Where Galway Women Go for a Gorgeous Glass of Wine
We've spoken to our readers about where Galway women love to go for a gorgeous glass of wine; taking into account not just the vino itself but the setting, the service and the overall menu. Read on for our curated list.
Daróg Wine Bar
56 Lower Dominick St
For a relatively new venue, award-winning wine bar Dárog it's one of the city's most celebrated places to enjoy a glass of wine, earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand for husband-and-wife pair Edel and Lukas Zsolt.
One for lovers of artful bites and organic wines, Daróg offers a varied artisan wine list with over forty wines alongside a thoughtfully curated small plates menu. Go for a wine and nibble pairing that will delight your palate, in a beautiful setting adorned with selected Irish artworks.
What do Galway women love about it?
Photographer and founder of Duine, Julia Dunin tells us she loves that “how much consideration” goes into the wine list at Daróg. “The list is built around small artisan producers working organically and biodynamically. Zsolt and the team love talking about the wines, the story behind the vineyards, how each wine is produced, why it matters...
“My favourite spot is by the window, watching the world go by with a nice glass of wine and delicious small plates.”
Fawn Food & Wine
Main Street, Oranmore
Right in the middle of Oranmore village, Fawn matches the quality of its wine with its gorgeous ambience. A carefully curated and well priced wine list with a focus on European vineyards can be enjoyed alongside their A la Carte or Set Menu, both boasting organic, locally-sourced ingredients with as much made in-house as possible.
There's something about Fawn that makes it feel special. Once you've experienced the minimalist interior, the charming service and the local-forward ethos, you'll already be booking your next visit.
What do Galway women love about it?
Patricia Crossan, Director of Galway Now, thinks Fawn is the perfect spot for a pre-match drink. “My hubby and I love popping into Fawn Wine Bar for a cheese platter and a couple of small plates before heading into town to watch a Connacht Rugby game. It’s become something of a ritual for us.
“My favourite small plate has to be the Doonbeg Crab and Smoked Salmon Open Brown Bread. It perfectly showcases the quality of local ingredients.”
The Universal
9 William Street West
Neighbourhood bar and kitchen The Universal is one of Galway's trendiest spots for a glass of wine. Located in the Westend, it's especially popular in the summer thanks to outdoor seating that encourages a great buzz and chit chat with your fellow wine-and-diners.
Though it looks as cool as they come, The Universal are known for their warm welcome and cheerful vibe. We recommend nabbing a seat at the bar and asking for a recommendation from their wine list and locally-sourced menu.
What do Galway women love about it?
Emer Fitzpatrick, who runs boutique bed and breakfast The Stop with partner Russell, loves The Universal for it's high standards and easy-going atmosphere.
“We love to pop into The Universal because Conor runs a fantastic wine list and always has great recommendations. They've created a beautiful space that is super professional while remaining really relaxed and casual.”
Trieste Café and Wine Bar
5 Buttermilk Walk, Middle Street
Another husband-and-wife venture, Kate and Barry Donovan were inspired by the romantic city of Trieste in North Italy – where Joyce once lived – when they opened their café and wine bar on Buttermilk Walk. Alongside a robust wine list is a seriously impressive variety of cheeses (over fifty).
What do Galway women love about it?
Photographer Edel O'Malley tells us Trieste is the ideal spot for girls night and a good gab.
“There is nothing better than a cheese board, a bottle of wine, and the chats with your friends. The setting is perfect; it's a gorgeous quaint little spot, and the owner is always so lovely and helpful when it comes to suggestions of wine or cheese.”
The Kasbah Wine Bar
2 Quay Street
The Kasbah Wine Bar at Tigh Neachtain's is full of character, with an innovative wine list and menu to match. It was originally a 'night time café' in the fifties, kept open well after the pubs had closed to serve everyone from students to sailors, and has retained it's wonderful old-school charm. Nestled in the Latin Quarter, it makes a lovely stop for pre-theatre tipple.
What do Galway women love about it?
Galway Now editor Nathalie Marquez Courtney tells us her first visit to Kasbah took her “completely by surprise – how did I not know that one of the best views in the city was hiding in plain sight?”
“If you’re lucky enough to get a window seat, you can enjoy your drink with a side of Quay Street people watching. They have a fantastic selection of wines by the glass and a cheeseboard here has often turned into nibbling on some Argentinian empanadas or a couple of Flaggy Shore oysters.”
Wild Living
Main Street, Kinvara
Wild Living in Kinvara is a fabulous find, located on top of the popular Wild Beans coffee shop. Designed as a creative space for the local community, it's a wine bar cum lifestyle store with thoughtful gifts and interior bits from local designers.
With low-intervention wines, more-ish cheese boards and lots of lovely things to admire, Wild Living is the perfect spot for the wine lover who wants to enjoy a few things at once. We recommend sitting on the balcony if you can, which overlooks the ancient hidden ruins of St Coman’s Church.
What do Galway women love about it?
Digital creator and Galway Now commercial partnerships manager Sarah Lennon (of Burren House) feels that Wild Living is “more than” just a wine bar. “It's a beautifully curated space where interiors, community and a carefully chosen selection of low-intervention wines come together.
“There's always a warm welcome, and it's the kind of place where everyone knows your name — if they don't, they probably will by the time you finish your wine!”
The Lane
3 Kirwan's Lane
Hiding down Kirwan's Lane, The Lane is a beautiful wine-bar and bistro serving an extensive and primarily 'Old World' wine list, focusing on wines that reflect a sense of place. They favour rare grape varietals and place a priority on working with producers who use organic and bio-dynamic practices.
Those who love to share lots of hearty bites will be delighted by their many nibble options; from various cheese and charcuterie boards to flavourful fish platters.
What do Galway women love about it?
Creative entrepreneur and founder of LivVintage Studio Olivia Lavelle says The Lane is like a mini European escape.
“When work is busy and my head is full of a hundred ideas, I love heading into The Lane for a glass of wine and a chance to switch off and have the chats. It’s so cute and cosy – it gives the vibe of being on holidays on the continent but surrounded by friendly local faces!”
Sheridan's Wine Bar
2 Quay Street
Cheese lovers will already know Sheridan's for their exceptional reputation as cheesemongers, but did you know that they have their own wine-bar, too? Right in the heart of the city centre, it features the city's largest selection of natural, biodynamic and artisan wines from across Europe.
The staff are known for being knowledgeable so you're in safe hands for wine and cheese pairings, with an excellent selection of both.
What do Galway women love about it?
Nathalie praises Sheridan's for both the cosy vibe and the excellent offering; “Come for the A+ cheese and meat selection, stay for the gorgeous atmosphere.”
“This is still one of my favourite places to bring visitors; the mixed Irish cheese and charcuterie board is my go-to, and there is no better feeling than nabbing a seat here on a wet and rainy Galway night.”
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