If you find yourself at a loose end in Galway City, look no further than Tigh Nora right in the heart of the Latin Quarter.
I found myself wandering the streets one Monday evening a while back, taking in the atmosphere and generally just strolling around what is fast becoming my favourite place in the country.
Looking for a place to have a drink, I stumbled across an inviting little place called Tigh Nora, attached to the Front Door on Cross Street.
Now, I've no problems admitting that when it comes to gin, I'm something of a novice. Sure, I've enjoyed (and not enjoyed) a few G&T's in my time but when it comes to telling one bottle from the other, I'm definitely no expert.
Anyway, given the vast array of gins visible behind the counter I decided to branch out and give one a bash. As the old saying goes, "when in a gin bar, do as gin-drinkers do."
I took a seat in the dimly lit room, joined by a trio chatting at the bar and another few people dotted around at different tables. As I mentioned, I'm no great shakes when it comes to choosing a gin so I decided to enlist the help of the barman who was only delighted to help me with my choice.
I was handed a menu (I say menu, it was actually described to me as a 'bible') and it would be an understatement to say that it was about as thick as my secondary school science book. With around 200 gins to choose from, I decided to go with the Mór Irish Gin Pineapple Edition with the mix of ingredients catching my eye.
I wasn't disappointed and while it would be easy to say this should be the first drink you order, there could be 199 even nicer ones on the menu. The choice is the real selling-point at Tigh Nora with the menu offering something for everyone regardless of their preferences and tastes.
Gin connoisseurs will feel right at home here while other less-informed drinkers will find guidance from Tigh Nora's helpful staff as well as their own instincts. For those of you who do want to improve your nose for gin, the venue also offers a gin tasting masterclass which is a fun and informative way to learn more about the much-loved tipple. More information on this can be found here.
Tigh Nora's cosy atmosphere and old-school vibe is the perfect escape if you need a break from the hustle and bustle outside on the streets of Galway. Even if you're not into gin, it's guaranteed your interest will have piqued and your knowledge will have grown once you've left.
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