Search icon

Counties

12th May 2017

Your Must Read Guide To The Amazing Galway Market

Alana Laverty

When I think of Galway I immediately think of the unreal Saturday market. 

I’ve been to many a farmers’ market, from California to London, but Galway will always remain my undisputed favourite. 

Galway is known for being cool, artsy and alternative – and the Galway Market is a true testament to that. Come rain, hail or shine it’s FAB.

Screen Shot 2016 06 02 At 09 51 36

So, if you’re heading down Shop Street towards the Spanish Arch you’re gonna wanna hang a right onto Church Lane by the gorge St Nicholas’ Church. You’ll immediately be met by fresh food and flower vendors, scarf weavers and wood carvers selling their goods.  

Ahhhhh.

Food

The smell of food will hit you as you head a bit further down the lane and you’re belly will be beggin’ for a feed.

As with all markets, food here comes under two categories – freshly prepared, ready to eat food and staple items for the fridge and pantry, such as breads, fruit and cheese. 

If you’re looking for hot and savoury try The Bean Tree’s Madras Pea and Potato Curry. They put a dollop of greek yogurt and some green chilli on top. Delish.

I’m literally drooling at the thought.

Other savoury faves include The Gourmet Offensive’s falafel, with homemade coriander pesto and pickled veg and, of course, Kappa-Ya sushi. 

Super fresh food made right in front of you – the authentic Galway Market experience! 

Next up is, of course, doughnuts. BoyChik doughnuts to be precise. 

Yes, we are mildly obsessed.

Jennifer Farley

Creidt: Jennifer Farley

Anyone who’s ever visited the market will recognise this man.

If that sweet tooth is acting up and doughnuts just weren’t enough I’d opt for either a crepe or some gluten free delights from The Happy Loaf, these guys have nailed spelt baking. 

Staple items

We’ve got fresh produce all over, but pay particular attention to the farmers gathered down the end of the market.

I can promise you that you won’t find fresher, more organic fruit ‘n’ veg than what these guys are growing. 

Also, the fish stall just around the corner sells some of Ireland’s freshest fish. They bring it straight from the boat to the market.

It’s BBQ season after all, throw some shrimp on the barbie.

Getting to the good bits: cheese and olives, people, cheese and olives. 

I sound like a parrot, but HONESTLY you won’t find better in all of the wesht.

Cheese from Sheridans Cheesemongers or Breckish Dairies. We’re talking buffalo mozzarella, goats cheese and gouda. Yasss. 

Then you need to stock up on olives and semi-sundried tomatoes from The Real Olive Company. 

Nothing impresses people like antipasti at a party, and sure it couldn’t be simpler.

12401780 10153847247008390 271289099717251478 O

Arts and crafts

Everyone’s favourite craft stall is ‘Away With The Fairies’ where you can buy handmade, “freshly caught” Irish fairies for the little princesses in your life.

Connemara socks are a festival must, think of the swag (and warm feet) you’ll have at EP with these bad boys.

The market is perfect for gift hunting ‘cos they’ve everything from jigsaws, photography and paintings to leather and jewellery. 

So go fourth, purchase delish things, sit down in Sparch and enjoy. 

READ NEXT: 6 Places To Eat Or Drink In If You’re Visiting Galway

Topics: