Whether you're a local looking to cool off or a visitor exploring the vibrant streets of Galway, finding the best ice cream in town is a must-do treat. From traditional gelato shops to quirky ice cream parlours serving up unique flavours, Galway offers a delicious variety of ice cream spots that will appeal to your sweet tooth. Here’s the inside scoop to the best places for ice cream in Galway, perfect for sunny days, family outings, or a refreshing treat after exploring the city.
Looking to get an ice cream in Galway? Galway may be better known for oysters, trad music, and moody skies, but on those sunny days, it transforms into an ice cream lover’s dream. Whether you’re in the mood for vegan ice cream, old-school soft serve, or sea-salted artisan scoops, there’s something here to suit everyone.
above: The Creamery | photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige.
The Creamery
Vegan options available.
See their menu here.
A staple on Salthill’s seafront, The Creamery is everything you want in a classic ice cream shop: bright, buzzy, and always serving up a warm welcome. On a sunny day, treat yourself to their irresistible homemade ice cream and gelato, made using the finest ingredients. Offering a wide variety of flavours and toppings, you can opt for their signature The Creamery Sundae, the addictive Chocolate Devine Sundae, or the sweet Fruit Sundae. Better yet, vegan options make this a crowd-pleaser for everyone in your group.
Address: The Promenade, Salthill.
above: Over the Moon | photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Over the Moon
See their menu here.
This cheerful shop in Eyre Square Shopping Centre lives up to its name. Known for its eye-catching décor and whimsical ice cream flavours, think bubblegum, birthday cake, Dubai chocolate and rainbow sprinkle overload, it’s a hit with kids and the young at heart. Pro tip: try their milkshakes on a scorcher. Known for making some of the finest homemade Italian style gelato in Galway, we bet that you’ll be over the moon after your visit.
Address: Shopping Centre, Eyre Square.
above: Kahuna Pop from Meltd
Meltd (Barna Only)
See their menu here.
Did you know that Meltd 2.0 in Barna is one of the few locations in Galway stocking Kahuna Pops, Ireland's original handmade popsicles. These are next level pops and what makes them even better is that they're Irish made. In the freezer they have loads of tasty options to choose from; watermelon, Oreo, strawberry mango, mint choc, fruit blaster, wibbly wobbler, bubble gum, tropical, Bueno, and of course the triple choc ice. Swing by, grab one (or two) and support local businesses, all while staying cool and refreshed in the sunshine.
Address: The Twelve Hotel, Barna Village.
above: photo courtesy of Murphy's Ice Cream.
Murphy’s Ice Cream
See their menu here.
No ice cream roundup in Ireland would be complete without Murphy’s Ice Cream. This iconic Dingle-born brand has made waves across the country with its artisan, Irish-ingredient-focused flavours like Dingle Sea Salt, Irish Brown Bread, and Butterscotch. Made with milk from Kerry cows, every scoop is a love letter to the island’s terroir. This ice cream store is easy to spot while walking through Galway city thanks to its complementary blue and white storefront, and the friendly staff who you’ll sometimes see handing out ice cream samples to passersby.
Address: 12 High Street, Galway City.
above: photo courtesy Capones.
Capones
See their menu here.
An unexpected contender, Knocknacarra’s Capones is an Italian-American style eatery with a side hustle in seriously good ice cream. On their dessert menu the milkshakes and sundaes are creamy, velvety, and perfect as a follow-up to pizza or pasta. For takeaway, pop round for a classic 99 cone topped with both sprinkles and a flake. Hidden gem status: confirmed.
Address: Unit 1, Kingston Hall, Kingston Rd, Knocknacarra.
Main image courtesy of Gino's Gelato.
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