Listen lads, focus, we’re not messing about! This is serious business. We’ve eaten our way across the county, fork in one hand, knife in the other, all in the name of research. And now it’s time to separate the good from the great and officially name the best fry-ups Galway has to offer. So, let’s discuss what makes these full Irish breakfasts so legendary.
above: Cornerstone | photo by Ado Lyons
The One that Wows...
Oranmore is hiding one of our favourite breakfast spots in all of Galway. Cornerstone, home to one of the best breakfast fry-ups we've ever tasted (those sausages are really something special!) is the hot new food spot from the Armorica team. Here it’s all about fresh and local produce and you can taste it in every bite. It’s insanely good! We love having it first thing in the morning (and we really mean first thing) because when you visit Cornerstone before 9am, all coffees are only €2! With this fry-up for breakfast you’ll be buzzing all day long.
above: McHugh's
The One with the Most Votes…
Breakfast of champions, a feast of flavour (it’s officially a fan favourite). When it comes to the full Irish breakfast at McHugh’s we’ve heard it all, and all of it is true. Crowned by our audience back in 2020 as the best of the best, if you want to know what a traditional fry-up should be, McHugh's is doing it like no one else. And, in the years since they’ve been collecting awards for their breakfast like it was going out of style. If you’re looking for a classic, dependable, crowd-approved fry-up that delivers every single time, McHugh’s is the place to go.
above: Blackthorn Restaurant | photo by Ado Lyons
The One with Notions…
Blackthorn Restaurant offers the fry-up for those days when you’re feeling a little bit fancy and want to treat yourself. Yes, it’s the most expensive on this list, but once the plate lands in front of you, you’ll understand exactly where your money is going. The portions are generous, the presentation is polished, and you can taste the quality in every bite. Available exclusively as part of their weekend brunch menu, the Blackthorn grill turns breakfast into a full-blown occasion. And just when you think it couldn’t get any better, you can pair the dish with one of their expertly crafted cocktails and that’ll really knock your socks off.
above: Taaffes Bar | photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
The One without Notions…
What could be better than a fry-up with a pint? Nothing, that’s what! Anyways, Taaffes Bar is one spot in the city that offers both to the highest quality. Sometimes you don’t want the fancy sourdough, the chilli beans, or the pork & apple sausages, you just want a proper fry, done right - just like the one that your mammy makes, and at Taaffes, that’s exactly what you get. Everything is cooked just right, generous without being over the top, and served with that no-nonsense pub charm that makes it all the more enjoyable. Add in the option of a perfectly poured pint and you’ve got yourself one of the most satisfying fry-up experiences Galway city has to offer.
above: Dela
The One with the Queue around the Block…
Dela is the one spot that’ll have you queuing for your breakfast, but don’t panic, the line moves fast and this fry is well worth the wait. This is a full Irish with a bit of flair: top-tier ingredients, perfectly cooked eggs, and everything plated with serious care. It’s still hearty and comforting, but there’s no denying it has a touch of class about it. If you like your fry-up done with quality you can taste, Dela delivers every single time.
above: Screene's on the Square
The One with a bit of Northern Charm...
This here is no ordinary fry-up, this is a thing of beauty. Screene’s on the Square have brought a bit of Northern magic to Galway, and their breakfast is proof that they know exactly what they’re doing. Big portions, bold flavours, and all the classics done right, with a few extras that elevate it to elite status. It’s rich, filling, and affordable, the kind of fry-up that keeps you full until dinner (and maybe beyond). A serious contender and a must-try for any fry-up fan.
above: Corrib House Tea Rooms
The One with the Views…
If you’re going to sit down to a big fry-up, you might as well have it somewhere where the views are as satisfying as the meal itself, and well Corrib House Tea Rooms has absolutely nailed just that. Situated right on the banks of the River Corrib, this is the kind of place where you can take your time, soak in the views, and let breakfast do the talking. The Corrib Grill is everything you could want a fry-up to be; hearty, beautifully cooked, and is the perfect combination of being comforting and tasty as f**k. The homemade brown bread is ideal for mopping up every last bit, and their tomato chutney really ties it all together beautifully.
Main image from Corrib House Tea Rooms
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