We here at This is Galway are all about supporting the local, independent businesses that make Galway so special. Through their amazing products and thoughtful one-to-one customer service, these Galway stores continue to enhance the personal charm of the city, adding colour and vibrancy to every corner and street.
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 a gorgeous new outfit, shop sustainably at Aplomb and The Sustainable Studio. The Sustainable Studio showcases one-of-a-kind preloved vintage designer bags, clothing, accessories and shoes. Aplomb offers both sustainable fashion from brands across Europe, and styles from closer to home. Thanks to both these clothes stores, building your wardrobe of stunning, high-quality staples has never been easier and we can guarantee you’ll love every piece you find. In a similar vein, there's no telling what quirky, retro and down right cool clothes you'll discover at Planet Retro Vintage. This vintage store is every thrifters dream store, a treasure trove of one off pieces and eye-catching fits and accessories. When it comes to reworked 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. Over in the heart of Galway's Latin Quarter, Kindf_olk is a speciality café and lifestyle store that places an emphasis on promoting eco-friendly brands and products. Additionally, it's the perfect pit stop for a coffee while continuing your shopping spree.
above: photo of Planet Retro Vintage, by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
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. If you want to buy an iconic Aran sweater to keep you cosy and warm, Aran Sweater Market on Quay St provides a unique shopping destination for those who wish to experience first-hand, the beauty of the authentic Aran Sweater, as well as learn about its long and fascinating history. Their sister business, Weavers of Ireland brings together household Irish weaving names like Avoca to Foxford Mills to firm Irish favourites like Branigan and Muckross Weavers. In doing so it represent and offers only the finest of craftsmen, all under one umbrella. For all your activewear needs, get thee to Sweaty Betty. This sportswear clothing store stocks everything from sports bras and leggings to yoga mats and fitness equipment.
For high-quality casual and formal menswear, Louis Copeland & Sons have earned a flawless reputation for styling the men of Galway and beyond. They offer all types of clothing, from suits, knitwear, and jerseys, to footwear and accessories. They stock over 60 brands, both instore and online ensuring that you find the perfect fit. Alternatively in Ornamore, Wolf & West stocks contemporary casual style, formal attire and everything in between. The offer their visitors a chance to shop 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. Not to be 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.
Hit the link HERE to discover more about Galway's Sustainable Clothes stores.
Hit the link HERE to discover more Galway's ultimate Fashion Guide.
above: photo of Louis Copeland & Sons, by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
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 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 and children’s clothing to jewellery and giftware, Standún in both Spiddal and Oughterard 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. Another fabulous option for where to go to shop a diverse range of Irish made products, Kilkenny Design is home to Ireland’s largest collection of Irish designers, stocking everything from fashion, accessories and homeware to handmade jewellery, hand-thrown pottery and a wide range of gifts and wellness products. Staying with all things wellness and natural products, West Coast Herbs is a natural herbal remedies store that stocks a vast range of herbal products including; herbal teas, natural perfumes, soap bars, facial moisturisers, joint oil/gel and dried herbs. If natural products is your buzz, alongside their amazing food and coffee offerings, Little Collins CBD Dispensary's supply a range of high-quality, full-spectrum CBD products, such as CBD oil, paste, balm, capsules and more! Through their online store, they ship products to all of Ireland if you’re not Galway-based! In order to complete your weekly shop visit Ernies, the local grocer, visitors here can discover the very best of local produce and bag themselves loads of fresh fruit and veg. Ernies is the sole stockist for some local producers so you seriously need to plan a visit for a taste of the best produce in the West.
For lovers of the arts, visit Outset Gallery which acts as a one stop shop for art, framing, design, interiors, botany, supplies, exhibitions, events and more. The art in its gallery space is all available for purchase and they have loads of quirky cards and home items instore which all make for fabulous gifts for yourself or a loved one. Out in Clifden, Connemara Blue is a family run glass art gift store whose artwork are all captivatingly beautiful. Taking inspiration from the Connemara landscape around them, these designs are truly one-of-a-kind. Whether the design is of the awe-inspiring Atlantic Ocean accompanied by Galway Hookers, or four little white birds perched on a wire surrounded by a beautiful aquamarine transparent base glass, their products are made with expert care and dedication. If you have a bit of a sweet tooth, Aunty Nellies is a traditional sweet shop in Galway's bustling Latin Quarter. They've got everything from retro sweets and American candy to fudge and jellies. If chocolate is your poison, a visit to the French chocolatiers Truffle should be next on your list! Their counters are lined with just about every variety and flavour of chocolate imaginable, from signature truffles perfect for nibbling to hazelnut hot chocolates for those colder days – whatever you go for, you’re guaranteed to be coming back for more.
above: photo courtesy of Connemara Blue
Find yourself a New Pastime
For the avid reader, Kennys Bookshop and Art Gallery is one of Ireland’s largest bookshops, they have tens of thousands of new and secondhand books available in store, with everything from the latest bestsellers and great bargain books, to secondhand sci-fi novels and rare and signed first editions. The staff are also all big readers and are always on hand to help with recommendations! Kennys also offer free delivery in Ireland on all book orders placed via their website; www.kennys.ie. Alternatively, 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.
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. If you are shopping for comic books, Sub-City Comics is the West Of Ireland's only dedicated comic and manga store and also has cool goodies, merch, figurines, collectables, board games, comics, books and much more. They've even got a ton of jigsaws and games available which would be perfect for those who enjoy a bit of friendly competition.
above: photo courtesy of Sub-City Comics
For any aspiring musicians hoping to commence their journey into the industry, there’s no better time to start than noe. 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.
Gems & 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.
above: photo courtesy of Ór Jewellery
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. If you want to carry a piece of Galway with you no matter where you travel, visit the Claddagh ring specialists - Heart in Hands. This cute jewellery store gets its name from the iconic design of the famous ring so it won't surprise you to learn about the extensive care that goes into making each unique piece.
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 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).
Hit the link HERE to discover more about Galway's Jewellery stores.
above: photo courtesy of Silverwood Jewellery
