When in Galway, drink as the Gawelgians! Every great Galway adventure involves paying a visit to some of Galway’s top wine bars and we are determined to help you discover the best of the lot. Find all of our favourite spots for enjoying a glass of wine in Galway below and let the good times commence.
The Lamplight Wine Bar
When it comes to sampling delicious wines you are going to want to start at one of the best in Ireland The Lamplight Wine Bar. Recently, they were named in the Star Wine List for their wines and Anke’s vast knowledge and passion for wines from all corners of the globe. Anke is a qualified Sommelier and Wine Educator for WSET so if you are looking to try out new flavours she is just the person to ask. At The Lamplight Wine Bar enjoy glasses of exquisite wines paired with their specially crafted menu or take part in one of their wine tasting sessions, which are always a lovely way to spend an evening in Clifden.
Market St, Clifden / more here
Éan Bakery, Restaurant & Wine Bar
The only other spot in the West of Ireland to earn a place in the Star Wine List was Galway City’s Éan Bakery, Restaurant & Wine Bar. The sister business to the Michelin star Loam Restaurant, Éan has gone from strength to strength since first opening their doors in 2020. Their wine list features additions from all over the world and is accompanied by recommended food pairings that beautifully enhance the flavours of each wine. If you fancy spending an evening with your nearest and dearest enjoying a tasty combination of wine and food head straight to Éan Wine Bar and thank us later.
Druid Lane, Flood St, Latin Quarter / more here
The Lane
A neighbourhood wine bar and restaurant, The Lane is a cosy and relaxed place designed in the style of the Continental enotecas and neighbourhood bistros we all know and love, where people could meet friends and like-minded fellows to discover great food and beautiful wine. They stock a primarily European, wine list, focusing on real wines that reflect a sense of place with producers who mainly use organic and bio-dynamic practices and rare grape varietals with a nod to sustainability. The team at The Lane love learning about wine and sharing their discoveries with their customers. There’s no snobbery here, just a passion and enthusiasm for delicious wine.
Kirwan's Lane, Latin Quarter / more here
Deli la Tasca
For a taste of authentic Spanish wine and tapas, Deli la Tasca should be the first place on your mind. With a wide variety of quality Spanish wine by the glass or bottle, and tapas boards and weekly changed dinner meals, there is so much deliciousness to be enjoyed at Deli Tasca. The tapas and main courses are each based on Deli la Tasca’s authentic homemade recipes and are the perfect pairings for their extensive wine list. They carefully select all their wines directly from Spain, working with small producers and quality suppliers to bring you the very best authentic Spanish experience in the West.
1 Upper Dominick St, Galway’s Westend / more here
Rúibín Bar & Restaurant
With a focus on local seasonal Irish ingredients, an extensive wine list, exceptional service and breathtaking location, you can guarantee that Rúibín Bar & Restaurant excel at everything they do. Which is why we’re sure it’ll come as no surprise to you to discover that Rúibín stocks some of the tastiest wines in Galway. Offering a diverse selection of wines that includes a range of natural, organic, and biodynamic wines from small producers, your taste buds are in for a treat whenever you stop by Rúibín for a glass or two of vino.
1 Dock Rd, The Docks / more here
Il Vicolo
Make your evening that bit more special and book yourself into Il Vicolo for an intimate dining experience with an Italian flare. In addition to their seasonal selection of pasta, risotto, cheese, charcuterie and primi piatti, Il Vicolo also offers a large authentic Italian wine menu that is to die for! If you need a hand deciding on the right wine to accompany your meal, simply ask the fabulous team who are all experts on finding the perfect wine match for each of their menu options. Whether you are drinking by the glass or bottle, red, white or sparkling, experience Italian wine perfection at Il Vicolo.
Bridgemills, O’Brien’s Bridge, Galway’s Westend / more here
Sheridan’s Cheesemongers
Tucked away a floor above Sheridans Cheesemongers’ bright cheese shop is their fabulous wine bar. Serving an array of cheese boards and a wine selection comprising of all biodynamic, organic and natural wines. There are always some new flavours and combinations to discover at this wine bar. Sheridans also regularly host wine and cheese tastings which are always worth keeping an eye out for. During the day you can sit and relax away from the busyness of the city streets with a glass of wine and small plates of cheeses and cured meats. Alternatively, return during the night and be swept up in the magic of Sheridans when it becomes a place lively characters gather to enjoy some wines and cheeses after a long day of work.
14-16 Churchyard St, City Centre / more here
The Universal
We’ll let The Universal’s incredible reputation speak for itself when we tell you need to treat yourself to a late night out at this Westend gastrobar. An inviting interior, amazing dining options and a range of heavenly full bodied wines, it’s no wonder that it quickly becomes a favourite of everyone who walks through their doors. From light and fruity flavours to rich and earthy tones, The Universal showcases a variety of wines to suit all palates and stock the best range of natural wines in the west. Regardless of which you prefer, when it comes to great tasting wines, The Universal will never let you down.
9 William St West, Galway’s Westend / more here
Armorica
What goes better with a glass of vino than a phenomenal performance of live jazz? Every Thursday night and Sunday brunch, Armorica is filled with the sounds of upbeat jazz tunes. We simply must recommend that you bring your friends along with you to Armorica and experience a night of French wines and jazz for yourself. Their menus reflect their love for French flavours and their wine list is no exception! In order to offer wine lovers a chance to learn a bit more about the wines they stock, Armorica hosts ‘Meet the Maker’ wine tasting events to give their visitors a chance to meet the people behind each delicious bottle of vino.
Main St, Oranmore / more here
Pear Tree Café, Bistro & Wine Bar
The neighbourhood wine bar at Pear Tree Café, Bistro & Wine Bar has the option of seating both indoors and outdoors and offers a unique and wholesome experience to all its guests. It is a welcoming space where people can come, relax among good company, enjoy live music, and taste loads of delicious wines, and cheese and charcuterie boards. The wine list focuses on organic, biodynamic and natural wines and even includes wines that have been made grape-free, such as the Wicklow Way Wines’ raspberry, strawberry and blackberry wines. Catering to everyone from the experienced wine drinker to the novice, this wine list also thoughtfully includes details of how each wine is made and the individual qualities that makes them unique.
107-109 Upper Salthill Rd, Salthill / more here
Bierhaus
A popular spot for a few after work drinks, Bierhaus will never let you down when it comes to serving up greatness in a glass. With a seasonal wine menu bringing you the finest flavours from across the globe, there’s always something new to sample at this welcoming Westend boozer. Call in the next time you are passing and unwind in its easy-going atmosphere while tucking into some of their delicious hot dogs or classic grilled sandwich options with a refreshing glass of wine in hand. Trust us when we tell you that you’ll be a regular in no time.
2 Henry St, Galway’s Westend / more here
West Restaurant at the Twelve Hotel
Having received numerous awards for their wine list including The Best Wine List in Ireland, you are in for a wine centred treat at West Restaurant at The Twelve Hotel. The wine list mirrors the sophistication and great taste of their food menu, taking inspiration from all around the world. For any taste, meal or mood, an array of possibilities awaits you at West Restaurant. If you would like some help deciding or a feeling in the mood to treat yourself by having a fine vintage port or wine decanted, simply speak to the knowledgeable team who can help you enjoy a memorable wine dining experience.
The Twelve Hotel, Barna / more here
Trieste Café & Wine Bar
Nothing beats a summer's day sitting outside at Trieste Café & Wine Bar with one of their various cheese boards and a rich glass of wine. With one taste you’ll soon discover why their incredible meat and cheese boards quickly became famous in Galway for the high quality produce that tastes as good as they look. What makes it all so much better is that these meat and cheese boards all pair perfectly with Trieste’s exclusive wines. Their carefully selected wine list combines old world classics and a new world sense of adventure meaning you get to savour tastes of all things Italy, Spain and France right in the heart of Galway City.
5 Buttermilk Walk, Middle St, City Centre / more here
Cava Bodega
Bringing all the tastes of Spain to Galway’s Latin Quarter, the award-winning Cava Bodega are famous for their platters of the finest Spanish tapas and wines. Their tapas menu showcases over 70 regional Spanish Tapas, so you’ll have plenty of great foods to enjoy while sipping away on Cava Bodega’s terrific selection of wines. Their drinks menu is entirely devoted to Spanish wine and sherry with a focus on natural and organic wines. No matter whether you are popping in for a quick tapa and a glass of vino or gathering with a group of friends or family, Cava Bodega is the perfect place to enjoy the tapas way of life!
Unit 1 Middle St, Latin Quarter / more here
McCambridges of Galway
If you are looking to stock up on delicious wines for a special occasion McCambridges of Galway has everything you need. They pride themselves in providing the best of Irish and International food and wines, which is why you’ll find a huge variety of both local and international wines on their shelves. With something to suit every palate and budget you are certain to leave this iconic Galway store with your hands full of their exquisite wines. If you are looking to spoil the wine lover in your life, McCambridges also stock a range of lovely wine gift sets and these always go down a treat!
38-39 Shop St, City Centre / more here
Cava Vin
Galway’s newest wine shop Cava Vin is well worth a visit. Stocking a mix of wines from all over the world, you’ll find wine you recognise and new ones to try at this quaint little store. They are passionate about stocking small artisan wines so get ready to be introduced to a whole new selection of wine styles. The team here are always happy to provide some recommendations and really know their wines, so call in and gift yourself a brand new bottle of vino, so don’t you know you deserve it.
Cross St, City Centre / more here
