Buzzing with conversations, happy shoppers, and the rich aroma of coffee and sizzling street food, Galway’s weekend marketplace teems with life. Helmed by Paul David Murphy, Tiny Traders Village is a community of independent artisans, crafters, and creatives, each passionate about their craft, supporting one another, and helping Galway’s cultural scene thrive. Meet some of its traders here..
Strolling through on a sunny summer day is a delight for the senses: the vibrant colours of handmade gifts, the sounds of live music drifting from a nearby busker, the scent of spices and roast coffee in the air. It’s easy to strike up conversations with fellow shoppers and friendly traders, who eagerly share their stories, not just about what they sell, but why they do it.
Talking with them, it’s clear Tiny Traders is more than a market, it’s a thriving community. As Paul of Football Kit Box puts it, “It's a lovely blend of locals, day trippers and tourists, and it brings so much colour and so much vibe to the city. It's really a beautiful thing to be part of.” Sharing this sentiment Niall and Sofia from Happy Llama are bringing a piece of Peru to Galway, with their alpaca-fur llamas that bring joy and colour. The markets allow them to meet people from all over the world, creating a space where cultures connect. Nearby, Chris Salcedo and wife Zoë run Tacos Traviesas with sous-chef Eileen, who describes how Tiny Traders helped them find their people: “We've created a great little community around us. Everyone's supportive and there’s a great sense of morale. We've learned something new every week we've been here. It's a really dope community.”
A few rows over, Alan and Abby of Bean Machine are serving up iced coffees and big smiles from their bright mobile café. For them, markets like Tiny Traders aren’t just helpful, they’re essential: “It just gives you an opportunity to actually start your business. It's so important, especially in Galway.” One such story belongs to Joanne, founder of NEMDAE, a brand blending crystal healing, affirmations, and gratitude rituals. She officially committed to her business just a week before our conversation, leaving her job to pursue her passion full-time. “[Tiny Traders] just brings such a spark to Galway. Without it, Galway isn't the same.” Artist Pat Flannery agrees: “It’s fantastic to have a market like this.” Her stall is adorned with original watercolour artworks, reproduced as limited edition prints and charming gifts.
Aoife, with Mettle & Bloom, shares how the market has been instrumental in helping grow their jewellery brand, which primarily exists online. The chance for customers to try on their pieces makes all the difference. Dejan of Everything I Like highlights the joy of crafting food from scratch and the strong sense of community at the market. He stresses how vital these spaces are for emerging entrepreneurs, especially in the food industry.
Whether it’s first-time shoppers or loyal locals, every visitor to Tiny Traders Village adds something to the fabric of the village. Visit them at the Spanish Arch every Friday to Sunday throughout June and July. After this, they’ll return to Eyre Square, where they’ll close out the summer season. Follow them on Instagram & Facebook @tinytradersvillage.
All photos by Ciarán MacChoncarraige.
