Coming to Galway for the Comedy Festival? Here’s Where to Eat

Galway Comedy Festival will be back in full swing from October 20th to 26th. With shows dotted all over the city, it's the perfect excuse to check out Galway's thriving food scene.

We've rounded up a number of gorgeous foodie spots for wherever it is you'll be getting your laughs, from organic restaurants in the Westend to authentic Asian in the city centre and hearty Italian in Salthill.

The Westend

If you're heading to one of the many shows in the Róisín Dubh or dipping into laughter yoga at Massimo’s, it's a must to check out Michelin Green Star Kai. A cosy, inviting restaurant with a focus on sustainable dining practices and high quality cuisine, it's a Galway staple for a reason.

Another Westend favourite is Dela, a restaurant that runs on a strictly “seed-to-feed” policy, meaning all food is organic and home-grown from their farm in Moycullen or locally sourced. Best loved for their delicious brunch, it's the perfect spot for a wholesome feed after a night on the town.

City Centre

In the city centre iconic venues like the Black Box Theatre, Town Hall Theatre and Mary Mullens will be hosting headline shows for the festival (like Emma Doran’s Immaculate). One city centre icon is Dough Bro's, a hidden gem nestled at the back of O’Connell’s pub in the beer garden. It's the ideal setting for pizza and drinks before a night of laughs.

For a stellar lunch, 56 Central has a diverse menu and some excellent sweet treats. Situated above Galway’s Shop Street, it's a perfect people-watching spot. Elsewhere, Asian food lovers can't go wrong with Mama Rich. In the heart of Woodquay, they offer authentic Asian street food with something for everyone, from stir-fries to curries.

Salthill

Whether you've got a show booked at Leisureland or not, it's worth visiting Salthill. There's a beautiful promenade overlooking Galway Bay, and there's lots of foodie spots worth popping into, too.

Winner of ‘Best Restaurant in Galway 2024’ is Blackrock Cottage, with a beautiful view, great lunch options and a very cool new addition of saunas, should you like a dip and a steam after you eat. Also along the prom is the fabulous Italian restaurant Magnetti's, with fresh, authentic pizza and pasta.

Oranmore

If you've got a gig in Oranmore, you're in luck. There's more than one culinary gem in the town, like the family run Basilico, an Italian with an extensive family-friendly menu, the beautifully intimate wine bar and restaurant Fawn, and Galway's newest hotel, the Hawthorn by Galway Bay.

The latter has three different restaurants with something to suit just about everyone; The Skylark for Irish cuisine, The Oystercatcher Bar for a Japanese twist, and The Aviary for a delightful afternoon tea.