Galway City Shopping - 5 Local Tips You Need To Know!

• By: Editor
• On: 25/Sep/2009
• In: Galway Travel Tips

1. Eyre Square area -

Right, you have to start your shopping expedition in Eyre Square - it's like the heartbeat of Galway city's shopping experience and is choc full of retail outlets and high street names. Make your way to the aptly named Eyre Square Shopping Centre where you'll find over 100 stores all under one roof, selling a range of products from fashions to foodstuffs, from handcrafted gifts to household goods.

One of the unique features of Eyre Square Shopping Centre that really caught our eye was the way the building has integrated a section of the 14th Century city wall - it is a truly original feature of the shopping centre and blends in the historic elements of Galway while you stroll from shop to shop. For more information, visit the official website of Eyre Square Shopping Centre.

Back out into Eyre Square itself and we reckon you should just take a wander around the square and venture off down the adjoining streets to get a real feel for the city and we guarantee that you'll come across many shopping gems along the way!

2. Shop Street area -

Shop Street is probably one of the most famous streets in Galway with its eye-catching shop fronts that have almost become an iconic image of Galway city centre. It's a great street for just wandering along and you can pop in and out of shops (everything from book stores to high street fashion) at your ease or stop off for a coffee at one of the many cafes. Or even take some time out to people watch as you enjoy a drink outside one of the streets' pubs.

There are a few streets running off Shop Street that are also worth checking out where you may find the cracking bargain or that once in a life time gift.

3. High Street area -

Without doubt, the most famous shop located on High Street has to be the ever-popular Kennys Bookshop which is a place that you can easily spend a few hours browsing among the vast selection of books but also checking out the art gallery. Our top tip for your visit to Kennys Bookshop is to set a bit of time aside to check out the signed photographs of the rich and famous who have visited the store - enthralling stuff!

High Street is also home to lots of unique craft shops where you can pick up a souvenir from knitware, pottery, glassware and novelty gifts. Pubs, restaurants and eateries all exist along High Street so you can easily rest your legs for an hour or two before hitting the streets for another bit of shopping.

4. Kirwan's Lane -

One of our favourite streets in Galway city is the lesser known Kirwans Lane which located just off Cross Street. This section of the city has an enthralling medieval feel to it and is home to a rich heritage too. It has recently been restored to its former glory and features a variety of quality craft shops that will be more than happy to welcome you in for a look around without the sales pitch!

Along  with some memorable craft shops, you'll also find some charming pubs and wonderful bistro's down in Kirwan's Lane so a few hours can easily be spent in this lesser known part of the city centre.

5. Galway Market -

For an amazing market experience we suggest you make your way to Galway's Market which is  held every weekend in between the streets of Shop Street and Market Street. Wander amongst the huge selection of market stalls along Church Lane in front of St. Nicholas Church where the sounds, sights and in particular the smells will simply enthrall you!

Local foodstuff stalls sell everything from fresh fruit and veg to gourmet stalls where tasty homemade cuisine from pastas to seafood and relishes to cheeses are on sale. Other stalls sell unique crafts such as jewellery, candles and clothing.

The market runs every Saturday & Bank Holiday (8am to 6pm) and every Sunday (2pm to 6pm). For more information, visit the official website of Galway Market.

So that's our guide to getting the very best shopping experience in Galway city centre. If you are planning a break in the city, check out our Galway hotels for excellent value prices.

Have you been to Galway city for a shopping trip, if so do you agree with our selection of tips for city centre shopping in the "City of the Tribes"? Let us know what you think by using the comment box below.