Walking through Galway’s cobblestone streets on a chilly afternoon, I’m often caught by the irresistible aroma of freshly baked pastries wafting from cafés and bakeries. For me, Galway isn’t just about its pubs, music, or the wild Atlantic views — it’s about indulging in its sweet creations. Over time, I’ve discovered that this city has a dessert culture that rivals its seafood reputation. From traditional Irish treats to modern European-style patisserie, every bite tells a little story of Galway itself.
This journey is my attempt to put into words the pleasure of discovering Galway’s sweetest corners. I’ll share the bakeries, patisseries, and cafés I keep returning to, what makes them special, the must-try desserts, how much they cost, and even the best ways to book or order.
Griffins Bakery
Address: 21 Shop Street, Galway City, H91 V0E9
Griffins is Galway’s oldest bakery, dating back to 1876, and every time I step inside, I feel like I’m entering a living piece of the city’s history. The location on Shop Street makes it easy to find, but what really draws me in is the warmth of the space. The scent of butter and sugar hits me instantly, and the counter gleams with rows of cakes, scones, and pastries.
My go-to treat here is the fruit scone, served warm with clotted cream and jam. There’s a comforting heaviness in the dough, a reminder that Irish scones aren’t supposed to be dainty but hearty. I also love their Victoria sponge cake, layered with cream and jam, which feels like something out of a country tea party.
Must-Try: Their Galway apple tart — the pastry crust is crisp, the apples tart and sweet, and it pairs perfectly with a hot cup of Barry’s tea.
Booking & Tips: Griffins is walk-in friendly, but if I want to order cakes in advance (for a birthday or special event), I call ahead or use their website. Prices are fair: €3–€4 for pastries, €20–€25 for whole cakes. The best time to go is early afternoon, before the rush, when the displays are still full.
Cupán Tae
Address: 8 Quay Lane, Galway City, H91 W2N4
Cupán Tae feels like stepping back into the 1920s. With floral wallpaper, vintage teapots, and servers dressed in period-style uniforms, this tearoom is as much about the atmosphere as the food. I often come here when I want an experience, not just a pastry.
Their afternoon tea is my guilty pleasure. For about €25 per person, I get a three-tier stand with delicate finger sandwiches, tiny pastries, and scones so buttery they practically melt in my mouth. Their lemon drizzle cake is also divine, sharp enough to cut through the sweetness of the clotted cream.
Must-Try: The raspberry macarons, which are light, chewy, and filled with jammy sweetness.
Booking & Tips: This place gets busy, especially on weekends, so I always book through TheFork.ie. Afternoon tea is the best value, but if you’re on a tighter budget, ordering just a slice of cake (€4–€5) with a pot of tea still gives you the full charm of the place.
Coffeewerk + Press
Address: 4 Quay Street, Galway City, H91 E2N7
Part café, part design shop, Coffeewerk + Press is one of Galway’s trendiest spots. I usually go here for coffee, but their desserts and pastries are worth talking about. Their counter is modest compared to Griffins or Cupán Tae, but the quality is impeccable.
One morning, I treated myself to their almond croissant, and it was one of the best I’ve had in Ireland — flaky, buttery, filled with almond cream, and dusted with powdered sugar. Paired with a flat white made from artisan beans, it felt like breakfast perfection.
Must-Try: Their brownies, which are dense, fudgy, and often sold out by mid-afternoon.
Booking & Tips: No reservations needed, but seating is limited. I prefer weekdays when it’s quieter. Prices are around €4–€6 for pastries, €3–€4 for coffee.
Goya’s Café & Bakery
Address: Kirwan’s Lane, Galway City, H91 W3F1
Tucked away in a quieter lane, Goya’s feels like a hidden gem. The décor is simple, almost homely, and I often see locals chatting over coffee and cake here.
Their chocolate fudge cake is my personal weakness. It’s dense, moist, and unapologetically rich. The first time I had it, I ended up sitting in silence for several minutes just savoring each bite. They also do a mean carrot cake, topped with cream cheese frosting that has just the right tang.
Must-Try: Their mini pavlovas, topped with cream and seasonal fruit. Light, crunchy, and indulgent.
Booking & Tips: I usually just walk in, but for larger cakes I call ahead. Whole cakes cost around €25–€35. I find it’s best to visit in the late morning when the display is at its most tempting.
Le Petit Delice
Address: 15 Mainguard Street, Galway City, H91 E5X7
Le Petit Delice is a French-owned patisserie, and every time I visit, I feel transported straight to Paris. The display cases are filled with éclairs, tarts, mille-feuille, and delicate pastries that look almost too beautiful to eat.
The strawberry tartlet is my favorite. The pastry base is buttery, the custard creamy, and the fresh strawberries glisten like jewels on top. Their pain au chocolat is also superb — layers of pastry that flake perfectly with each bite.
Must-Try: The opera cake, a rich combination of coffee, almond sponge, and chocolate ganache.
Booking & Tips: They don’t take reservations, but it’s worth going early because popular items sell out quickly. Prices are slightly higher (€5–€7 per pastry), but the quality makes it worthwhile.
Kai Café + Restaurant
Address: 22 Sea Road, Galway City, H91 DX47
Although Kai is best known for its modern Irish cuisine, I always leave room for dessert here. The interior is rustic, with stone walls and mismatched wooden furniture, and the desserts are creative takes on Irish classics.
One evening, I had their sticky toffee pudding, served with vanilla ice cream. The sponge was soft, soaked in caramel sauce, and each bite was comforting against the cold Atlantic wind outside. They also do seasonal desserts — in winter, I once had a spiced apple crumble with cinnamon cream that felt like Christmas on a plate.
Must-Try: Their chocolate tart, rich but balanced with sea salt.
Booking & Tips: Kai is popular, so I always book a table on TheFork.ie in advance. Desserts cost around €7–€9, but the portions are generous.
Ard Bia at Nimmos
Address: Spanish Arch, Galway City, H91 YV9Y
Ard Bia is one of Galway’s most beloved restaurants, and their dessert menu is as strong as their mains. I usually come here after a long walk by the Spanish Arch, and stepping inside feels like being wrapped in a cozy blanket.
Their pistachio cake blew me away — moist, nutty, and paired with crème fraîche. I also love their pear and almond tart, which balances sweetness with earthy flavors.
Must-Try: Their sticky ginger cake, which has a warming spiciness perfect for winter evenings.
Booking & Tips: Book via TheFork.ie or directly on their site. Desserts are around €6–€8, and worth every euro.
Murphy’s Ice Cream
Address: 7 High Street, Galway City, H91 C6X4
Even in January, I can’t resist Murphy’s. This Irish brand makes ice cream from scratch, using milk from Kerry cows, and their Galway shop is always buzzing.
Their flavors are unique: Dingle sea salt, brown bread, and Irish cream liqueur are just a few. The brown bread ice cream in particular is incredible — sweet cream studded with caramelized crumbs that give a crunchy texture.
Must-Try: The Dingle sea salt ice cream, which is simple but unforgettable.
Booking & Tips: No booking needed, though the queue can be long in summer. Scoops are around €3.50–€5. I usually go for two scoops so I can mix flavors.
Il Vicolo
Address: The Bridge Mills, Lower Dominick Street, Galway City, H91 E792
Il Vicolo is an Italian restaurant set in a historic mill building, and their desserts deserve special mention. The stone walls, candlelight, and sound of the river outside create an atmosphere that feels almost cinematic.
Their tiramisu is as good as any I’ve had in Italy — creamy, coffee-soaked, and dusted with cocoa powder. The panna cotta with seasonal fruit is also excellent, wobbly in the best way possible.
Must-Try: Their cannoli, filled with ricotta cream and chocolate chips.
Booking & Tips: I always reserve a table on TheFork.ie, especially for dinner. Desserts cost €6–€8, and pairing them with an espresso makes the experience even better.
Booking Flights, Hotels, and Dining
To get to Galway, I usually fly into Dublin or Shannon Airport, comparing fares on Skyscanner.com. From there, I book my bus tickets to Galway on BusEireann.ie or Citylink.ie, which are reliable and easy to use.
For accommodation, Booking.com has the best deals, especially for central B\&Bs in winter when prices drop. On one January trip, I paid just €70 a night for a charming guesthouse five minutes from Eyre Square.
For restaurant reservations, especially places like Kai or Ard Bia, I rely on TheFork.ie. For tours that sometimes include food tastings or market visits, GetYourGuide.com is my go-to.
