Your Guide to the Best Cafes In Galway, Ireland

Last updated on November 10th, 2024 at 04:30 pm

One thing I love doing when I travel is finding the best cafes in the area. I love the coziness of local cafes where I can relax with a good book or even get some work or trip planning done. While I’m not a coffee drinker, I’ve literally never had a cup of coffee in my 36 years of life; I love matcha lattes and tea. Combine my love for a good cafe with my love of Galway, and I am one happy solo traveler. These cafes in Galway are my favorite places to escape the bustle of the city or waste away a rainy morning with a pot of tea and a good book. If they offer WiFi, I even take the opportunity to catch up on a bit of work! Make sure to add these Galway cafes to your itinerary. 

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The Secret Garden Tea Shop

The Secret Garden Tea Shop is located on a street filled with unique shops, pubs, and restaurants in the West End of Galway. Their counter is filled with various loose-leaf herbal teas and vegan sweet treats. They also have some light vegetarian dishes if you’re interested. A sign told me that there was no WiFi in this cafe, but that did not deter me when the next item on the sign offered a Matcha Latte. There are several cozy places to sit, including large armchairs and pillows on a platform surrounding a table. I ordered my matcha and settled into a cozy chair at the back of the cafe.

A group of college-aged kids smoked hookah while two girlfriends chatted on the pillows. Another guest opened up a laptop to work, I presumed, which I found strange as there wasn’t any WiFi. Then I realized not having WiFi access could make a more productive workday. One could write or edit photos without the distraction of emails or social media while enjoying a mid-afternoon treat. I opted to read a book on my Kindle while enjoying quite possibly the best matcha latte I’ve had in Europe – and I’ve tried quite a few.

The Secret Garden is also open late, until 11:00 pm. So, if you need some caffeine before heading to The Crane or Monroe’s (two of the best pubs in Galway), this is an excellent spot to caffeinate.

Address: 4 William Street West, Galway, Ireland

Cafes in Galway: The Little Lane Coffee Company

Located just off of the cobblestone, pedestrian Shop Street is The Little Lane Coffee Company. A chalkboard sign offering a coffee and a pastry for $4.95 drew me to this cafe on a sunny October afternoon in Galway.

I was welcomed by a friendly owner who apologized that most of her baked goods had been sold for the day but suggested I try the chocolate cookie. She works with two local bakers who deliver fresh baked goods throughout the week, and this specific chocolate cookie had won an award at the Dingle Food Festival the weekend prior.

I paired the chocolate cookie with a Chai latte and sat at one of the tables in the outdoor seating area for a bit of people-watching. The owner didn’t mind letting me connect to the WiFi while I relaxed there, and even in front of the cafe, the signal was strong!

Perfectly spiced chai, sweet and salty chocolate cookies, strong WiFi, and a welcoming owner made for a lovely afternoon treat at The Little Lane Coffee Company.

I’ve since returned to Little Lane Coffee Company on recent visits to Galway and their cookie is still delicious, but they also make an amazing matcha latte. It’s one of the best in Galway.

Address: 10 Abbeygate Street Upper, Galway, Ireland

The Best Cafes in Galway, Ireland

Coffeewerk + Press

Coffeewerk + Press is in the heart of Galway City. This cafe doesn’t just make delicious drinks; it’s also a print shop with a Scandinavian design aesthetic.

I was drawn into this shop on a rainy day on my way to the Galway Museum. They have a great menu of specialty coffee, but I opted for their winter hot chocolate. This coffee shop has three floors; the first floor is where you order your drink, but there is nowhere to sit.

The second floor has a cute window seat and wrap-around bench seating with bookshelves filled with unique coffee table books. I spent about two hours sitting on the bench, looking out the window as the rain fell in the Latin Quarter and reading through their coffee table books.

The print shop is located on the third floor.

Spending a few hours in this coffee shop is one of my favorite things to do in Galway on a rainy day.

Address: 4 Quay Street, Galway, Ireland

Barista Bus

When I first found Barista Bus it was on one of my runs along Salthill Promenade, I spotted an orange van parked across the road from the Blackrock diving tower with a sign that said “Tea, Coffee, Hot chocolate!”

After a bit of controversy over it parking at the diving tower, the orange bus now has a permanent home at Murray’s Coffee House which I happened upon when walking back to the city center from Salthill.

The cafe is amazing! There is a large table in the center where people were studying. There is a huge comfortable couch to sink into with a good book, and there is a great window seat.

I had the Earl Grey tea and banana bread and both were great! It was an incredibly popular place on a Saturday morning but there were plenty of places to sit still. 

Address: Crannlann, 4 Salthill Rd Lower

Blackrock Cottage & Álainn

There is a new coffee spot near Blackrock diving pier! It’s a combination of the new Blackrock Cottage and Álainn acai bowls!

They have an extensive menu of specialty coffees, including a decent matcha latte although not the best in Galway. 

As I waited for my matcha I noticed most people were going for their overnight oats and acai bowl after their chilly swim in Galway bay. If you’ve walked all the way to Blackrock, I definitely suggest grabbing a coffee and a treat from here and enjoying it while watching people swim before heading back to town!

Also, be sure to add the Blackrock Cottage to your must eat list, it’s one of the best new restaurants in Galway! I had breakfast there on my last morning and it was so good! The first area of the restaurant is stone walls and dark cozy wood, but as you walk through the back you’ll realize it’s actually quite a large space with windows overlooking the diving tower!

Address: Blackrock Diving Tower, Salthill

Plámás

Located in Galway’s West End, Plámás is a bilingual Irish-English coffee shop, which is amazing! I love seeing the Irish language making a comeback into daily life. They even have it written out how to order in Gaelige if you’d like to give it a try.

I popped in briefly and was happy to see they had matcha on the menu and it was one of the best I had in Galway!

They also had a variety of cakes and baked goods which I had to pass on this visit. There is also a small retail section of local art!

This is a must stop on your coffee shop adventure through Galway!

Address: 6 Dominick Street Upper

Dolly’s Coffee

Dolly’s Coffee is such a cute coffee trailer located near Nimmo’s Pier. It reminds me of California Khave, the coffee truck I used to work at in San Francisco!

It’s in a perfect location to pick up a warm latte before heading down along South Park Beach and walking along the water to Salthill Prom.

In addition to coffees, she also makes smoothies and crepes. I opted for the matcha latte of course which was perfect for the walk!

The lady who was working was also super friendly and we had a nice chat about the band Amble I’d just seen the night prior.

Address: Nimmo’s Pier

Ré Coffee + Design

Ré is a cozy coffee shop that not only makes delicious specialty coffee, and a great matcha latte, but they also have a great design shop. I stopped in for a matcha latte before seeing a movie and also purchased a Galway Wild Atlantic Way sign as a unique souvenir from my favorite place. I’ve also had their chai latte which is perfect for a cozy day in Galway.

The baristas are incredibly friendly and there is a small seating area to enjoy your drink or you can take it to go to enjoy on your walk along the Salthill Prom!

Address: 137 Upper Salthill

The Jungle Cafe

The Jungle Cafe came to my rescue once I finally pulled myself together after a hard night in the Galway pubs.

I strolled in around 2:00 pm, trying to order breakfast, which they stopped serving at noon. But the waitress was friendly enough to ask the chef anyway, possibly sensing my dismay in my hangover disarray.

I quickly recovered and ordered a mixed berry smoothie and the fig and prosciutto sandwich, which cost a fair price of €13, and took my seat at a table outside.

Most of the seating is outside, with oversized comfortable chairs towards the back surrounded by large green plants; you’d almost think you were in the jungle if the weather was just a tad warmer.

My food quickly arrived, and I was shocked at how large my sandwich was, with fresh chunks of figs, plenty of prosciutto, and melty cheese on a toasted bun. And the mixed berry smoothie was exactly what I needed to get rid of the last bits of my hangover.

This is one of Galway’s best places to eat, especially if you’re on a budget.

It has two excellent locations in the heart of the city near Eyre Square and the bus station, so it’s the perfect spot if you’re coming or going and need a quick bite or, of course, to bring you back to life after, an epic Galway night.

Address: The larger cafe is located just one block away from its original location. It is now at 34 Prospect Hill. The second location called Little Jungle is at 18 Forster Street.

Kali Coffee Bar

On my last trip to Galway, I was heading for a morning walk along Salthill Prom. I’d just arrived from the States the day prior, which I’d spent listening to live music in O’Connor’s Pub. As I pulled myself from my bunk bed in the Nest Galway hostel (my favorite place to stay in Galway), I needed a caffeine fix along with that fresh sea air from Salthill Prom. 

I stopped at Kali Coffee Bar and was immediately greeted by friendly staff and an inviting ambiance. They’re known for making great flat whites; they even offer an espresso-tasting menu. I also opted for a chai tea and one of their morning buns, which was also delicious. 

If you’re in the Salthill neighborhood, this is a great place to stop for great coffee and lovelier people.

Address: 133 Upper Salthill Rd

Ard Bia at Nimmos

One of my favorite places to eat breakfast in Galway is Ard Bia at Nimmos. This small cafe in an iconic location offers a simple menu of delicious food beyond the Spanish Arch on the Long Walk. The cozy interior creates a relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy some of the best food in Galway. They also have unique gifts that are perfect for the foodie in your life. 

The staff is warm and welcoming as well. They’re happy to answer any questions about the menu and provide expert recommendations. 

​Ard Bia also has a dinner service, which I have yet to experience, but it’s on the list!

Address: Ard Bia at Nimmos, Spanish Arch, Long Walk

Kai Cafe + Restaurant

This list would not be complete without mentioning Kai Cafe. Kai Cafe is one of the best restaurants in Galway and a popular dinner spot if you can secure a reservation. It’s the perfect place in Galway for a late lunch and afternoon cup of tea.

Their food menu changes daily, serving only what is in season from local producers.

I first visited Kai Cafe for lunch on my very first solo trip and had a lovely salad and pot of tea. I recently returned and stopped in again, but only a mid-afternoon dessert and tea.

Each time, I was thoroughly pleased with the quality of the food and the great atmosphere they cultivated.

It’s definitely a spot that is not to be missed in Galway!

Address: 22 Sea Road, Galway, Ireland

I’ve just returned from a trip to Galway. It’s my first time back there since 2021 and it was great to see so many new coffee shops opening up and to revisit some of my favorite places. I’m sure the next time I go I’ll have a couple more to add to this list so be sure to check back often! If you’re using this post to help you decide where to eat or drink some good matcha in Galway, I hope you enjoy my recommendations!

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