Everyone knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day which is why we have put together a list of the top Galway spots to enjoy some seriously delicious breakfast dishes before the rest of your day begins. Discover all of Galway's best breakfast options below..
As a morning person, there’s nothing I love more than sitting down to a delicious breakfast before my day begins. It’s the perfect chance for a bit of me-time, and also for catching up with friends and family before the day’s to-do list starts getting in the way. Now, don’t worry if you are not a breakfast person, because we also have two fab guides on where to go for brunch and lunch in Galway ensuring that at no matter what time your day begins, these Galway foodies have something to curb your appetite.
above: Mary Mullens
Mary Mullens
What is it? - Bar and restaurant with a gorgeous covered courtyard
Breakfast served at - 9am to 12pm, daily
One of our favourite things about Mary Mullens is their fantastic breakfast menu, which we have returned time and again to enjoy while catching up with our pals. This menu offers everything from a light brekkie of pastry and coffee to the more substantial full Irish. Additionally, the kitchen team here is happy to cater to dietary requirements upon request, so rest assured that they have something for everyone.
Our order - Brioche French Toast. Our day never goes wrong when we start it with an order of French Toast at Mary Mullens. It’s always beautifully prepared with crispy bacon, maple syrup and a side of berries, you seriously need to try it.
Address: 12 -14 Prospect Hill, Galway City
See their breakfast menu here
The Skeff
What is it? - Bar and kitchen in the heart of Galway city centre
Breakfast served at - 9am to 12pm, daily
Breakfast at The Skeff is an ideal option for anyone passing through the city centre, whether you are on your way to work or simply starting your day early. Their location on Eyre Square (near the city’s busiest transport hub), means you can enjoy a great tasting breakfast and then wander over to catch your bus/train to your next destination without any rush. - The perfect start to any day in Galway city if you ask us!
Our order - The Skeff’s Bacon Muffin. Do yourself a favour and order this breakfast muffin. It’s one of the best we’ve ever enjoyed. Made with smoked bacon, fried egg, wilted spinach, melted Dubliner cheddar and pesto, this breakfast dish deserves to be on your radar and in your tummy.
Address: 27 Eyre Square, Galway City
See their breakfast menu here
above: Raviolo Verde, photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Raviolo Verde
What is it? - family-friendly authentic Italian restaurant
Breakfast served at - 10am to 1pm, Monday to Sunday
If you are starting your day in East Galway, breakfast at Raviolo Verde in Oranmore is a must! All the breakfast dishes here are incredible, and there’s loads of gluten free options available too. Located at the Carraig Lair Shopping Centre in Oranmore, you can enjoy a fantastic breakfast here right before getting your day’s shopping done - talk about a win-win!
Our order - Breakfast Schiacciata. It’s a perfectly filling breakfast, and exactly what you need before travelling around Galway, going to work or after finishing the school run. Freshly baked schiacciata bread filled with bacon, fried egg, sausage and a side portion of tomato sauce - doesn’t it sound amazing? Well, it is and we adore it, so be sure to pay them a visit and try it.
Address: Carraig Láir, Oranhill, Oranmore
See their breakfast menu here
Pier 56
What is it? - Café and restaurant that overlooks Galway Bay
Breakfast served at - 9am to 11am, daily
Breakfast with a sea view is a speciality of Pier 56 and on a winter’s day watching the late sun rise over the bay is truly a magical experience. If you are visiting Pier 56 for breakfast, we recommend doing so with a friend because the cosy and bright ambiance is perfect for early morning catch-ups. They have also just launched a new breakfast menu so call up that friend you haven’t seen for a while and get that breakfast date organised.
Our order - Crushed Avocado with Eggs. It’s a simple but classic breakfast dish, however when we order it at Pier 56 we feel as though we’re trying it again for the first time. It’s just that good!
Address: Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill Road Lower, Salthill
See their breakfast menu here
The Old Barracks
What is it? - award-winning bakery, café and restaurant
Breakfast served at - 8.30am to 12noon, daily
The community focused, local business with a big heart; for over a decade The Old Barracks in Athenry has been dedicated to bringing their guests the very best Irish hospitality and one of the very best breakfasts. We simply adore calling in for a hearty early morning feed and a chat with their amazing staff, it's truly one of the nicest ways to start the day in Galway.
Our order - Mexican Breakfast Taco. It’s our go-to order whenever we are starting our day in Athenry. Two tortillas filled with cheesy scrambled eggs, crispy chorizo, fresh tomato salsa and spicy sriracha sauce - it’s absolutely delish! Best of all, they have a veggie version available so no one needs to miss out on all this taco goodness.
Address: Cross Street, Athenry
See their breakfast menu here
Magpie Bakery
What is it? - an incredibly popular bakery that always sells out
Open at - 8.30am to 3pm(close), Thursday-Sunday
Freshly made breads and pastries are their speciality and wow have they perfected these recipes! Since day one, Magpie Bakery has opened its doors to a queue of eager customers, all looking to start their day enjoying some of the finest baked goods in the city. While there is usually a queue, it does move quickly, and the wait is always worth it!
Our order - Honey Toast. A perfectly toasted golden bake that is both sweet and crispy, if the Honey Toast is still available when we visit them, it is absolutely what we are asking for.
Address: Unit 12, The Cornstore
See their menu here
above: Blackrock Cottage, photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Blackrock Cottage
What is it? - restaurant that is housed inside a beautifully renovated 1830s cottage
Breakfast served at - 8am to 12.30pm, daily
One of the earliest options for breakfast on this list, Blackrock Cottage is the perfect place for anyone starting their day early. It’s also ideally located at the end of the promenade so an apt option for sea-swimmers, prom walkers and Salthill locals to sit and chat over a delicious breakfast. They have also collaborated with their neighbours Álainn to bring their guests their extremely popular acai bowls.
Our order - House BBQ Baked Beans on Toast. If you think that sounds amazing, you would be absolutely correct. This dish is a fantastic take on a classic, seriously, do yourself a favour and go in tomorrow morning to try it.
Address: Blackrock House, The Promenade, Salthill
See their breakfast menu here
WYLDE Café
What is it? - cosy café across from Galway Coach Station
Breakfast served at - 8am to 10.30am
Brilliantly located right across the street from Galway Coach Station, if you are arriving into Galway off an early bus you won’t have far to go for a deliciously comforting breakfast and your morning coffee or tea. This space is always bright and brimming with locals collecting their coffee before work so kickstart your holiday in Galway the right way and visit WYLDE.
Our order - HYDE Creamy Porridge. While you may be thinking - what are we on about? Listen to us- the porridge at WYLDE is comfort food for the soul. Topped with toasted walnuts, banana, cinnamon and maple syrup, their team has taken a breakfast staple and turned it into something special.
Address: Forster Street, Galway City
See their breakfast menu here
Delight
What is it? - café that specialises in healthy, wholesome food
Breakfast served at - 8am to 3pm, Monday-Friday, & 9am to 1.30pm Saturday and Sunday
Calling all the parents trying to get up and out of the house as quickly as possible, this one is especially for you! On school days we know how tough it can be to get everything prepared for your child(ren) and then also take care of yourself so how about; tomorrow, once you're finished with the school drop-off, head straight to Delight in Renmore for some healthy and tasty brekkie. Their entire menu is divine and they have a full juice bar with smoothies to booth.
Our order - Breakfast Bagel with a ‘Green Delight’ juice. Made with bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs and relish, this bagel is a wholesome breakfast option and we love ordering it every time we visit Delight. With this, we love to get one of Delight’s ‘Green Delight’ juices. With spinach, mint, lime, apple and frozen pineapple, this juice provides a lovely ‘kick’ and tastes delish.
Address: Renmore Avenue, Renmore
See their breakfast menu here
above: McHugh's Traditional Pub & Restaurant
McHugh’s Traditional Pub & Restaurant
What is it? - family-friendly pub and restaurant with a huge beer garden
Breakfast served from - 8am to noon Monday-Thursday & 7.30am to noon Friday-Saturday & 9am to noon Sunday
Decorated in the traditional pub style, McHugh’s has become a popular spot for breakfast for residents across Galway City and with its free parking, comfy booths, cosy wood stove and a beer garden to rival the best of them, it’s easy to see why! On the menu you’ll find a multi-award-winning breakfast range complete with a traditional full-Irish, pancakes, gluten-free options, vegan options and good old-fashioned omelettes.
Our order - Tournafulla Black Pudding Potato Cakes. A deliciously filling start to the day, these potato cakes are seriously divine, they come with crispy bacon, poached egg and red onion marmalade. All their breakfast items are served with regular tea/coffee or a glass of orange juice/fresh milk, toast and homemade brown bread.
Address: Tuam Rd, Killeen, Castlegar Village
See their breakfast menu here
Jemi Lighthouse
What is it? - vegan and vegetarian café in Galway’s city centre
Breakfast served at - 10am to 11.45am, Monday-Saturday
Serving homemade, healthy lunches and bakes, Jemi Lighthouse on Abbeygate St and its twin business in Terryland Retail Park are a pair of family-run, vegetarian cafés in the west of Ireland. Open 6 days a week, for breakfast and lunch and menu items range from sandwiches, salad bowls, vegan fry, pancakes and more. They also have a diverse drinks menu with both hot and iced drinks, as well as homemade cacao chai.
Our order - The Full Vegan Fry. Jemi Lighthouse specialises in all things vegan and vegetarian friendly so rest assured that they know how to make a great vegan fry up. It’s one of the best we’ve ever had so be sure to check it out!
Address: 8 Abbeygate Street Upper, Galway City
See their breakfast menu here
The Huntsman Inn
What is it? - a family-friendly bar and restaurant
Breakfast served at - 9am to 11.30am Monday-Saturday & 10am-11.30am Sunday
The award-winning Huntsman Inn is a fantastic pitstop option for breakfast on the way into the city for work/school. Located on the outskirts of the city, The Huntsman Inn is ideally located along the main bus routes meaning you can hop off, get your breakfast and then back on the bus to head to your final destination.
Our order - Wild Mushrooms on Toast. If you are a fan of mushrooms, this dish is absolutely a must-try. It comes with a fricassee of wild mushrooms, parmesan shavings, poached egg, grilled brioche, and truffle hollandaise.
Address: 164 College Rd, Wellpark
See their breakfast menu here
above: The Red Gap Bar & Restaurant
The Red Gap Bar & Restaurant
What is it? - a traditional Irish pub serving high quality food options
Breakfast served at - 9am to 12pm Thursday-Saturday & 9.30am to 12.30am Sunday & 9am to 12pm Monday
There’s something to delight everyone on the breakfast menu at The Red Gap Bar & Restaurant. From the classic options of fry ups and Belgian waffles to smoked salmon with poached eggs and potato cakes, your taste buds are definitely in for a treat when you choose them as your breakfast spot. Be sure to call in and try their delicious breakfast menu for yourself.
Our order - Triple Decker BLT. We firmly believe that sandwiches are an allrounder food item, perfect for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you’ll never go wrong ordering one! If you have a busy day ahead, The Red Gap’s BLT sandwich comes with crispy rashers, iceberg lettuce, and slices of plump tomato layered in three slices of toasted brown/white bread and creamy mayonnaise.
Address: Knock, Barnaderg.
See their breakfast menu here
Tom Sheridan’s
What is it? - bar and restaurant with a fantastic food menu
Breakfast served at - 11am to 12.30pm Monday-Thursday & 10am to 12.30pm Friday-Sunday
Tom Sheridan's offers a late morning breakfast alternative for all late risers (and parents after the school rush). While their breakfast menu is short it is mighty. It is full of your favourite classic breakfast options and to ensure that your day starts on the right track at Tom Sheridan’s when you order from their breakfast menu you will receive a complimentary tea or an americano with your dish.
Our order - American Style Pancakes. It’s a classic for a reason and Tom Sheridan’s have perfected it. Topped with cream and maple syrup, these pancakes always go down a treat and with the free coffee to go along with it, it’s a match made in heaven.
Address: Clybaun Road, Knocknacarra
See their breakfast menu here
Taaffes Bar
What is it? - city centre bar with tons of Irish charm
Breakfast served at - 10.30am to 12noon, Monday-Saturday
Conveniently located on Galway’s Shop Street, Taaffes Bar is the perfect place to stop by for a bite to eat before heading off to work. With a variety of traditional Irish breakfast options to choose from you, you won’t want to leave this spot once you start tucking into their array of delicious foods. Who knows you may even be able to sneak in a quick pint of their famously good Guinness before you have to go..
Our order - Full Irish Breakfast. Taaffes serve one of the best full Irish breakfast we’ve ever had. If you had a wild night the eve before, Taaffes have the cure and it's served until noon so you have plenty of time to put yourself together and get yourself in for some badly needed breakfast.
Address: 19 Shop Street, Galway City
See their breakfast menu here
above: Ground & Co, photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Ground & Co
What is it? - a cosy family-friendly café by the seaside
Breakfast served at - 7.30am to 1pm Monday-Friday, 8.30am to 1pm Saturday-Sunday
Is there a better way to start a day in Galway than by watching the sunrise in Salthill? We adore making Ground & Co our early morning go-to spot for some delicious breakfast. Whether you want to sit in and stay awhile or simply a coffee and pastry to go, rest assured Ground & Co have exactly what your morning needs.
Our order - Leroy’s Sausage Roll. This dish always makes it to the top of our best sausage rolls in Galway lists and we cannot recommend them enough! While the exact recipe is still a secret, every element of this gorgeous creation has been tried and tested to ensure it is of the highest quality and tastes perfect. This Leroy lad definitely doesn't cheat with the meat and provides one of the best seasoned sausage rolls in town with plenty of filling and not too much pastry.
Address: Claude Toft Park, Atlantaquaria, Salthill
See their breakfast menu here
Merchant Café & Bar
What is it? - a lovely bright Galway city café and bar
Breakfast served at - 11am to 4pm, seven days a week
At Merchant Bar & Restaurant their aim is to create simple, honest, and fresh dishes sourced locally from farms and the sea to create a breakfast menu that is bursting with amazing flavours - and that is exactly what they have achieved. If you're looking for something filling, we recommend their full Irish with all the trimmings or if something light is more appealing the Merchant eggs benedict and granola bowls hit the spot every time.
Our order - Smoked Salmon Salad. A delicious bowl of smoked salmon served on a bed of mixed leaves, red onion, capers, with homemade brown bread and a dash of pesto. This dish hits all the right notes.
Address: Eyre Square Hotel, 6 Forster Street
See their breakfast menu here
Porterhouse
What is it? - homely gastropub with a brilliant food menu
Breakfast served at - 10am to 12noon, Monday-Saturday & 11am to 12noon Sunday
Porterhouse is busy serving breakfast right up until noon to ensure that the people of Oranmore get to start their day with an amazing breakfast. They offer a menu filled with all the morning essentials so you can enjoy a feast of gourmet omelettes, French toast, and fry ups before taking on your day of work or gallivantings.
Our order - Porterhouse Gourmet Omelette. You have never had an omelette like the Porterhouse Gourmet Omelette! It’s made with 4 eggs, chorizo, red onion, mixed peppers, cherry tomatoes, and white cheddar, and really sets us up for the day ahead. All their breakfast items are served with complimentary tea or coffee as well as toast/brown bread.
Address: Howley Court, Dublin Rd, Oranmore
See their breakfast menu here
Feature photo from McHugh's Pub & Restaurant
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