The Westend Galway

The West End

Home of great food, music and craic in Galway

If you continue beyond the Latin Quarter and cross either O’Brien’s Bridge or Wolfe Tone Bridge you’ll arrive at the district known as ‘The West End’. The West End is the part of Galway that visitors are delighted to discover. Off the beaten track and a little further out of the centre of the city, its bohemian and eccentric character with friendly locals make it one of the most appealing places in Galway. Family run businesses for generations work alongside new shops, bars, cafes and restaurants getting ready to hand over to the next.

Wholesome shops to feed body and soul

One of the oldest part of Galway, it is home to one of the most interesting shops in Galway, the Bell, Book and Candle. This secondhand music and bookshop buys and sell new and secondhand books, music and film, with stock changing daily. The large selection of secondhand vinyl, CDs, books and DVDs, many of which have never been reprinted or reissued makes it a great spot to pick up a rare item at bargain prices. The Small Crane opposite was the site of The Potato Market and the weighing scales is still there today.

For artisan food and probably the finest fruit, veg and to many other delicacies you must visit Ernies Shop on Sea Road. Ernies shop has been open for over 50 years, and is a particular favourite place for locals seeking unique delicacies and foods to meet all particular dietary needs without having to sacrifice flavor. Ernie’s was the first shop in the west of Ireland to stock and support fair trade tea and coffee suppliers, leading others with its commitment to the community and aiming to support and enhance a better quality of life, and the shop is now also a member of the Galway Slow Food movement.

Award winning restaurants

The West End also has many of the best pubs and restaurants in the city, most notably the top music venues of Roisin Dubh and Monroe’s and the award winning restaurants – Aniar (one Michelin star), Kai (Michelin Bib Gourmand) and Hooked on Henry Street (for Galway’s best fish and chips!).

The Bridge Mills

One of the first buildings you are likely to pass by, when arriving or leaving the Westend is The Bridge Mill at the corner of Dominick Street. The commanding building on the banks of the Corrib, which houses the Bridge Mills, is one of Galway’s most significant landmarks. Restored in recent years with due care for its original aesthetic and historical features, the 430 year old Bridge Mills is now a centre of art, culture and specialised skill-based commercial projects. Visitors and locals alike delight in the distinctive, finely crafted gifts, clothing, cuisine, on offer. This converted mill building is now home to a number of shops, a coffeeshop in Dungeons and Donuts, a language school and the wonderful Il Vicolo restaurant.

Map of The West End

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