We here at This is Galway are all about supporting the local, independent businesses that make Galway city what it is. Through their unique offerings and thoughtful service, these Galway stores have enhanced the personal charm of the city, adding colour and vibrancy to every nook and cranny.
By spending a few quid in an independent store, you’re simultaneously supporting the entire locality and ensuring that Galway maintains that community-driven quality, which is becoming increasingly rare. Bespoke, one-of-a-kind items that have been produced with tender love and care make for ideal gifts that will withstand the tests of time. Discover where to shop local in Galway below..
STYLE STAPLES
Whether you’re kitting out your wardrobe for the festival season or just want to spruce up your style, there are an abundance of options right under your nose. For the sustainably-minded people among us, Aplomb Menswear and Lifestyle store will be right up your alley. Specialising in sustainable fashion and goods from all over Europe and also closer to home. At Aplomb, all the brands they stock have sustainable production practices at their core. In a similar vein, NO. 8 stock an eclectic mix of great quality items from local designers, pre-loved sustainable pieces and a range of affordable new labels. When it comes to vintage fashion, Public Romance on Abbeygate St is every fashion-lover's paradise. With an impressive variety of branded sportswear, retro sunglasses and jewellery, vintage shirts and dresses, classic streetwear, old military apparel and so much more, there is something for everybody here.
For high-quality menswear, it’s got to be Wolf & West. Contemporary casual style, formal attire and everything in between, they stock leading labels from around the globe, as well as plenty of Irish designs. Not stopping at jeans, suits and shoes, they also stock a great range of accessories, including belts, wallets and cufflinks. For the ladies, Collette Latchford offers an impressive line- up of quality international labels in very inviting surroundings. Whether you're looking for just one new piece or a complete new wardrobe, Collette Latchford is the clothing shop for you! Not for forgetting the kiddies, Just Kidz in Athenry stocks everything you need for your little ones. For comfortable and fashionable clothing and footwear for babies, toddlers and kids, you can find it all at Just Kidz.
To add a bit of glamour to your everyday outfits, Mega Catchy provides unique fashion accessories to their Galway customers. They’ve got pretty handbags and purses with cute caricatures and animations that are proving very popular as well as a fabulous selection of accessories made from cork. You won't find these accessories anywhere else! Speaking of unique design, Irish Socksciety have been adding touches of fun to their colourful socks, each design adds a pop of colour and a bit of humour to any outfit. No look is too serious for some fun Irish Socksciety' socks.
TREASURE TROVES
If you’re hoping to unearth some hidden treasures, keepsakes and pieces filled with character, set aside a few hours to comb through Galway city’s many nooks and crannies. A toy shop loved by many, Wooden Heart offer ethical, safe and high-quality wooden toys and unique gifts that can be enjoyed by the whole family. For everything from ceramics and jewellery to sculptures and books, 2 Wild Geese is nothing if not an emporium of Irish design. Adding an extra bit of character to each corner of your house. Providing local designers and artists with a route to market, this is a space where art is accessible to everyone. A veritable treasure trove, Tempo Antiques stock an array of carefully handpicked jewellery, old and new, as well as an extensive selection of necklaces, brooches and earrings dating back centuries. With precious stone engagement rings available alongside breath-taking eternity and dress rings for any occasion, there’s something for every budget and every taste. For some eye-catching gifts, head straight to The Sheep. In-stores you’ll find high-quality, locally produced wool and sheepskin products sourced from the West of Ireland that serve as a charming memento from our little corner of the world.
For some floral excellence, Yes Flowers have tropical fresh cut flowers, palms and topiary plants and plenty of terrariums to give your home an added sophistication. For the best leather goods around, Mishnóc is opulence at its finest. Specialising in leather goods from around the world, they also craft and stock a number of their own Mishnóc brand, which is designed and manufactured in their Athenry workshop, where each item is cut, stitched, sewn and assembled by hand. For everything from Aran Sweaters and Women’s, Men’s & Children’s clothing to jewellery and giftware, Standún Spiddal quite literally has it all. Priding themselves on their great customer service, keen prices and high-quality products; this retailer provides a relaxed, traditional shopping experience with the added appeal of their helpful team.
FIND A NEW PASTIME
For any aspiring musicians hoping to commence their journey into the industry, there’s no better time to start than in the new year. Whether it’s a thoughtful gift for someone special or you’re treating yourself, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for at Powells Music Shop. Overflowing with musical instruments and accessories, a range of art supplies and an abundance of other buried treasures - all your creative needs will be met. Also specialising in all things musical, It Music is a friendly, local, affable, and handsome music store filled with banter. You’ll find keyboards, drum kits, brass and woodwind, PA systems and a huge range of accessories -- as well as a passionate staff that can help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
For the avid reader, the popular Charlie Byrne's Bookshop stocks over 70,000 pre-loved, new and bargain books on subjects ranging from popular fiction to Irish interest to art and architecture and much more. In Galway's Westend, Bell Book & Candle is for anyone with a taste for a good read, a good listen or a good film. Stocking a huge range of books, vinyls and CDs you're guaranteed to find something you love at Bell Book & Candle. Any gamers out there looking to find the latest game releases across a range of genre? At Dungeons and Donuts they’ve got all the newest games out there and everything you need to paint, build and play your army for war gamers. Whether it’s Warhammer, Magic the Gathering, or board games, come in to Dungeons and Donuts to collect and play, or learn if you’re new. And have a donut, of course.
GEMS AND JEWELLERY
No matter what kind of bling you're in the market for, Galway's got some of the best jewellers around. Hartmanns of Galway on William Street is home to a broad selection of rings, watches and gifts galore. The exclusive authorised stockist for some of the world’s top brands such as Rolex, Tudor, Longines and Tag Heuer to name but a few, Hartmanns combine a proud tradition with contemporary and desirable pieces. For jewellery for every budget and taste, head to Ór Jewellery. With a range of contemporary jewellery from exclusive designers around Europe, you are guaranteed to pick up something extraordinary for that someone special in your life. This mother-daughter business pride themselves on bringing their customers something a little different, while keeping their collection fresh and their grá for Irish heritage evident.
Priding itself on designing and creating the finest quality jewellery since 1961, you can't go wrong with Blacoe Jewellers. What makes this jeweller truly unique is their on-site, master goldsmith, Robert Blacoe. Robert is always happy to meet customers to help them design their perfect piece of jewellery, whether it be their dream engagement ring or re-working a family heirloom into the most exquisite sentimental pendant! They also specialise in both natural and lab grown diamonds, so you can always enjoy a guilt free shop when you're in-stores. Residing in the heart of Galway’s Corbett Court shopping centre, the team at Foxford Jewellers are always on hand to help you find the perfect piece of jewellery for you. Renowned for their intricate designs and custom made jewellery, you're sure to find something you love at Foxford.
For antique and modern jewellery and gifts, there's nowhere like Cobwebs. It's founder Phyllis carefully selects each of Cobweb's antique jewellery pieces, each one unique, with a history and character all its own - mementos of life’s most joyous moments. At Silverwood Jewellers their expert Goldsmith, Basia can make your dream a sparkling reality. Whether that's an exquisite bespoke engagement or wedding ring, or any other fine jewellery, Silverwood Jewellers can bring your design to life in front of you. Browse their instore collection to find the ideal gift or a well deserved indulgence to someone you love (yourself included).
