A hidden gem in the Galway café scene is the wonderful Lane Café, which you can find on Druid Lane, just off shop street. This lovely little café shop is stocked with all the caffeine, sweet treats and savoury dishes you could dream of during those long lectures. This little haven is one that all students must visit, it is a perfect place for catching up with friends or even starting that book you’ve been meaning to read now that you are back in Galway; and lucky you, I have tested and approved this café so that you can go with high expectations.
The Lane Café has both inside and outside dining, but if I were you, I would bring a coat and sit in the charming little walled garden found behind the cafés building. This walled garden is covered so one hasn’t to worry about the frequent rain that plagues Galway, but one would be naïve to not expect a bit of a chill. This rustic themed outside dining area homes a beautiful oasis of greenery, decorated with ferns and potted plants, while ivy scales the stone walls beside the seating area, so you may take in and enjoy the potted natural scenery with a coffee in hand to top off the experience of sitting in this charming little café.
As for the menu, this café prioritises quality over quantity. Their selection is small compared to other popular coffee shops in Galway, but their selection satisfies both the eyes and belly. In the drinks department, I would suggest the Mocha coffee, Cappuccino, and although I personally haven’t tried it (yet), I have it on good authority that their hot chocolate is to die for. The coffee art is top tier, a great Instagram photo opportunity if you are searching for your next story. Food-wise, you can never go wrong with soup and a customised sandwich, especially if the soup of the day is vegetable. This café is perfect if you are searching for that healthy, filling, and bank account friendly lunch, but in saying that, their sweet treat section is second to none, the lane café is a sweet tooth’s paradise. Their chocolate cake is beyond delicious, and much like the coffees is a great way of making your followers jealous and possibly quite hungry.
This enchanting café is one that enriches the Galway café scene, a perfect place to study and catch up with friends. It is one nobody can afford to miss if they study at NUIG. There are no excuses, it is January, you have survived your exams and made it back to Galway after the holiday season, there is no excuse to not treat yourself to this delicious and yet affordable dining experience. So why not visit the Lane Café?
