Galway’s Westend is a place where stories, music and good food come together.
Discover the hidden gems of Galway for eating, drinking, and having an unforgettable time. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or searching where to eat in Galway, the best pubs in Galway, or top dog-friendly spots, this guide has you covered.
Galway is packed with independent restaurants serving fresh, local food, cosy cafés pouring the best coffee in Galway, and lively bars known for incredible live music every night of the week. From tucked-away wine bars in the Westend to traditional pubs with world-class pints and warm Irish hospitality, there’s something for every taste.
If you’re travelling with your four-legged friend, you’ll also find plenty of dog-friendly cafés and restaurants in Galway, perfect for brunch, coffee dates, or a casual bite after exploring the Claddagh or Salthill.
For unforgettable nights out, seek out Galway’s more intimate spaces where local musicians, storytellers and DJs keep the city’s creative heartbeat alive. Whether you want great food, a perfectly poured drink, or the buzz of live music, Galway’s hidden gems deliver the real craic.
Your next favourite spot is waiting so eat, drink, explore, and discover Galway like a local.
Galway’s Westend isn’t just a neighbourhood – it’s a feeling. A little bit bohemian, a little bit bold, and full of life from morning ’til late, it’s the place where locals go to linger over coffee, meet for a pint, or catch a gig just around the corner.
This part of the city has always marched to the beat of its own drum. With no high-street chains in sight, independent businesses thrive here – many of them family-run for generations, sitting shoulder to shoulder with fresh new spots making waves. It’s the kind of place where you can get your keys cut while your lunch is being made, and chat to a butcher who knows your name.
Known for its award-winning food and buzzing nightlife, Galway’s Westend has quietly – and proudly – put itself on the map. You’ll find Michelin-starred dining alongside fish and chips, traditional Irish music followed by late-night DJs, and cafés tucked away in sunny corners perfect for people-watching. And yes, Ernie’s is still the place to go for your fruit, your veg, and a good old chat.
It’s also where culture bubbles up. From street murals to spoken word, from theatre to Gaeilge meetups, creativity runs deep here. Many of the city’s biggest festivals started life in Westend pub snugs, and that spark is still alive in every gallery, venue, and back room session.
It’s a bit different here – and we like it that way.
Come across the bridge and see for yourself.
