Your Ultimate Guide to Christmas Shopping in Galway City
Our pretty city is packed with gems – from independent boutiques and handmade crafts to quirky shops dotted all across town, making it the perfect place to pick up some thoughtful gifts this season.
So forget paying a fortune for rushed, last minute shipping and head to the streets of Galway instead. Complete with our top coffee and lunch picks to fuel you through a busy day of browsing, here's our guide to festive shopping in Galway City.
Start the day right with an energy boost
If you’re into matcha, head to Variety Coffee. From creamy coconut cloud matcha to my personal favourite- the subtly sweet sakura matcha, Variety is to die for. For those who haven't braved the green wellness craze yet, not to worry as Variety has a massive festive winter menu with everything from crème brûlée lattes to Nutella hot chocolates.
Another great option is Little Lane. This stylish coffee shop is nestled in Abbeygate Street and serves all the usual classics as well as some fun festive drinks. Cinnamon roll connoisseurs, take note, if you’re feeling peckish, Little Lane’s version is superb, and is the perfect treat before you get into some serious shopping.
Upgrade your winter wardrobe
If you love to stay on trend, Harper is the boutique for you. With stylish clothing for all ages and budgets, it’s the perfect spot to spoil the fashionista in your life. For those who are searching for their dream festive party attire, Harper has a great range of glitzy evening wear perfect for the Christmas season.
Whether you’re looking for a fancy stiletto for an upcoming Christmas party, or a chic pair of running shoes to start the new year off right, Greenes Shoes is your one-stop-shop for all things footwear. Stocking popular brands such as Dr Martens, Birkenstocks and New Balance, you’ll find the perfect mix of trendy trainers and timeless classics to update your winter wardrobe.
For the luxury lover, Les Jumelles is always worth a visit. This elegant boutique features iconic brands we’ve all heard of such as Acne Studios, Dorothy Schumer and Paskal as well as new emerging fashion brands for shoppers to discover. Whether you’re looking to splurge on a gorgeous new piece for your own winter wardrobe or are focused on finding the right gift for your loved one, the high quality range in Les Jumelles ensures purchases can be cherished for a lifetime.
Emerald & Wax is an eco-conscious boutique that blends owner Virtue Shine’s Ghanian heritage with the simple elegance of Japanese architecture. Think vibrant designs with timeless silhouettes that will brighten up your wardrobe without compromising on sustainability.
For the kids and the bookworms
If you have young children, a trip to the magical Wooden Heart toy shop is a must. Nestled in the vibrant Latin Quarter, this family-run business has been supplying ethical, high quality wooden toys for over 40 years. No matter what your little one is interested in, there’s something in Wooden Heart that will catch their eye, offering everything from beautifully illustrated books and cuddly hand puppets to wooden horses and vibrant rainboots.
Aunty Nellie's Sweet Shop offers a trip down memory lane with a huge selection of old favourites like bullseyes, fizzy cola bottles and iced caramels. They also have a range of American candy, offering jolly ranchers, sour patch kids and much more. Whether you’re picking up retro sweets to give the gift of nostalgia or looking for a sugar rush for the kids Christmas stockings, Aunty Nellie’s has you covered.
Charlie Byrnes’ is the ultimate cosy bookshop, packed with over 100,000 new and used books on every topic you can imagine whether you want to nab a bargain or read the latest release. I could scour the never-ending shelves for hours! Don’t worry if you feel lost amongst the vast range of choice, the staff are lovely and always happy to help you find the perfect read.
Time for a lunch break
If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat while you stroll around the festive streets, look no further than the delicious Prátaí . Serving up fresh handmade chips with your choice of sauce and toppings, Prátaí is a must try.
Hāpi Bakery , sister to Jess Murphy’s renowned Kai, creates some of the most sought out sandwiches in Galway. With soft, oily focaccia and fun, tongue in cheek names (Hot Priest and The Nakatomi Plaza) these creative sambos are the perfect afternoon pick me up to fuel the rest of your shopping adventures. Available in Fairhill, the Secret Garden and Plamás.
If you’re feeling festive, a bite to eat in the beautifully decorated M. Fitzgerald's is the way to go. Their ever popular Christmas sandwich is back with a bang for the festive season, packed with delicious turkey, ham and stuffing. Other great options include deliciously sticky chicken wings and classic fish and chips.
For those who like to eat in style, head to the elegant Hyde Bar. Their indulgent brunch menu offers both sweet and savoury options, with the Korean fried chicken waffles and the vegan grill being our tried and tested favourites. If you're to take your experience to the next level, indulge in Hyde's ever-popular Bottomless Brunch.
For the men
If you're looking to pick up a gift for the man in your life, a trip to Kindfolk is a must. Offering a curated selection of trendy menswear, cool gifts and self-care products, you're bound to find the perfect gift. Focusing on environmentally friendly brands that tell their own story, Kindfolk stocks Portugese Flannel, Nudie Jeans, Novesta Footwear and much more.
Mishnóc is another must-visit while you're on your shopping spree. Sourcing leather goods from around the world, alongside manufacturing their own beautiful line, this Galway business sells everything from leather journals to handcrafted leather belts for every occasion and timeless laptop bags, holdalls and washbags. If you're looking for a gift for the man that seems to have everything, something is sure to catch your eye at Mishnóc.
A sweet treat for the road
It would be rude not to finish your festive shopping spree with a well-deserved sweet treat. Álainn's first bricks and mortar café is open late until 10pm, serving coffee, sweet treats and most importantly- hot chocolate. Their new Hot Chocolate Bombs made with homemade marshmallow are delightful to both the eye and the tastebuds.
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