fine line tattoo. There is even a Gaelgeoir artist for anybody who'd like to include some Irish language in their tattoo, as well as a vegan artist who can ensure your setup is completely animal cruelty free. They try their best to fit in walk-ins any day but it's always best to message ahead online to book in and ensure your slot. So, go ahead and slide into their DMs through the link below and get started on your journey toward a new tattoo.
2 Newtownsmith, // Check out their tattoos here
above: photo courtesy of AWOL Tattoos, tattoo by @_heshin_
Mantis Tattoo Studio
Tattoo artist, Justine creates beautiful designs with a great eye for detail, speckled with stunning flashes of vibrant colours that really make her art stand out. Her watercolour designs are seriously stunning! Not content with just being a great tattooist, Justine also offers body piercing, fabulous make-up and natural-looking permanent brows effortlessly getting you the ideal look and style you are after. So if you're looking to get some of Justine's amazing designs on your body, drop her a DM via the link below and get booked in!
ADHD Tattoo Studio on Kirwan’s Lane, Latin Quarter // Check out their tattoos here
above: photo courtesy of Justine Tattoo Art, @mantis_tattoostudio
CLaddagh Art Collective
More than just a tattoo studio, Claddagh Art Collective is a hub for art, passion and creativity. Ran by two of Ireland's most talented artists, Joe Wescott & Jarlath Tourish, they are both comfortable and adept in all styles; Jarlath loves to blend geometric design with realism, resulting in unique results that can be adapted to all tastes. Joe, meanwhile, has a style leaning more to the fantastical and loves the freedom of drawing freehand on to the skin to create a tattoo that complements the natural shape and movement of your body. Sound good? Well, shoot them a message on social media to pencil in an appointment today!
59 Dominick Street Lower, Galway's Westend // Check out their tattoos here
above: photo courtesy of Claddagh Art Collective, tattoo by @inkyjoe_westcott
Art-Tattoo Galway
Art-Tattoo Galway is a creative tattoo design studio in the heart of Bohermore that has quickly made its name as one of the best in town. This talented team of tattooists can bring to life the body art of your dreams so if you've been looking for a sign to go and get that new bit of ink, this is it. From small fine line designs to big bold flashes of colour, Art-Tattoo is a brilliant choice for anyone looking to get their first tattoo, the team will have all your queries and concerns resolved in a matter of seconds. For amazing results in a chilled-out atmosphere, Art-Tattoo Galway will never disappoint!
65 Prospect Hill, Bohermore // Check out their tattoos here
above: photo courtesy of Art-Tattoo Galway
Galway Bay Tattoos
With over 60 years of experience between them, the team at Galway Bay Tattoos are unquestionably one of the best in the biz. Stephen, Kennedy, Dmitri, and Caz are true pros when it comes to tattooing so bring them the idea of the design that appeals to you and let them work their magic, bringing it to life on your skin. An added bonus is that while you’re busy getting inked, you can entertain yourself by checking out the stunning artwork dotted around the room, all of which has been created by local and international artists.
63 Dominick St Lower, Galway's Westend // Check out their tattoos here
above: photo courtesy of Galway Bay Tattoo, tattoo by Dmitri
Inkfingers
Galway's longest established tattoo studio, the lads at Inkfingers have a wealth of experience to draw from and are able to cover basically any style you can think of. Photo-realistic portraitures, new school, colour, black and grey, abstract, watercolour - whatever you're after, they'll be able to sort it out for you! Run by Sean Rickets, the owner and in-house legend of Inkfingers, it goes without saying he knows what he’s doing. He’s especially good at watercolour, so we highly recommend checking out his previous designs for some inspo.
Unit 7, Cathedral Buildings, Lower Abbeygate St // Check out their tattoos here
above: photo courtesy of Inkfingers, tattoo by Ollie
Rise Tattoo
Located just off Galway's bustling Shop Street, Rise Tattoo is a professional studio that works in all aspects of tattooing, from more traditional Black and Grey styles to seriously colourful Japanese work and more. They specialise in large-scale, custom, freehand lettering which has become much sought after here in Galway in recent years. While they are open late and happy to take walk-ins, we recommend booking in advance, so you get the chance to work with them to create a unique custom design, specifically for you.
25 Upper Abbeygate St // Check out their tattoos here
above: photo courtesy of Rise Tattoo, tattoo by Tony
Galway Tattoos
Situated in one of the most vibrant buildings in town, you'll find Galway Tattoos nestled in the laneway beside The Kings Head. Its' colourful exterior is reflected in the brilliant artwork they create. You'll find old school, retro, fun and playful designs created by their professional and incredibly talented team. Whether it's piercings or quality fine art tattoos you want, their work speaks for itself, with hundreds of satisfied customers and stellar reviews. They love walk-ins so just pop in and pick from some of their wonderful works of art to get started.
Olde Malt House, High St, Latin Quarter // Check out their tattoos here
above: photo courtesy of Galway Tattoos
Feature photo from Unsplash
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