A café is multifaceted. Serving many occasions, people, and encounters, this is a place of sanction that is truly all encompassing. As a student in university, I find a certain solace in the construct of a café. Here is a place you can sit and think, or where you can just sit.
Since moving to Galway I’ve made it a mission to seek out each and every coffee shop, almost as if on pilgrimage. With that said, I want to share with you my choices for my five favourite cafés in Galway.
Coffeewerk+ Press
Located on Quay street, their bright yellow door is hard to miss, and nothing but enticing. Coffeewerk facilitates a unique and irreplicable environment for anyone who steps inside their narrow vibrant passage way. Brewing specialty coffee, their pour is always solid and unique – the team is built of people who are passionate about coffee and passionate about your cup! Inside is a quaint space with a gallery of local art and products upstairs. Coffeewerk is staple of Galway City, and if you haven’t had a chance to check it out, you’re missing out.
Ward’s Corner Store
Forever holding a special place in my heart, Ward’s Coffee is more than deserving of a place on a list of Galway’s best cafes. Although Wards only seats outside, we wouldn’t have it any other way. Serving delicious coffee and sandwiches, Ward’s is found just outside of campus on University Road. A frequented stop by many students, I think we’ve all spent hours sitting outside people watching and talking with close friends about anything and everything, all over a cuppa.
Café Nero
Café Nero is a provider of many things. Located off of Eyre Square this is a reliable place to locate yourself, especially if you like to get work done in a coffee shop environment. I’ve found myself here writing papers for school, articles, and assignments all the while returning to the till to get a refill of my coffee. Open until 9:30 in the evening, this is a great spot to plant yourself and catch up on any work or assignments.
Urban Grind
Set up in the west end, Urban Grind is one of those spots you want to keep coming back to. The atmosphere is enough to draw you in, and the coffee will keep you coming back! This is a great spot for lunch, a pastry, or just to sit and drink some coffee. They feature guest roasters from across Europe, so their brew is always unique.
The Secret Garden
Another signature Galway café located in the west end, The Secret Garden is a perfect spot to spend a long afternoon. Complete with pillows and blankets, outside garden seating in the back, and over 100 tea options, this family owned café is truly a great place for students to spend their time. Under the veil of a quirky whimsical décor, The Secret Garden facilitates a space that almost feels like your own secret hideaway.
Galway is known for a unique culture of coffee and the chance encounters forged through trying new places. With so many other cafés well deserving of a spot on this list, you’ll surely always be able to find the best Galway café for you.
Chloe Richardson was the Deputy Editor for Student Independent News for the year 2023/24. She is a Final Year Journalism and Society and Politics student in the University of Galway. Chloe has been a contributor to SIN for three years, and is also a writer for This is Galway.