Galway has always stirred something deep within me. The city hums with music, colors, and laughter, but if there’s one way I’ve truly connected with its soul, it’s through food. On every trip here, I find myself pulled into restaurants, pubs, and hidden kitchens that honor Ireland’s traditions while adding their own modern twist.

October in Galway is when the evenings grow darker and the Atlantic winds blow with a little more bite. It’s also when I find myself craving hearty meals, dishes that warm not only the body but also the spirit. This is when traditional Irish food shines brightest: rustic stews, fresh seafood, brown bread with thick butter, and desserts made with apples or cream. Each plate feels like a story told through flavor, a story I want to share with you.

Below are the places where I’ve eaten, lingered, laughed, and found Galway on a plate.

Ard Bia at Nimmos

Address: Spanish Arch, Long Walk, Galway City, H91 E2W3

Every time I step into Ard Bia, tucked neatly by the Spanish Arch, I feel like I’ve entered a friend’s kitchen — one filled with warmth, art, and the aroma of baking bread. The wooden tables, mismatched chairs, and soft candlelight create an intimacy that feels personal, even if the restaurant is buzzing.

What to Eat
I always order the Irish lamb stew here. It’s slow-cooked to perfection, the lamb tender enough to fall apart at the touch of a fork, surrounded by root vegetables that soak up the rich broth. Pair it with a slice of homemade brown soda bread, thick with creamy Irish butter, and you have the essence of traditional Galway comfort food. Their fish chowder is another dish I swear by: velvety, smoky, with chunks of Atlantic-caught fish that taste of the sea itself.

Booking & Tips
Reservations can be made directly through their website or via OpenTable.ie. It’s a small restaurant, so booking a few days in advance is essential, especially for dinner. For the best value, I often choose lunch — it’s less expensive than dinner, but the quality and portion sizes remain generous.

McDonagh’s Seafood House

Address: 22 Quay Street, Galway City, H91 VT20

No trip to Galway ever feels complete for me without a visit to McDonagh’s Seafood House. This family-run establishment has been serving locals and visitors since 1902, and in many ways it feels less like a restaurant and more like a living piece of Galway’s maritime story. The moment I step through the doors, I’m greeted by the bustle of diners, the smell of freshly fried fish, and walls decorated with nautical memorabilia that remind me of the city’s centuries-old connection to the Atlantic. There’s a lively, casual atmosphere here that makes it equally welcoming whether I’m grabbing a quick lunch or settling in for a relaxed dinner.

What to Eat
Although their menu is extensive, I always return to the classics. Their fish and chips are iconic — the batter impossibly crisp yet light, encasing fish so fresh it flakes apart with the gentlest touch of a fork. Eating it with a sprinkle of salt and vinegar instantly transports me to the Irish seaside. What stays with me even more, however, are the Galway Bay oysters. Served raw with just a wedge of lemon, each one is briny, fresh, and almost electric in flavor — it’s like tasting the sea itself. Add a pint of Guinness to the mix, and it becomes one of those food experiences I find myself craving long after leaving Galway.

Booking & Tips
For the casual counter service, reservations aren’t needed, but for the sit-down restaurant section, it’s wise to book ahead through TheFork.ie. Prices remain very reasonable: oysters average €2–€3 each, while a generous fish and chips plate costs around €12–€15. I’ve found that visiting mid-afternoon helps me avoid the long queues that build up at peak hours, giving me more time to enjoy the food and atmosphere at a relaxed pace.

The Quay Street Kitchen

Address: Quay Street, Galway City, H91 FXY1

The Quay Street Kitchen is where I once ducked in to escape the rain, only to discover one of the best shepherd’s pies I’ve ever had. This cozy spot embodies Galway’s spirit: unpretentious, hearty, and filled with the chatter of happy diners.

What to Eat
Their shepherd’s pie is the star. Layers of seasoned minced lamb topped with creamy mashed potatoes, baked until golden brown, and served with a side of seasonal vegetables. It’s comfort on a plate. I also love their Guinness beef stew, rich and robust, the stout adding depth to the tender chunks of beef.

Booking & Tips
Bookings are best made on OpenTable.ie. The restaurant is popular in the evenings, especially during weekends, so I try to book earlier in the week. Prices are moderate, with mains around €16–€20. Ordering a set meal (starter + main) is a good way to save, and their portions are generous.

O’Grady’s on the Pier

Address: Barna Village, Galway, H91 WNV0

Just a short drive from the city center, O’Grady’s on the Pier offers a breathtaking coastal dining experience. I remember walking in and being greeted by large windows framing Galway Bay. As the sun dipped into the horizon, the sky turned orange and pink, casting reflections on the water.

What to Eat
The seafood chowder here is unbeatable — creamy but not heavy, brimming with mussels, clams, and fish straight from the bay. The baked hake with herb butter is another dish I dream about long after leaving. Every bite tastes fresh, as though the ocean itself prepared the meal.

Booking & Tips
Reservations are a must, especially on weekends, and can be made via TheFork.ie. Dinner prices range from €25–€40 for mains, but the view alone makes it worth it. To save, I sometimes go for lunch instead, where portions are slightly smaller but prices more accessible.

An Púcán

Address: 11 Forster Street, Galway City, H91 P6DT

An Púcán is where I go when I want not only food but also a full Irish pub experience. It’s lively, filled with music, laughter, and locals who know how to make you feel at home.

What to Eat
The full Irish breakfast here is legendary. Rashers, sausages, black and white pudding, fried eggs, mushrooms, beans, grilled tomatoes, and toast — the kind of breakfast that fuels an entire day of exploring. Their boxty (a traditional Irish potato pancake) served with smoked salmon is another must-try.

Booking & Tips
Reservations can be made on their official site or through OpenTable.ie, though walk-ins are common. Prices are affordable — around €12–€15 for breakfast plates. If you’re planning to enjoy live music in the evening, book a table near the stage for the best experience.

Kai Restaurant

Address: 22 Sea Road, Galway City, H91 DX47

Kai has a reputation for blending traditional Irish ingredients with a modern, creative approach. Walking in, I felt immediately embraced by its rustic charm — exposed stone walls, wooden beams, and a seasonal chalkboard menu.

What to Eat
Their use of local produce shines through in every dish. One autumn evening, I had slow-roasted lamb with root vegetables, each bite bursting with flavor and warmth. Their desserts are equally memorable; the apple tart with fresh cream reminded me of my grandmother’s baking, only with a sophisticated twist.

Booking & Tips
Reservations are essential and can be made via TheFork.ie or directly on their site. Dinner mains range from €25–€35. To save, I sometimes book lunch instead, where prices are lower but creativity remains high.

Moran’s Oyster Cottage

Address: The Weir, Kilcolgan, Co. Galway, H91 DX47

Just outside Galway, Moran’s Oyster Cottage is a historic gem dating back over 250 years. Sitting inside its thatched-roof walls, I felt like I had stepped into another era.

What to Eat
Their oysters are famous, and for good reason — fresh, plump, and paired beautifully with brown bread and a pint of stout. I also love their seafood platters, stacked with crab claws, prawns, and mussels.

Booking & Tips
Booking in advance is recommended through OpenTable.ie. Prices vary, but oysters cost around €2.50 each, and seafood platters are around €30–€40. If you’re traveling by car, plan your visit as part of a day trip along the coast.

Booking Travel and Stays

Traveling to Galway has become easier with platforms like Skyscanner and Google Flights for booking affordable flights into Shannon or Dublin. From there, buses and trains make the connection seamless. For accommodation, I often use Booking.com, Airbnb, or Expedia.ie to compare options, from boutique hotels in the Latin Quarter to countryside guesthouses.

When it comes to dining, I rely on OpenTable.ie and TheFork.ie for restaurant reservations — particularly important in Galway, where small restaurants fill up quickly during weekends and festivals. For attractions, GetYourGuide.com or Viator.com provide handy ticketing options for tours and cultural activities.

My Galway Food Reflections

As I sit with a steaming bowl of chowder or slice into a shepherd’s pie, I realize that food in Galway is more than nourishment. It’s history, culture, and storytelling combined into flavors that linger long after the last bite. Each restaurant I’ve shared here holds a piece of that story — from the bustling counters of McDonagh’s to the quiet elegance of Kai, from the oysters at Moran’s to the lamb stew at Ard Bia.

October makes these meals even more memorable, the chill of the air outside amplifying the warmth of every dish inside. For me, traditional Irish food in Galway is an invitation to slow down, taste deeply, and discover the heart of a city that always leaves me hungry for more.