My Career: Wellness entrepreneur Mandalei Kuhn
My Career: Wellness entrepreneur Mandalei Kuhn

Mandalei Kuhn

‘Every cycle has something to teach us if we’re willing to tune in’
‘Every cycle has something to teach us if we’re willing to tune in’

Shayna Sappington

This deceptively spacious thatched cottage in Co Galway is on the market for €480,000
This deceptively spacious thatched cottage in Co Galway is on the market for €480,000

Sarah Gill

June 01: Today’s top stories in 60 seconds
June 01: Today’s top stories in 60 seconds

Sarah Gill

This centrally-located Victorian redbrick is on the market for €800,000 
This centrally-located Victorian redbrick is on the market for €800,000 

Sarah Finnan

This homely stone cottage with idyllic country views is on the market for €295,000
This homely stone cottage with idyllic country views is on the market for €295,000

Sarah Finnan

Inside Tipperary’s 18th century 10-bedroom Sopwell Hall Estate, currently on the market for €8.5 million
Inside Tipperary’s 18th century 10-bedroom Sopwell Hall Estate, currently on the market for €8.5 million

Sarah Gill

Tountinna Cottage: This two-bedroom Tipperary home is on the market for €349,500
Tountinna Cottage: This two-bedroom Tipperary home is on the market for €349,500

Sarah Gill

This halloumi buddha bowl will become a regular on your lunch rota
This halloumi buddha bowl will become a regular on your lunch rota

Lauren Heskin

5 signs your relationship has run its course, according to a therapist
5 signs your relationship has run its course, according to a therapist

IMAGE

Image / Editorial

Best of the West


By IMAGE
03rd Jul 2013
Best of the West

Ard Bia Caf? at Nimmo's

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Going to Galway? Don’t leave town without checking out our favourite hotspots.

1. EAT: Ard Bia Caf? at Nimmo’s
Overlooking the Claddagh Basin on the River Corrib, Aoibheann Mac Namara’s Ard Bia has become the go-to eatery in the West. Cool staff, quirky crockery and a delicious menu of local fare, which is nourishing, wholesome, and served up with a Middle Eastern twist, make this a spot that’s not to be missed, no matter how short your trip.

2. SHOP: Ast?r
You know those incredible places people speak of in hushed tones and travel miles for? Those special shops tucked away in less-than-glamourous settings? Well, this is one of those places. Run by designer and stylist Triona Lillis, who was been working as a costume designer in film and theatre for more than 15 years, Ast?r is home to a jaw-dropping collection of designer vintage g?nas and lots of eclectic antiques and mid-century homewares. A great place to find everything from a pretty vintage clock to a so-weird-it-works bit of taxidermy.

3. SLEEP: The Heron’s Rest B&B
There’s no such thing as a guilt-free treat – or is there? The gourmet breakfast at this B&B is made by your host, Sorcha Mulloy who, when she’s not running one of the most popular B&Bs in the city, is a trained nutritional therapist. This means your brekkie is not only delicious (we can vouch for the pancakes) but deceptively good for you. Cheeky tip: Try to nab the top room, which has a skylight that opens right and gives you a gorgeous 360? view of Galway – right up to the Burren Hills.

4. DO: Indie Wine Weekend at The Twelve Hotel
Inspired by Electric Picnic, but with much less muck and almost as much mayhem, The Twelve has cemented its reputation as the home of the quirky getaway with this fun wine-themed weekend. Dance at a silent disco and sip your way though some delicious independent wines, which have been specifically selected to match the tunes.

5. BUY: Ethical style at Sirona
Head to this elegant and hip boutique for eco-loving finds with a luxe touch from a wide range of Irish and international designers. We particularly love their collection of Emma Manley pieces, which are pretty and feminine, but boast a cool urban edge.