A design-lover’s guide to Galway

Known for their food, music and near-constant festivals, Galwegians have also recently upped their design game too. Now, not only can you find the most delicious nibbles, deadly buskers and a buzzing nightlife, but there’s plenty of design inspiration going around Galway too.

My Shop… Granny Likes It

A relatively recent addition to Upper Abbeygate Street and a welcome one at that. With a melange of jewellery, homeware, art and ceramics exclusively from Irish makers and shakers, it’s a great place to see how much Irish design is flourishing right now. My Shop… My Granny Likes it, 29 Upper Abbeygate Street

Image via My Shop… My Granny Likes It Facebook

Willow

This little fashion boutique is full of gorgeous clothes, accessories and well-priced, dainty jewellery and they’ve also started welcoming some Irish design pop-ups, including one for up-and-coming Irish artist Audrey Hamilton. Willow, 16 Mainguard Street

Coffeewerk + Press

Probably one of the most Instagrammed spots in Galway is from the upstairs window of Coffeewerk + Press overlooking Quay Street. But besides the view, there’s plenty to look at as you sip on your carefully crafted coffee. Simple homeware, postcard prints by local and international designers and sweet kids’ accessories are just a sample of what to expect. Coffeewerk + Press, 4 Quay Street

Image via Clint Mackey on Instagram

Ard Bia

Recently renovated, Ard Bia has one of the best locations in town. Right on the river beside the Spanish Arch, Aoibheann McNamara’s team are serving up divine dishes bursting with surprising flavour combinations. At the register and along the walls you’ll also find some locally made Tweed Project scarves and throws, organically dyed Kathryn Davey socks, exclusive ceramics and lots more. Ard Bia, Spanish Arch

The Sheep

As well as the very cuddlable sheep outside, there’s plenty of things to snuggle into inside too, with Foxford throws, their own Jacob Wool socks, and little miniature sheep, rugs and prints by local artists. A great place to snap up a non-naff Irish gift. The Sheep, 4 Mainguard Street

Image via The Sheep Instagram

Mishnóc

The waft of leather hits you as you walk past the stone arched doorway of this Abbeygate Street shop. The wood-panelled walls of Mishnóc holds their own collection of leather bag designs as well as a curated selection from around the world. Worth the visit for the smell alone. Mishnóc, 3 Cathedral Buildings

The Tasting Room

The pink walls and saloon-style windows of this place lets you know it’s a little bit different. Wanting to prove that a good drink could be made into a great one with local ingredients and wonderful flavours, America Village Apothecary has launched its first tasting room, where you can sip on their exclusive range of cocktails while nibbling from a plate of their tapas-style boards. The Tasting Room, 31 Dominick Street

Image Via American Village Tasting Room Instagram

Pálás

If out-and-out architectural design is what you’re looking for, head to the Pálás cinema. Controversial in its building process, this Brutalist-like concrete and steel building is now open to the public and hosting screenings of new releases and classics. Pálás Cinema, 15 Merchant’s Road Lower

The Universal

A great place for a tipple of choice and some tapas, The Universal’s slouchy seating and fun prints by local and international artists encapsulates the chilled vibe that Galway is renowned for with some Spanish tunes and a wicked wine list. The Universal, 9 William Street West

Image via The Universal Facebook

Featured image: Ard Bia