This is GalwayAugust 2018 Edition - Issue #11

AUGUST 2018 // FREE // THISISGALWAY.IE

ISSUE # 11

WHAT’S INSIDE

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STEVEN SHARPE // Galway’s best frontman talks this month’s Pride Festival, music, identity, and being out and proud in Galway GALWAY’S WESTEND // We’re exploring the heart of Galway’s bohemian culture in the Westend this month DRINK // Live music, craft beer, gastropub goodness and more across the bridge EAT// From Michelin-star menus to cosy chippers, Galway’s Westend has it all SEE YOU AT ERNIE’S // The day of the local grocer has been and gone but Ernie’s is still the place to be

SHOP // From herbal apothecaries to fine arts, Galway’s Westend is full of fun independent spots NEW FACES, FRESH PLACES // Galway welcomes a new coffeehouse, craft beer and burgers, and shopping destinations WHAT’S ON // Festivals, live gigs, comedy, and more festivals this month KARL SPAIN // Mass orgies and where to find him of a Tuesday evening

WHO WE ARE...

Art Direction & Design Martin Browne info@thisisgalway.ie

Editor Photography Caitlin Foley Boyd Challenger Ciarán MacChoncarraige caitlin@thisisgalway.ie

Advertising Queries Maxi Browne maxi@thisisgalway.ie Image by Boyd Challenger

STEVEN SHARPE Photos above by Ciarán MacChoncarraige

Steven Sharpe is a lot of things: dynamic front-man, and also Galway’s best-kept secret. He’s at the forefront of Galway’s outand-proud LGBT scene, and his live shows, delivered with his band The Broke Straight Boys, are absolutely electric. (If you haven’t been, we’ve got good news for you.) Sharpe is a unique blend of musician, comedian and actor, belting out tunes about roofies, falling in love, and texting his ex at five in the morning, all with a storytelling authenticity that makes it hard to pin him down. But that’s all grand because Sharpe says he’s done with labels. He’s on stage, he’s 100% fabulous and entirely himself, and you better not f-- with him because he’ll put you in his next song.

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So you are opening Galway’s Pride Festival?

Yaaaas! It’s a gig with the Broke Straight Boys, 13th of August at the Roisin, doors at 8. I usually only do the one gig but this year I’m doing two. On Thursday 16 August I’m with Katie O’Connor, again at the Roisin but downstairs as part of Strange Brew.

Musically you’re doing everything at the moment…

New record? Different bands? New projects? What’s going on?

Well myself and Katie have been constantly working on the To Gaze Upon Us stuff. She’s travelling around the country at the moment so when she comes back we’re gonna work on an EP. I released a record last year called Shut Up Dylan and the process is a bit different. Coming out of doing that, a lot of people were coming up to me saying, Well that was great, but when are you going to do another Hot Mess? Hot Mess was the first album, a live album upstairs in the Roisin about five years ago.

I was a little bit disillusioned after the album came out (Shut Up Dylan) because it didn’t really hit, it didn’t find its audience.

But then it came to me: do another live album, or do a theatre show and record it. I’ve written a show called the Realness of

Misrepresentation which is a take on what happens when you’re in your thirties and you’re not settling down and getting married, or buying property, or settling into a career – what does that do to your mental health, when you’re living like a 24-year-old but you’re 31? What does that do to you? I think a lot of people are in that position where there’s a lot of pressure – it’s time to have a baby etc and you’re not able to, or you don’t want to, this show explores that.

Musical, theatrical?

Theatrical! It would be a lot of monologues, storytelling, not a lot of characters or props or sets.

In an industry diluted with processed stars, you’re quite the performer and frontman. Do you find it difficult to transfer that to record?

I do, and I’m still working on it. Some of the songs came out perfectly [on Shut Up Dylan] and some of them didn’t, and it’s so subjective for me to look back on my work a year later and go Oh I don’t think that worked. Everyone does that. All my favourite records are live albums, and all my fave recordings are always live, from Nina Simone to Laurie Anderson. And since I have this ‘am I a comedian or am I a musician’ kind of thing which I have been battling with since

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day one, with people saying, “you’re not funny enough to be a comedian and you’re not musical enough to be a musician” I’m done with labels. I’m just calling myself an artist and this is what I do: true story telling, connecting with the crowd and doing it live.

Still doing the Zeppelin covers band?

Coming back in September after a hiatus for a year. We just wanted to take a break. So we’re coming back end of September here in the Roisin Dubh on the 28 September.

Is being gay in Galway easier now? Do you think it’s easier for people coming out now than it perhaps was in the past?

What I’ve found since I first moved to Galway is that there’s not a real need to go to gay bars. I did when I first moved here – now they’re all gone anyway, there’s just Nova. There was The Shawl, Wilde’s and Dignity?

I kind of didn’t feel the need to go to them as I felt that every bar was LGBT safe. That’s been my experience as a single gay dude – I wouldn’t go in holding a dude’s hand or anything. For me I always felt very safe in Galway…

From day one, coming to Galway, I felt like it was that it was an LGBT safe city and that gave me the confidence to go onto stages, outside of the Roisin and be myself, be fabulous. All the staff in every bar I’ve ever played at, every manager has always been lovely, there’s never been any you’re too fabulous for this stage kind of thing.

Pride Festival – anything you’d point people to go to?

Definitely the parade, a really nice kind of thing to do. oh... Mother is happening on the Friday! Mother is coming to Galway. This is the really big one.

But going back the topic of coming out now and when you’re younger… I went and did a workshop with a bunch of college kids, it was a series of workshops and I was going to perform for them afterward… I was sitting in a workshop they were doing, they were talking about privilege. And one of them said, “Well my privilege is that when I came out, it kind of made me more popular, all the girls wanted to hang out with me and all the guys had to be nicer to me because all the girls liked their gay friend” … And my mind exploded. Like I was absolutely flabbergasted because when I was 16 the idea of coming out was a death sentence, you’d be excommunicated from everyone in your life and it was so stressful! So this workshop thing was two years ago, I was 29 at the time, and I was thinking, wow it’s a decade and a bit later and all these kids are talking about their privilege, about how they were different and it was celebrated – and me, in my

head, I was screaming.

I know it’s not like that all around the country but that was such a strange experience, to hear that. So things are moving in a better direction. It’s so nice to see gay teenagers just being themselves, it really almost moves me to tears when I see it. Just a decade ago, it’s like people think it’s always been sound, we’ve had a referendum etc – I remember being 21 walking down the street with my boyfriend, him holding my hand and me saying, We’re going to get attacked. And he was like, No no it’s fine, and thirty seconds later a group of teenagers descended on us. Was crazy & terrifying.

Now, you see ‘em hugging and kissing like any young couple would be, and that’s so beautiful.

Speaking of the referendum...it’s been 3 years I’m still not seeing a ring on your finger?

I am un. Fucking. Datable. You fuck with me once and then suddenly I’m on stage singing a song about you. I think the realness is there and people see it and they’re terrified.

Nights out are precious, spend yours wisely!

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19/07/2018 15:57

GALWAY’S WESTEND Cross that bridge and a whole new Galway is waiting for you. The Westend is the covert meeting place of Galway’s festival planners and art-makers, and the heart of its grassroots music scene. It’s where street art is celebrated and up-and-coming musicians are encouraged to the stage.

Here, everyone seems to know each other. You won’t find a single brand name shop or chain restaurant; all the shops are locally owned and operated, and the restaurants and cafés make a point of supporting local producers and food-makers.

Despite its ‘quiet local neighbourhood’ feel, the Westend is thrumming with a vibrant bohemian culture. It harbours amazing award-winning restaurants and some of Ireland’s top chefs. It’s home to Galway’s only dedicated gay bar and monthly drag show. The Blue Teapot Theatre Company, which finds its home in Galway’s Westend, is a prolific theatre company, performing arts school, and outreach programme for people with intellectual disabilities; last year they released their feature film, ‘Sanctuary’, to critical acclaim. The bars and music venues in the Westend regularly welcome world-renowned music acts and comedians, and have some of the best Irish trad sessions around. Your travel book might not bring you to Galway’s Westend, but good sense should.

Cross the bridge and enjoy the Westend’s gorgeous food, its lively pubs and music scene, and the colourful people that have made the Westend their place. You mightn’t even want to cross back.

Main image by: Ciarán MacChoncarraige Westend images by: Tomek Ciezki

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A firmly established Galway institution, sorely missed by all, has finally been re-opened to the public after a 14 year hiatus. Located at 7 Dominick Street Upper, the doors of Taylor’s Bar re-opened on Friday 20th and the Galway public came out in force to be part of this very special occasion.

The bar has a very long history on Dominick Street, dating back to the early 19th Century. In the 1940s, it came to fame under Patrick and Vera Taylor, selling quality meats along with snuff, tobacco and general groceries.

Liquid refreshments including porter and whiskey were available in the back bar. There was also a hatch into the hallway where ladies were served until more enlightened times!

Under new ownership, the name Taylor’s has been restored over the door in loyalty to the bar’s legendary status in Galway in the latter 20th Century – where it was the favoured stomping ground of the artistic, musical and creative communities that gave rise to many of today’s bands, artists, theatrical, cultural organisations and arts festivals. It could be argued that it was the quiet ‘epicentre’ for the gradual artistic regeneration of and subsequent rebranding of the ‘West’ into Galway’s bohemian corner.

New owner Johnny Duggan says, “The goodwill towards bringing back the pub is fantastic, and I’m hearing great tales of ‘Taylor’s Bar’. I’m looking forward to more of these wonderful stories of Mick and the bar.”

This really is a hidden gem, waiting to be discovered – it has one of Galway’s first and very best beer gardens, a great selection of beers and spirits, superb wine menu, cocktail list, gin and Irish whiskey selections.

Taylor’s Bar & Beer Garden is taking bookings for parties and they have live music inside and outside, as well as live sports on six screens including one in the garden where barbeques will also be hosted.

7 Dominick Street Upper, Galway

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SITUATED ABOVE THE ICONIC MONROE'S TAVERN, MONROE'S LIVE MUSIC VENUE HAS PLAYED HOST TO SOME OF THE FINEST NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ACTS SINCE OPENING ITS DOORS IN DECEMBER 2009.

Monroe's Live is a multi-purpose venue which incorporates the best in live entertainment and club nights as well as a more relaxed gig experience in the Back Stage Bar.

THANKS BROTHER

FRIDAY AUG 17th DOORS - 9PM

TICKETS €12 ON SALE NOW: MONROES.IE

The Main Stage at the venue has hosted bands such as The Darkness, Sharon Shannon, Kodaline and Wheatus to name a few.

The Back Stage Bar offers a more intimate gig experience and cozy atmosphere with acoustic gigs. It's a platform for new local original acts to perform, hone their talents and promote their music.

Monroes also loves to party and caters for any kind of event. From birthdays and engagement parties to charity events, quizzes and much more!

SLUM VILLAGE

THURSDAY AUG 23th DOORS - 8PM TICKETS €20 ON SALE NOW: MONROES.IE

MONROE'S LIVE IS UNSHAKEABLY ONE OF THE BEST VENUES IN THE WEST!

McBrides & Co is the newest edition to Galway's vibrant West End, with an old world feel but offers so much more than first meets the eye!

We offer an extensive cocktail menu, have a large rum selection from around the world & also high end tequilas at low prices. Our small but exciting food menu has a Mexican twist to it with tacos, quesadillas, BBQ beef ribs & more, we have all the cures and remedies to help you. Interested in reserving an area, you can contact us directly on our facebook page McBrides & Co

The Blue Note The beating heart of Galway’s Best End. The Blue Note opened in 1994 when everyone was looking in the other direction. At this stage, a generation of Galway’s most creative and passionate DJ’s, dancers, musicians, poets, ravers and rogues have passed through the Golden Gates. Some never left. Always changing, The Boozer is as different now from that opening night, as it is from three years ago, yet somehow still the same.

Offering the very best in Electro, Soul, House, Disco and Songs with Words dished up by finest local DJ talent, the biggest names in the Irish scene and occasional international superstar DJ. All making the pilgrimage to the decks on the greatest dance floor in the land.

There are a handful of tasty gins, a small selection of the finest craft beers, and some intriguing whiskeys. The philosophy here is, drinks are something to enjoy while you talk to friends, not something you talk about.

The snugs inside are ideal for intimate get togethers.

The heated beer garden transforms every Sunday into a live music venue, so if your phone dies you’ll probably find who you’re looking for there.

Pint?

3 William St W, Galway // (091) 589 116

Massimo Massimo Bar was named after a hamster and opened its doors in 2001. Unfortunately the hamster is no longer with us but the bar is bigger and brighter than ever. Never one to follow the traditional concept of what a Galway pub should be, a renovation in 2016 continued to see contemporary design complement what the regulars love about the place.

Head chef Andrew O’Halloran’s culinary career has taken him to many far-flung parts of the world, including southern Africa where he oversaw the opening of two gastropubs and a tapas restaurant. This kaleidoscope of influence can be tasted in every bite of their delicious lunch and dinner menu. Sometimes they even serve brunch.

Sports are shown on the eight large TV’s with burgers and tacos to keep you fuelled until the full-time whistle.

The gem of a beer garden is a calm retreat if you want to take a break from the madding crowd.

By night, Massimo comes alive, refusing to let The West End party finish with bars that serve late at the weekend, live music on Sundays and the unmissable entertainment on the FirstFriday of every month.

Ken’s carefully curated whiskey and gin collections are about quality rather than quantity and the wine list is worth the visit to the bar alone.

10 William St W, Galway // (091) 582 239 SOCIAL WHITE:

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The Universal The Universal is very much the epitome of Galway’s Westend. Bohemian, trendy and super laid back.

Chef Paul Lewis (ex Cafe Paradiso/Boqueria/ Jacobs on the Mall) provides a stand out in the crowd gastro experience. Expect Tigres, Shrimp & Mushroom dumplings, Monkfish Yakisoba and House favourite Chump Steak Teriyaki.

The Universal however, is as much a bar as it is a restaurant. There’s a real confidence and creativity about the cocktail menu, easily some of the best in town. Try the gin smash, The Junior, or the Southside and you’ll be returning time and time again. Of course, being sister bar to The Bierhaus there was always going to be carefully researched selection of great tasting beers and ipas. Not sure which tipple is for you? Just ask the relaxed and personable staff; equal parts knowledge and banter.

To those not in the know, The Universal is a real find and an experience not to be missed when out in Galway. To those ‘in’ the know it’s both a regular for many and and the kind of secret that is fast becoming difficult to keep 9 William St W, Galway // (091) 728 271

Bierhaus Open since 2005, Bierhaus is Galway’s original beer specialist. With a range of over 80 beers, covering the best of Irish craft, and international classics, it is truly a place for the beer connoisseur.

Cocktails have also become a speciality, with well trained knowledgeable staff choosing the pick of recipes worldwide, and giving them a twist of their own. Food lovers are catered for too, with the excellent entrePans hot sandwich and hot dog’s grill, providing the perfect accompaniment to your ale, stout or zingy mixed drink. Added to this, Bierhaus’ lively atmosphere, and relaxed friendly service make it a must on any trip to Galway.

2 Henry St, Galway // (091) 587 766

What makes a party? Great food, drinks, the company and the location – and John Keogh’s are the party specialists!

Award-winning John Keogh’s is in the heart of Galway’s Westend, surrounded by great restaurants and pubs. They’ve made a name for themselves as a place for amazing food, fusion drinks, and some of the best parties in Galway. If you’re hosting a celebration in Galway, John Keogh’s is the place to have it. They have several areas ot choose from for your celebration, with reserved areas in the main bar, and private party rooms for bigger celebrations! Whether it’s a birthday, an engagement, corporate, post wedding party or a table quiz, the John Keoghs party room which has its own bar, sound system and is on the same level as the main bars is the venue for your bash. Celebrate the best of times with your own DJ or live music, drink tabs, Specialized Drinks Lists There is no room hire and their finger food has been described as “out of this world” by party goers!

John Keogh’s have been racking up the awards, from winning ‘Ireland’s Newcomer Restaurant’ in the Hotel & Catering Review Gld Medal Awards to ‘Best Food Pub’ and ‘Outstanding Customer Service’ for Connacht at the Irish Pub Awards in 2017. When you’re at John Keogh’s, you’re in good hands!

22 - 24 Dominick Street Upper, Galway // (091) 449 431

planning a party?

Finger food, Reserved areas, Cocktails, Gins & Late Bars Book your engagement party, birthday, corporate event or special occasion now!

091 449 431

22-24 UPR. DOMINICK ST. JOHNKEOGHS.IE

CONNACH T WINNER BEST FOO D PUB OUTS CUSTOM TANDING ER SERVIC E

RESTAURANT & BOUTIQUE COOKERY SCHOOL

Aniar is a Michelin-starred restaurant inspired by the west coast of Ireland. The menu hopes to reveal the distinct and various food stuffs that make up our particular landscape, through our farms, the wild-lands and the shores that surround us. The natural course of the seasons will dictate our ever-changing and evolving menu.

The kitchen is lead by chef patron JP McMahon. JP likes to foster old traditional cooking and preservation methods, such as curing, pickling, smoking and fermenting. His aim is to look back in order to look forward: to the future of Irish food.

Our tasting menus offer our customers an immersive dining experiences of food from the west of Ireland.

53 Lwr Dominick St, Galway City · ph: 091 535 947 ·

« Café »

By day, it serves the best sourdough sandwiches, soups, and organic salads with artisan coffee and pastries.

@aniargalway ·

« Wine Bar »

By night, (Thurs, Fri, Sat) it transforms into a hip wine bar focusing on organic, biodynamic & natural wine.

AniarRestaurant · www.aniarrestaurant.ie

« Brunch »

On Sundays we brunch! The menu changes up again to offer you brunch, inspired by our local farmers.

Tartare is a new café and wine bar, from the owners of Cava & Aniar, located on Lwr Dominick St in Galway’s Westend 56 Lwr Dominick St, Galway · tel: 091 567 80 · www.tartaregalway.ie · food@tartaregalway.ie · tartaregalway ·

@tartaregalway

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IL VICOLO

Cross O Brien’s Bridge, follow the stairs down the old Mill and you will find this charming Italian restaurant nestled on the banks of the Corrib River.

Their menu has evolved into a contemporary Italian kitchen with a mix of seasonal Cicchetti, pastas, risotto, fish and meat. It pairs perfectly with their extensive wine list, boasting over 75 wines all 100% Italian, spanning from the north tip of Alto Adige to the boot of Puglia and the island of Sicily.

They’re passionate about everything Italian and use the best of Irish produce, local producers and the best exports the Italian peninsula has to offer.

With live jazz every Sunday and the rush of the river while you eat in the rustic surroundings of the old flour mill, Il Vicolo offers you a unique experience to enjoy the best Italy has to offer on the Wild Atlantic Way. The Bridge Mills, O’Brien’s Bridge, Co. Galway

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Deli la Tasca Dreaming of a Spanish holday? No worries: just head to Deli la Tasca. They offer an authentic spanish experience in the heart of Galway’s west end. Their goal is to gather people together in a cosy and friendly environment whilst providing delicious homemade spanish cuisine and homemade tapas. David and his team are extremely accommodating and perfectly balance the right amount of ambiance with the most delicious food. Don’t be surprised to catch some great music here too! Both meat lovers and vegetarians are more than catered for here and if you happen to have a penchant for spanish wine then Deli la Tasca is simply an unmissable night out 1 Dominick Street Upper, Galway // 085 108 2115

Vinnie’s Any proper night out in Galway’s Westend has to wrap up with a burger and chips from Vinnie’s, swimming in their garlic mayo and topped with cheese. The queue is where the banter happens and we promise you won’t miss the snack box. Vinnies is Galway’s Westend’s longest running late night take away. Alina and the guys are some of the friendliest guys you’ll meet in the west and have a reputation for serving up the tastiest chips in Galway!!! Perfect for soaking up those 10 pints of stout 17 Dominick Street Upper, Galway’s Westend // +353(0)91 587 633

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Kai Restaurant Kai Restaurant is nestled between the church and a gay bar down on Sea Road in Galway’s Westend. For the last seven years, Kai — the Maori word for ‘food’ — has been owned and operated by New Zealander and award-winning chef Jess Murphy and Carlow’s Dave Murphy.

They opened the door with a simple formula — high-quality produce, preferably organic or wild, sourced locally and cooked intelligently. Dinner at Kai Restaurant is a feast of locally sourced fish, game, and meat, all served with the freshest and seasonal vegetables. “What we get is the Rolls Royce of ingredients,” Jess says and that, combined with a beautiful presentation and a homely atmosphere, is what Kai is all about.

Open 7 days a week // Brunch Sunday from noon // (091) 526 003

Urban Grind Urban Grind has been on the scene since 2014 as Galway’s first specialty coffee shop. Step inside and two gorgeous smells greet you: freshly-brewed coffee and pastries baking away. Urban Grind’s core values revolve around high-quality coffee paired with extensive knowledge of the coffees on order, and excellent, consistent service.

The place is any coffee-lover’s dream come true.

They offer three coffees on espresso (one blend, one single-origin and a single-origin decaf), as well as four coffees on filter and many more available to take home in retail packs. If you’re looking for something more than a hot coffee, they also have inventive iced drinks: espresso tonics, nitro coffees, iced filter coffees and cold brew teas should hit the spot.

They offer breakfast and lunch six days a week, and serve wine by the glass, too. The restaurant is cheerful and relaxing, and if it’s a fine day you can take your meal out to the beautiful courtyard and herb garden, where there’s room to sit back and relax. Urban Grind take bookings all year round for private parties, including barbecues for parties of thirty to fifty, and can tailor the menu to suit requirements.

9 William St W, Galway // (091) 728 271 SOCIAL WHITE:

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Giovanni’s For cheap and cheerful kebabs and fish & chips, Giovanni’s is essential after a good night out. After the late bars close and your ears are ringing, they keep the tunes belting out and extend the good times that little bit longer! They do it all, from burgers to Italian to thick-cut chips topped with all your favourites. You can sit in the diner and eat, or order a takeaway whenever you please!

2 Henry St, Galway // (091) 587 766

Kashmir Kashmir are dedicated to bringing a truly authentic Indian cuisine experience with every bite. The restaurant is founded on a genuine love of India, its culture and of course its food, and you can taste that in the menu. The menu is absolutely enormous, with a huge choice of lamb, chicken, prawn and vegetarian dishes, Tandoori grilled mains, Kashmir specials, and plenty of sides, spiced naan bread and rice dishes. They even offer some nontraditional options like chili-cheese stuffed naan bread. You’re guaranteed to leave stuffed, and very happy.

Or, if you’re not in the mood to dine out in their lovely restaurant, you can order a takeaway and enjoy all the delicious flavours of India in the comfort of home. The takeaway menu is just as sprawling as the sit-in menu, so you won’t miss out on a thing.

Kilderry House, Lower Fairhill Road, Galway // (091) 589900 / 520099

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SEE YOU AT ERNIE’S

Well howya now! Ernie Deacy has been on Sea Road and greeting us all for generations and yet it seems like the man himself has not aged a day.

The age of the grocer had come and gone in Irish life, the supermarkets came, and suddenly no one wanted to have the chats, we all wanted to eat strawberries in January and seasons for food seemed to be a thing of the past.

Ernie’s stood strong and remained a place of stability for everyone in Galway throughout the 80’s and our most recent recession. Always there and always with the best of produce.

The best bananas in town are in Ernie’s; at times I don’t know is he growing them himself because you will never get the bananas like the ones you get at Ernie’s.

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So, how do you describe Ernie’s?

This past year we have had it all: snow days that had the country turning into bread-hungry fiends and everything, even the big boys supermarkets, closed up. On a snowy Tuesday morning at 7:28am Ernie was out shoveling snow from his door.

“Yes, we are open,” he told me, and the landline ringing off the hook later that day with people looking for supplies.

White grocer coat on of course, Ernie was ready to work and of course to act as a hub for people to come to. Yes, to get produce but more so to talk through the snow, the state of the things to come and to ask the question, “Jaysus, do you think it will stick?”

And sure then the heatwave came more weather warnings, this time for drought. It wasn’t the drought that struck me but the day Ernie’s’ ever-present apples, which are presented to the left and right of the entrance, were pulled inside to the cool room. Too hot on Sea Road at 32 degrees. I knew then we were in the heatwave, when the apples were getting the star treatment and a good cooling off.

Throughout it all — weather warnings, economical turbulence, Galway winning All Irelands, Connacht Rugby Pro 12 wins and of course talk of fishing — Ernie’s is open and central to life in Galway’s Westend. Ernie Deacy is a Galway man that champions all things Galway, and in particular the Westend.

To be stocked in Ernie’s is to have a Galway badge of honour. If you are a producer, this is the place you want to be. Ernie is the biggest supporter of people and if you do right by Ernie he will do right by you.

The red hatchback parked in the bay outside the shop indicates the main man is there. If not there, well he’s fishing on a Tuesday. The day of our Lord, Sundays and Ernie’s is closed, of course — proper order that. One of the sunny days which happened to be a Sunday, and who was up a ladder at 10am winding out the awnings? Ernie of course.

The weather was heating up and he wanted to keep the shop cool for the Monday.

“Howya Ernie, not used to seeing you on a Sunday!”

Always an exchange, always the chats that will leave you smiling and informed on something perhaps you never knew and will definitely use again.

Whether he is in the shop drinking tea and eating his daily currant loaf baked by his wife (Mrs. Ernie), or heading across to chat to Mike Farragher about the goings on, Ernie is a constant in the Westend and a man that binds the area together through his good humour, his passion and his work ethic.

New to the area, drop into Ernie’s and sure then you will be sound.

See you at Ernie’s.

Words by: Lisa Regan

Images by: Boyd Challenger SOCIAL WHITE:

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The Face The team at The Face Hairdressing comprises of Ronan Patterson and dynamic, highly-trained stylists and colour technicians. All the team have excellent knowledge on products available, including L’Oreal Professionnel, Redken and Label.m, and can offer advice on what products would be suitable for you and your hair type.

All colour technicians have the most up-to-date L’Oreal Training, so whether you are looking for a colour change, all over colour, classic highlights, fashion colour or a bleach up, you know you are in trustworthy, professional hands. They offer an extensive range of conditioning treatments for all hair types and a member of staff is always at hand to offer advice and recommendations. Stylists are continuously upskilling, whether it is in barbering, upstyling, braiding, or fashion looks so there is always a member of the team to help complete your look for any occasion. They can tailor a look that suits your style and personality so don’t hesitate to ask one of the stylists or technicians for their advice. Call in for a free consultation any time.

The Face have also recently launched their new app which can be downloaded from the app store, making it easier to book.

25 William St W, Galway // (091) 860 781

Dr Clare Apothecary & Clinic Founded by Dr Dilis Clare, GP and World Renowned Medical Herbalist, the Apothecary offers a range of herbal treatments and remedies.

They also offer clinical programs for general health, sleep, stress and digestion among other common issues, which assess your symptoms and lifestyle holistically to come up with a treatment plan. The programs include health tests and screenings, consultations with Dr Clare’s in-house specialists and all-natural herbal prescriptions, depending on the program. The clinical team’s goal is always to integrate natural healing with any necessary pharmaceutical treatment.

In the store and online at www.drclareapothecary. com there are specific blends in tincture, tea, creams and capsules, all formulated by Dr Clare for everything from balancing hormones, stress, men’s health, bladder and much more. Call into the shop on Sea Road to talk to a member of the team, buy a product, or book a consultation.

9 Sea Road, Galway // (091) 583 260

Independents SOCIAL WHITE:

JUST ART IT

Just Art It is both an art lab and a retail space in Galway’s Westend. This beautifully-designed space offers art materials and art classes for everyone from beginners to perpetual students, as well as workshops and cultural events throughout the year. They have their own printmaking facilities along with an art gallery which rotates original art from professional artists.

Just Art It is run by Elena Santos, a professional visual artist, qualified art teacher and printmaker with over fifteen years artistic and educational experience.

They’re now enrolling for weekly adult art classes,Teenagers Art Club, children’s after-school art classes, and Saturday morning classes for the little ones. Elena encourages self-expression, direct observation and working from primary sources. The classes cater to small groups to guarantee one-to-one tutoring in a safe environment and relaxed atmosphere.

Children’s art classes are designed to provide a fun and creative experience, with access to professional equipment and highquality art materials. The Teenagers Art Club is a unique opportunity for young people to start building their own art portfolio and gain the self-confidence to continue with their own art practice. Just Art It also offers, among weekend workshops, morning and evening painting classes and printmaking courses for adults.

The Autumn term is starting the 3rd September 2018. Bookings and further information available in eventbrite.ie, facebook or by visiting Just Art It. Special August opening hours: Friday and Saturdays from 11am to 5pm. Just Art It are back to regular opening hours from 27th August: Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm.

33 Dominick Street Lower, Galway // (091) 374 006

SOCIAL WHITE:

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West Ireland Cycling

Get a ringside seat to the beauty of the west of Ireland and go for a self-guided cycling holiday! West Ireland Cycling offer a number of packages, and they’ll also work with you to build a customised holiday experience. Each cycling holiday includes everything you’ll need: bikes, cycling gear, accommodation, luggage transfer, ferry tickets, maps, local historic stories and recommendations.

They also offer bikes for hire if you’re just looking to bomb around the area for the day. West Ireland Cycling offer road bikes, tandems and top-quality touring bikes for hire.

Or, if you want a bike for keeps, West Ireland Cycling sell them and offer the best price guaranteed on Trek bikes in Ireland, as well as Dema and Probike, road, MTB, commuter bikes and more. And if you’re looking at the Bike to Work scheme, they’ve got you covered! Should anything ever happen to your ride, West Ireland Cycling offers expert bike repair to get you back on the road quickly.

For all your biking needs, West Ireland Cycling is the place!

Unit 1, Bridgewater Court, Fairhill Rd Lower, Galway // 087 176 8480

Independents

WestWorks – want to work in the West End?

SOCIAL WHITE:

The West End isn’t just the place to eat and drink any more – it’s the place to get work done! WestWorks are creating a shared working space and community for freelancers, remote workers and small businesses. Filmmakers, engineers, geologists and marketing professionals are already making use of the space, which has been beautifully designed and built by Galway’s Dan Gardner. Westworks offer fifteen desks, high-speed broadband, a meeting room, phone booth, a kitchenette and lockers, along with a great working community.

Anyone interested in becoming a member is welcome to a free trial day working from the space.

Just give Eva a call on 085-2004993 or email westworksgalway@gmail.com.

Anyone interested in becoming a member is welcome to a free trial day working from the space.

Just give Eva a call on 085-2004993 or email westworksgalway@gmail.com.

Bell Book & Candle

Ernies

This lovely shop has an old-school feel, where you’re invited to take your time perusing. The shelves are full of vinyl records and CDs, movies, and good reads, spanning everything from children’s books to graphic novels and fiction. For fans of Irish music, they’ve got a dedicated corner just for yourselves.

Ernie’s shop is one of the longest-running family businesses in the city, and Ernie Deacy himself is a local legend. Ernie’s have been stocking highquality groceries and local produce way before the major supermarkets rolled into town, and they’ve stayed true to that slow local neighbourhood feeling. You’ll find fruit and veg, fine foods and wines on the shelves, and always a warm welcome and friendly banter when you step inside.

6-8 Sea Road, Galway // (091) 586812

Small Crane, Sea Road, Galway // (091) 589 060

SOCIAL WHITE:

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&

FRESH PLACES NEW FACES Brand spanking new businesses to check out in Galway!

The Yard Kitchen/Bar Chic and understated, The Yard Kitchen / Bar is an allday destination, with a comfy lobby to lounge, and an all day kitchen and bar to catch up, socialize, mingle and party. They offer small plates with a fusion of flavours, and are renowned for serving some of the finest cocktails in town! It takes inspiration from small Parisian boutique hotels, and offers a relaxed space where you can hang as long as you like.

Located at The House Hotel, The Latin Quarter, Galway // +353(0)91 538 900 Social media @theyardgalway

New to Galway SOCIAL WHITE:

Coffee Club This new café is dedicated to pouring the perfect cup of coffee, every time. They have a garden patio where you can sit down, relax and enjoy, and they also serve a range of teas, smoothies and juices if you’re feeling over-caffeinated.

Upper Abbeygate Street, Galway City

The Dishes Galway’s Westend welcomes a new Asian-fusion restaurant, offering an enormous menu of wok and rice dishes, noodles and soups, and lots of curries. They put a focus on Thai food but you’ll find flavours from across Asia on their menu! The restaurant is elegant and spacious, perfect for a filling lunch or dinner with friends.

Kilderry House, Lower Fairhill Road, Galway’s Westend // +353(0)91 502 911

SOCIAL WHITE:

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Carousel This independent Irish-owned shop is full of vintage-inspired clothing in beautiful patterns and cuts for a unique look. Everything you’ll find in the shop and online is their own women’s clothing brand, ‘Circus’. It’s all Irish-designed, and ethically produced with their partners in India.

Cross Street, Galway’s Latin Quarter

BÓTOWN Burgers After years of dreaming and working, BÓTOWN is finally a reality! This cosy, charming restaurant welcomes you in with a menu of locally-sourced, high-quality burgers, mac’n’cheese, loaded fries and craft beer.

57 Dominick Street, Galway’s Westend

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WHAT’S going ON?

Image by: Boyd Challenger

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AUGUST HIGHLIGHTS Galway Heritage Week This nation-wide week of heritage-based events brings picnics, storytelling, local walks and other cultural events to the city. It’s going to be a week celebrating Galway’s traditions, local amenities, and history.

18 — 26 August

Galway Pride Galway will be celebrating everything LGBT with theatre, comedy, art galleries, club nights, and a massive rainbow coloured parade through town.

13 —19 August // various venues

Loughrea Medieval Festival This fun, family-friendly weekend will feature craft demonstrations, heritage walking tours, and a festivalstyle celebration with food, medieval-style re-enactments, children’s activities, music, food and craft markets, and something for everyone!

24 — 26 August // Loughrea Town

WHAT’S ON SOCIAL WHITE:

Cruinniú na mBád Head to the picturesque seaside village of Kinvara for this maritime festival, celebrating Galway’s long history and traditions at sea. Galway Hookers, with their famous red sails will fill the bay and there will be demonstrations, sailing competitions and more throughout the weekend.

10 — 12 August // Kinvara

Galway Clinic Streets of Galway 8k The 33rd race in support of the Galway Clinic will take off from Fr Griffin Road.

It’s always a great community effort: lots of energy and support, lots of smiling faces and hopefully lots of funds raised for a great cause at the end of it!

11 August // Fr Griffin Road

Blas at Browne’s: Tuam Food Festival This fun family day out is a celebration of food in the West of Ireland! Meet local food and drink producers, sample their offers, fill your belly and take the rest home to stock your cupboards!

19 August // Browne’s Restaurant, Tuam

SOCIAL WHITE:

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Karl Spain Wants to see you next Tuesday

We chatted with Karl Spain about being a reality TV star, finding love, and his Comedy KARLnival in Galway on Tuesday nights.

Karl Spain is one of the best-known faces in Irish comedy, especially to come out of the West (he’s a Limerick man but we’ll forgive him for it). He’s been on TV, he’s toured with the big names, and he’s so damn funny he even writes jokes for other comedians.

If you’re looking for him, you can find him every Tuesday night at the Róisín Dubh where he MC’s his running show, ‘The Comedy Karlnival’, which invites upcoming comedians to the stage for a few laughs. We’re not sure if he hits the Silent Disco dance floor afterward, but he might.

Image by: Boyd Challenger

FEATURE SOCIAL WHITE:

Talk to us about speed dating.

It wasn’t just speed dating but yes, I did a show (Karl Spain Wants a Woman) on dating 13 years ago. I went around the country dating women. 200 applied and 40 came through.

If I could have run it for years I would have, or even like the world cup, once every 4 years.

But there was a happy ending to it?

Yes, we all went for a mass orgy!! I’m actually with the girl I met on the show. For the last 12 and a half years we’ve been together. It was love at second sight.

Would you like to do more reality tv?

It’s funny as my show is always referred to as a reality type show, yet we more or less copied the template of ‘Des Bishop’s Work Experience’ which was always seen as a documentary.

So it’s a comedian doing something that isn’t comedy and I just always found that funny that his was a documentary and mine reality TV.

You wouldn’t try out Love Island?

No I don’t think so. I love the island feeling you get in Limerick.

I’d have to not wear the fat suit on television, which I’m really comfortable in, it’s part of my character and the prosthetics too and when I don’t wear it it’s like oh look Johnny Depp is in Ireland

away the last time as it was too full and the regulars couldn’t even get in. But we managed to stuff them in somehow… But still within the fire regulations of course.

It’s always a big change between the bigger gigs and the small. I actually worked with UEFA on the pitch during Euro 2012 with the Irish team –

– as a mascot?

No, I did that in 1980. I’d be announcing the players and I’d be like ‘Robbie Keane, Glen Marty Whelan, Simon Ilovecocks’ and was doing jokes like that in the stadiums in Poznan and Gdansk before the Ireland matches. Getting paid to go to the Euros is the dream, and then being able to take the piss on top of that! I had 8 Polish dancers dancing around me on the pitch. Now, four of them were male but I rarely mention that when telling the story. One of them looked more like Zlatan Ibrahimovic that Zlatan Ibrahimovic!

And yes, I’ve played with Kevin Bridges in front of 12,000 people in Glasgow which was incredible. But it doesn’t really matter if it’s a gig of 12,000 people or 12 people, as you still have to do the same thing basically; it’s almost easier doing it in front of a big crowd. If you play to 12,000 people, you could leave a thousand of them disappointed and still go home thinking you were the greatest comedian in the world. You hear 11,000 people laughing, you don’t hear a thousand people not laughing.

Will you be involved in this years Comedy Carnival?

Talk to us about Comedy KARLnival and the Tuesday nights in the Roisin Dubh?

Yes, the show I do on a Tuesday night is the show I do every night during the Carnival

Tuesdays are great fun in the Roisin. Every week there are at least 3 different acts and I’m there supposedly writing new material. I’ve new jokes most weeks and then it’s just chatting with the audience. There’s a good group of regulars which puts the pressure on me to write new stuff every week

All time favourite comics?

And you actually write material for other comedians too, such as Deirdre O Kane for example. Is it a thing where you’re like ‘this is a good one, I’m keeping it for myself’?

Up and coming comedians that people might not know?

Everyone thinks that, it’s not like it’s a hit single, like hold on a minute, that could be a number one for me. A lot of the time if I’m writing with or for someone, they go ‘I’m writing this story...’ and I just add to that story. A lot of the time, the bits I contribute I could never hold on to.

You’ve toured stadiums supporting the likes of Kevin Bridges and Ed Byrne. Is that a completely different buzz from the more intimate type of gig that you do on your Tuesdays at the Roisin?

Well it is but Tuesdays are great and we had to turn people

I guess the first that I loved would have been Billy Connolly and Bill Hicks – The Billys… But then I really like the likes of Emo Philips. I like a silly joke. Or Steve Wright.

We’ve had some great ones on over the Tuesdays, last week was the best week that we’ve had. Lisa Casey closed – she won Irish Comedian of the Year last year so that hardly makes her undiscovered. She’s fantastic though. But there was a guy who opened last week called Michael Rice, he’s opened for us twice and I think he’s got great potential. I think he’s electric on stage and the best new comic I’ve seen in a few years

And finally… Say something funny?

Well a joke I wrote today, this is genuinely what I wrote today... ‘People are always accusing me of taking a practical joke too far. And that was probably the biggest theme of my funeral.’

Comedy KARLnival is on every week at the Roisin Dubh: www.facebook.com/roisindubhcomedy SOCIAL WHITE:

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WHAT’S going ON? WE RECOMMEND

Silent Disco Street Party The most fun you can have in a street. The street parties in Galway’s Westend are the stuff of legend. Grab a pair of headphones and bounce around to your favourite tunes in the street all night long. They sell out quick so get your tickets asap!

Galway Pride: Katie O’Connor and Steven Sharpe

Slum Village Coming out of the underground hip-hop scene in Detroit, Slum Village have had their share of fantastic hits including ‘Fantastic, Vol 2’ and ‘Tainted’, produced by Timbaland. They’ve reinvented themselves again and again, always coming back bigger and better than ever.

August 6 // outside the Róisín Dubh

As Galway’s most prolific and established gay musicians, it only makes sense that they should play a gig together to mark Galway’s Pride festival. A perfect blend of Katie’s melodic, heartfelt vocals and Sharpe’s flamboyant, highintensity sass.

16 August // Róisín Dubh

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble

Comedy KARLnival

The Wiz

Hypnotic (also known as HBE, or Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, or The Bros) is an eight-piece, Chicago-based brass ensemble consisting of eight sons of the jazz trumpeter Phil Cohran. They play everything from jazz to hip-hop to calypso with just horns and a drum set.

Join Karl Spain at the Róisín Dubh every Tuesday night as he brings new material and new comedians to the stage. Past acts have included Joe Rooney, Enya Martin and Damo Clark, and there’s something new to look forward to each week.

Irish theatre company Twin Productions are bringing an exciting new show to the stage in Galway. The Wizard of Oz is reimagined as a modern musical in this fun, quirky show.

24 August // Róisín Dubh

7, 14, 21, 28 August // Róisín Dubh

23 August // Monroe’s Live

22 - 26 August // Town Hall Theatre

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This is a list of places mentioned in the articles in order of appearance. Each business has a number with which you’ll be able to use to find them on the map above.

1. The Yard at The House Hotel 2. Taylor’s Bar 3. Monroe’s Live 4. The Blue Note 5. Massimo 6. The Universal 7. Bierhaus 8. John Keoghs 9. Aniar 10. Tartare

11. Il Vicolo 12. Deli la Tasca 13. Vinnie’s 14. Kai 15. Urban Grind 16. Giovanni’s 17. Kashmir 18. The Face 19. Dr Clare Apothecary & Clinic

20. Just Art It 21. West Ireland Cycling 22. WestWorks 23. Bell Book & Candle 24. Ernies 25. Coffee Club 26. The Dishes 27. Carousel 28. BÓTOWN Burgers 29. Roisin Dubh

RÓISÍN DUBH PRESENTS

RÓISÍN DUBH DOMINICK STREET, GALWAY. LATE BAR WITH DJS 7 NIGHTS

JASON MANFOD

MUDDLE CLASS TOUR

THIS WEEK AT RÓISÍN DUBH Thursday 2nd August Strange Brew presents

SUMMER SHINDIG 14 includes free can of 12th of never & a free Shindig cassette!

7pm, €5

SUMMER SHINDIG 14

Friday 3rd August

JACK L

8pm, €25 / €22.50 online ISEMBARD’S WHEEL

Upstairs 9pm, €5

CLUB GASS

THE STUNNING

8.30pm, Free

SAT 29TH DECEMBER LEIURELAND

Tuesday 7th August

JASON BYRNE

COMEDY KARLNIVAL WITH KARL SPAIN & PAT MCDONNELL Plus Breda Larkin & Mark O’Keefee 9pm, €5 in adv. / €7 at door (Incl a FREE Jager).

Stay Free for Silent Disco Every Tuesday

LGBT Club Night 11pm, €8

THE FMAILY STONE

THE FAMILY STONE 8pm, €20 / €18 online

JOHN CONNEELY

Sunday 5th August

JOHN CONNEELY INC

john conneelY inc. KARLNIVAL COMEDY

THE FRANK & WALTERS

YOU CAN COME IN BUT DON’T START ANYTHING SAT 9TH MARCH BLACK BOX THEATRE

COMING SOON TO RÓISÍN DUBH Wed 15th Aug Fri 17th Aug Wed 22nd Aug Fri 24th Aug Fri 24th Aug

SILENT DISCO

Sat 25th Aug

11pm, €5 (incl a FREE Jager)

Saturday 4th August

11pm, €6

Sunday 5th August

OPEN MIC NIGHT

JACK L

ISEMBARD’S WHEEL

TUE 25TH SEPTEMBER BLACK BOX THEATRE

Fri 14th Aug Wed 19th Sept

Every Wednesday

Fri 21st Sept

UV PARTY

Sat 22nd Sept

With Seshion 1 DJs 11pm, €5 (incl a FREE Jager)

Fri 18th Sept Mon 1st Oct Wed 3rd Oct Fri 5th Oct

JOAN AS POLICEWOMAN Wed 10th Oct COOLIO PRIDE PRESENTS Fri 12th Oct OKKERVIL RIVER MOTHER Wed 17th Oct SUUNS FRANKIE COSMOS, Thu 18th Oct DREAM WIFE SQUAREHEAD Fri 19th Oct SAINT SISTER HYPNOTIC BRASS ENSEMBLE Fri 2nd Nov DELORENTOS SHAREEF KEYES Fri 9th Nov IAN FELICE & THE GROOVE Wed 14th Nov ALL THE LUCK IN THE DIRTY CIRCUS THE WORLD WYVERN LINGO Sun 18th Nov STEPHEN JAMES SMITH WHY? PERFORM ALOPECIA Wed 21st Nov KIRAN LEONARD SAARLOOS Sun 2nd Dec GRUFF RHYS CHASING ABBEY Fri 7th Dec RYAN MCMULLAN BEOGA Sat 22nd Dec TALOS TOM BAXTER Sun 10th Feb DANNY O’BRIEN JOAN SHELLEY & MANY MORE LE GALAXIE

sundays frOm 11pm € 6

TICKETS & INFO

T H E

a collection of musicians and friends playing some unique renditions of some well known jazz and blues tunes along with some of johns o r i g i n a l m at e r i a l . w i t h a b i g v o i c e a n d a n e v e n b i g g e r b e a r d he makes every song his own. çif you’re not here, you’re doing sundays wrong

WWW.RÓISÍNDUBH.NET AND OMG@ZHIVAGO, SHOP ST., GALWAY 091 509 960 FACEBOOK.COM/RÓISÍNDUBHGALWAY | TWITTER.COM/RÓISÍNDUBHPUB

P R E S E N T S W O R L D F A M

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TICKETS FROM GIAF.IE AND GALWAY ARTS FESTIVAL BOX OFFICE,

GALWAY TOURIST OFFICE, FORSTER STREET GALWAY - NOW OPEN