This is Galway March 2019 Edition - Issue #16

MARCH 2019 // FREE // THISISGALWAY.IE

ISSUE 16

DISCOVER NEW ADVENTURES FIND THE BEST PLACES IN GALWAY FROM PEOPLE WHO SHARE YOUR INTERESTS

WHAT’S INSIDE

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JOHN CONNEELY // The King of Swing on building a late-night Sunday congregation EAT // Stuff your face with delicious burgers and fries around town GREY & GINGER // This Galway-based clothing company puts design first FRESH PLACES NEW FACES // Discover your new favourite restaurants, cafés, shops and more DISCOVER // Enjoy the first weeks of spring with some woodland walks

WHAT’S ON // Festivals, retro drive-in movies, music and more in Galway this month HOWYA // A meeting of street photography and chats with some of Galway’s familiar faces

WHO WE ARE...

Art Direction & Design Martin Browne info@thisisgalway.ie

Photography Boyd Challenger boyd@thisisgalway.ie AdditionalPhotography Ciarán MacChoncarraige

Editor Caitlin Foley caitlin@thisisgalway.ie

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

JOHN CONNEELY Image by: Boyd Challenger

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The Sunday Sesh...

It’s probably fair to say that John Conneely Inc at the Róisín Dubh has now become more of a Sunday institution in Galway than Mass itself.

With an ever-growing and loyal congregation and an assembled band of some of the most talented musicians/disciples, they’ve created a brand of music that could lift even the most nailed-down of roofs.

We spoke to the much-revered King of Swing about how it all started, and eventually became the go-to gig in Galway.

“I’ve been in Galway forever,” John tells us. “My experimental days were spent here in the early 90s, surfing on the coattails of the likes of Toasted Heretic and Judas Diary, the heavy-hitters of the Galway music scene at the time.

“I took a break from it all in the middle of the 2000s, and then got back into it and started playing a little bit of gypsy jazz, a little bit of swing. I’d been very much a purveyor of rock’n’roll originals up until that point and was looking for something different. So I started playing the music of Django Reinhardt, and I’d always liked the classics. The jazz, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone…”

Roll on to present day, and the gypsy jazz and jazz classics are John Conneely Inc’s calling card.

The gig happened nearly as an accident; Gugai, co-owner and music booker at the Róisín Dubh, rang John up following a cancellation and asked if he’d be interested in putting something together.

“There’s just something that happens in that little back room that yes, has something to do with us, but it has a huge amount to do with this town and the people that are in it,” John says. “Our setlist has around 57 songs in it and we go through the 57 songs over the course of the months. I try to swap out and swap in; I don’t like to do the obvious tune so I’m slow to replace a song that I think works really well.

“I like to present songs from the 80’s; I think the musicality that the pop songs of the 80’s communicated is just great. Part of the tweeness associated [with that era] might be the geneal sound of it, but once you take the composition and the construct of those tunes and deliver it as a live band… Those tunes are just awesome. That’s kind of my guilty pleasure.”

John remembers working in a petrol station in Kinvara at 12 or 13 years of age in the summertime, listening to the Eagles, Steely Dan, the Police as one of his first memorable exposures to music.

“It’s quality quality quality, proper hits, great pop songs in the middle of the day; you didn’t have to listen to some late night cool DJ. Larry Gogan was playing Just A Minute Quiz followed by Queen.

That’s what I grew up listening to.”

Now, you’re never really more than ten feet from someone who has been to a John Conneely Sunday sesh. Despite being a weekly gig, each one seems somehow almost individual or unique in some way.

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With a busy live schedule, it’s a wonder John Conneely has time for anything else. Recording the live gigs is a bit of a technical nightmare in a small, ever-changing space, but he’s been working on original material for the last year or so.

“It’s nothing like what you’ve heard at the Róisín!” he says. “I would hope to have the album finished by the summertime. The first songs that I played were originals, and I did that for twenty years before I started playing what is essentially, and with affection, a covers band. The influences coming there are many and varied. The stability of the Sunday night gig has afforded me the opportunity to sit down and spend actual time writing, arranging, composing and putting down tracks.”

Of course, we had to ask John Conneely about his voice.

At times beautiful and soul-wrenching, at others almost a razorblade roar, it’s nothing if not recognisable.

“Originally I didn’t want to be a singer!” John says. “I wanted to be the lead guitar player, but I didn’t have the discipline to sit down and become that. There’s nothing worse than a shit lead guitar player!”

At 16 when he joined his first band, the lead guitarist was ‘a prodigy’ and didn’t want to sing, so John filled the role.

“I started to emulate Eddie Vedder, which is what I was aiming for initially, but then over the course of fifteen years it morphed into something else> I guess for myself the trigger in how the sound changes is when you decide to commit to your performance. If you’re lost in that moment right there, you can’t do anything better than that.”

When he’s not immersed in the music, John Conneely has his usual haunts, as we all do.

“I come into Massimo for some dinner from time to time.

I like a quiet whiskey in the corner of Neachtain’s. I like to get out of town as well. Padraicin’s out in Furbo do awesome crab salad, with the best views of the Burren!

I grew up with the Burren as my back garden, but when you’re in it you never see it. So now I sit across the bay and I just look at it!”

If you’re one of the few who haven’t been to a John Conneely Inc gig then we suggest you exercise some cop on and get yourself down to the Róisín Dubh this coming Sunday and every Sunday after that!

Originally I didn’t want to be a singer! I wanted to be the lead guitar player

BURGER BURGER BURGER Providing the people with massive, mouthwatering burgers is a responsibility the eateries of Galway do not take lightly. Whether it’s loaded with meat or full of vegetarian goodness, the beautiful burgers from all around the county will leave you stuffed, satisfied and probably covered in sauce.

Prepare yourself, because the next few pages are sure to have you drooling onto our beautiful magazine. You’ve been warned

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Handsome Burger Handsome Burger was set up by lifelong foodies and best friends Rory McCormack and Cathal O’Connor. Since setting up their first market stall at a medieval festival several years ago, Handsome Burger have become something of a sensation in Galway.

Growing from mammy’s kitchen to owning their very own restaurant, Handsome Burger have well and truly flourished. They use the freshest local ingredients from beloved local suppliers in their inventive take on timeless classics, which have been fully perfected over the years.

You’ll find chicken burgers, an Indian-inspired veggie burger and more tasty goodness to satisfy your burger cravings, not to mention their seductive loaded fries.

49 Lower Dominick Street, Galway

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Wholly Cow This funky restaurant is dedicated to sourcing local and making ingredients by hand, for a nonotions approach to really good food.

Their beef is Galway-reared, their cheese is all Irish, and they even make their own brioche buns, sauces and pickles! The menu is simple, but that’s the key to their success: simplicity and great taste. Everything from the veggie burger to their signature beef patty to their hand-cut, triplecooked chips will just leave you wanting more!

Their burgers are gluten-free and they also have gluten-free buns, so just ask. All their food is available for takeaway – just call and collect to make it easy.

Newcastle Road, Galway City // +353 (0)91 586888

Massimo By night, Massimo in Galway’s Westend is the place to go for cocktails, tunes and dancing. By day, Massimo is transformed into a lovely restaurant and café, full of cosy lighting and a nice fire to warm up by.

They serve food seven days a week including pizza and hot pots, but of course we’re here to talk about just one thing: burgers. Their buttermilk fried chicken burger is the job, made with house-pickled red cabbage, rocket and sriracha mayo.

Their chicken is marinated overnight and then dressed in their special spiced flour before frying. Served on a Waterford blaa with chips, it’s the perfect combination of flavour.

Sit down in a snug and enjoy!

10 William St West, Galway’s Westend // +353 (0)91 582 239

FOOD

BóTOWN

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The lads at BóTOWN, Frank Greaney and David Fitzpatrick, are burger fundamentalists. For them, it’s all about getting the basic ingredients right. They visited burger joints from New York to Frankfurt in search of the perfect combination, and then brought all that informed eating here to Galway. Their soft brioche buns are freshly baked by master baker David Coughlan in Naas; their beef comes from McGeough’s Artisan Butchers in Oughterard.

After a lot of trial and error, they’ve found what they believe to be the perfect ratio of three different forequarter cuts. Quality is always at the forefront of their minds; they’re purists when it comes to beef, so they wanted something full of natural flavour. The feedback has been great.

Under the guidance of head chef James Ruffley, BóTOWN’s 7oz patties are cooked on a chargrill for that added barbecue flavour before being dressed with the finest and freshest locally-sourced ingredients available.

As well as beef, they have chicken and vegetable burgers, a variety of side dishes such as chicken wings, charred corn on the cob and mac’n’cheese bacon balls, and an extensive list of craft beers, ciders, wines and hot drinks. It’s all served in a charming fully-restored building in Galway’s trendy West End. 57 Dominick Street Lower, Galway’s Westend // +353 (0)91 534 834

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TGO Falafel This vegetarian fast-food style restaurant has some of the best vegan options around and the birth of their beetroot risotto burger was a small miracle.

Starting off as a staff lunch, it has become one of TGO’s most popular menu items.

Served with kale ceasar salad and house slaw, it’s 100% plant-based and vegan friendly. You better not skip out on the chips, either.

11 Mary Street, Galway // +353 (0)91 865 924

The Skeff This sprawling late-night bar has a delicious evening food menu, and of course we’re talking about their burgers. The Skeff beef burger is served with coleslaw, homemade chilli jam and chips, and the peppered beef burger comes with mash, onion rings and pepper sauce like your favourite steak meal... but in burger form.

Their succulent Kentucky chicken breast burger is marinated in buttermilk and coated with a blend of spices. Served on a brioche bun with homemade chilli jam, melted cheese and chips, this burger is on another level. On Tuesdays you can grab a burger, chips and a pint for €15! After your meal, the Skeff is a great spot for watching the match, sampling some whiskey and dancing the night away.

27 Eyre Square, Galway // +353 (0)91 563 173

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The BurgerStory This casual, American diner-inspired restaurant is the evolution of a dream and mission that husband and wife team Enda Hoolmaa and Tara Haugh have been working towards since they first started road-testing their burger concept with a mobile unit at food and music festivals. The couple then retired the food truck to focus on opening Burgerstory in a permanent setting.

A number of factors distinguish The BurgerStory from your usual casual food restaurant, not least an investment in local food suppliers such as beef from Brady’s of Athenry; pasture-reared chicken from Ronan Byrne; high-end kitchen equipment, and fine-dining cooking techniques. The result is a “fine-casual” dining concept, where the quality of the food, drinks and service is restaurant standard. The chief factor that sets The BurgerStory apart, however, is the mission of owners Enda and Tara to rescue the burger from what they see as adulterating “gourmet” add-on ingredients.

Don’t expect to see foie gras and avocado on the menu. Their aim instead with The BurgerStory is to bring the burger back! And fried chicken, too. The result is an enticing mix of expertly executed, classic beef, chicken and vegetarian burgers, in addition to fried chicken options and delicious loaded fries, always using high-end quality ingredients. As well as their classics, The Burgerstory has a monthly special burger and loaded fries to keep things interesting for their regulars.

1 Quay Lane, Galway // +353 (0)85 745 6467

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Scotty’s Famous Burgers and Wings A special favourite among hungry students, this American-style diner has possibly the most expansive burger menu around. Scotty’s serve over 58 burger combinations, from spicy Mexican-style burgers to barbecue chicken, fish burgers, and pretty much anything else you could imagine. They also have a very tempting selection of milkshakes, chicken wings, chili and nachos, so if you’re looking to bust some buttons, this is the place!

Cúirt na Coiribe, Headford Road, Galway // +353(0)91 565 933

Chili Shack A favourite of hungry students, Chili Shack serve up all kinds of burgers with paprika fries included in the price. Chicken wings, chili nachos and hot dogs just add to the feasting potential. If you’re feeling brave, be sure to go for the Beast Burger: a beef patty with tomato and chili relish, rocket, chipotle mayo, jalapenos, smoked bacon and onion rings.

Throw some paprika fries into the mix and you won’t move for days.

19 Abbeygate Street Upper, Galway // +353 (0)83 810 8892

Capones This family-owned restaurant perfectly combines sophisticated tastes with casual dining and their beautiful burgers would bring a tear to your eye. From the American Classic to the Finger Licker, you’ll be drooling just from reading the menu. To make things even better, all their beef is 100% Irish, sourced Gilligan’s farm and they’re all homemade to boot. If you fancy a takeaway, they’ve got a tasty burger deal. Two burgers, two small chips and two cans of soft drink all for €16.50!

1 Kingston Rd, Galway // +353 (0)91 520 060

option #1

Add a Selection of desserts @ €5 per head

• Gourmet Jumbo Sausages • McGrath’s Homemade 6oz Burger • An Púcán Marinated Spicy Chicken • choose from a Selection of salads

- Homemade Red Slaw - Potato salad - Tossed Mixed Leaf Salad - Pasta/Cous Cous & Vegetable Salad

€15.95

option #2

Add a Selection of desserts @ €5 per head

Same as option 1 but also includes: • Marinated Tiger Prawn Skewers • Prime Irish Striploin Steak

Book Your Summer BBQ in An Púcán Available Sunday - Thursday!

Contact info@anpucan.ie today!

€22.95

11 Forster Street, East Village, Galway - 091 376561 info@anpucan.ie | www.anpucan.ie

AnPucan

AnPucanGalway

AnPucan

Check out our cyber selves Swing by our pretty little website for a simple, honest and aesthetic shop window view of our beautiful city. We’ve got the low-down on the best spots for a burger, the tastiest pints in town and where you should while away the hours in the bustling city of Gaillimh. You can thank us later. www.thisisgalway.ie

Image by: Boyd Challenger

SPOTLIGHT

SNOOZLES

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Snoozles Tourist Hostel, who have welcomed thousands through their doors on Forster Street, have now expanded into Galway’s Latin Quarter, with a location right on Quay Street.

Snoozles Quay Street Tourist hostel is located within an historic 400-year-old listed building, with a great character and unique charm. The hostel has undergone a soft refurbishment, taking on the relaxed and friendly atmosphere guests are accustomed to in their existing location on Forster Street.

Quay Street is home to some seriously buzzing bars and welcoming restaurants, so guests are really in the heart of the action as soon as they step outside the front door. Buskers frequent the area by day, and it’s just steps from Galway’s historic Spanish Arch as well.

Snoozles Quay Street Tourist Hostel is the perfect place to stay while exploring the beautiful City of the Tribes and has everything to cater for people traveling to Galway. From individual travelers, ready to see the sights, to groups of all sizes geared up to enjoy Galway’s nightlife, everyone will find a comfortable place to rest their head at Snoozles.

Guest accommodation is available in a variety of en-suite double, twin and multi-bed rooms. Youth groups, college groups, sports groups, international travel groups, stags and hens will find it very comfortable, and the laid-back atmosphere can only add to the fun!

With both Snoozles locations now conveniently located in the heart of the action of Galway, we can now accommodate up to 250 people between both premises, making Snoozles number one for groups!

Some of the popular Snoozles features to be found in both Hostels include free breakfast, free wifi, 24-hour reception, an action-packed common room, fully-equipped kitchen, laundry services, musical instruments, board games, books, and coffee and vending machines.

Follow them on social media to stay up to date with offers and competitions.

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GREY + GINGER SUSTAINABLE STYLE WITH A STORY

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Sustainable, ethical, inclusive and unique. Peter and Paul, the two halves of Galway-based Grey + Ginger, are striving to create fashion that makes a statement. We caught up with the pair to talk about the ethos of their brand, how they got to where they are and their hopes for the future.

Instantly recognisable in their striking designs, Peter and Paul enhance each other’s enthusiasm.

Peter Bradley – the “grey” – is a fine artist: “Give me a paintbrush and I’ll be happy.” He handles the aesthetics.

He designs each image, selects the garments they go on and formulates the creative inspiration behind each unique piece. Paul McConnell – the “ginger” – handles the technical side of the business. He manages the aesthetics of the website, customer relations, and works on advertising. Both men bring a different skill set to the table and perfectly complement one another in the creation of their company.

“It’s like a visual conversation,” Peter says of his designs.

“Most of my work is to do with gender and identity in some way. It’s got quite a strong political edge to it. It’s just another way of saying what I want to say about the world”.

From the outset, sustainability was a big thing for this brand. “We didn’t want to contribute to the whole fast fashion situation,” explains Peter. “It’s a constant strive to be more ethical.”

Every piece is produced by WRAP-certified companies that actively aim to reduce their carbon footprint. Paul believes that “everyone’s getting onto the same page, they’re starting to realise that they need to start doing something or the planet’s gonna be f*cked!”

They have recently been trying to introduce organic clothes but are experiencing some difficulty. “We can find organic clothing, but the size range is crap. We want to cater to everyone, so it’s a constant search to find somebody that can supply both.” Grey + Ginger strive to provide a broad size range, ensuring maximum inclusivity. The clothing is not divided by gender. They want everyone to enjoy the clothes and designs on their own terms.

These pieces of clothing are not just garments. Every sweater and every shirt is filled with immense amounts of meaning and consideration. When asked what their favourite design is, Peter is brought back to the very first piece he created; The Warrior. “It was a lot about the link between femininity and hair. It was kind of inspired by my mother, who had cancer. Women feel like they’re losing their femininity when they go through chemo and that’s why it’s called Warrior. I like the designs that happen really easily and this one just fell out of me onto the page.” For Paul, it has to be Masc. This design delves into the effect of toxic masculinity on men and the importance of mental health.

While a lot of the images are brimming with significance, some centre around hair as an identifier, tying in nicely with the brand’s name.

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When the lads hatched their baby idea back in 2015, they didn’t want to rush any steps. Paul casts his mind back to the very beginning: “We spent months just taking our time, doing everything really slowly, not rushing anything and then we launched the site.” The website came in May 2017.

Fast forward two years to present day, and Grey + Ginger designs can be found all around the country.

Paul says that “because of the nature of the designs – it’s not standard logo stuff or branding – the one thing we always had in mind was to not just throw it up and get a quick injection of cash. We’re in it for the long haul. We have visions of where we want the brand to go and we’re not in any rush, we want to make sure we do everything right.”

Peter notes that they haven’t yet had the pleasure of seeing someone walking down the street wearing a G+G piece.

They’re waiting for that day.

Last December, the lads had a stall at the Dublin Christmas Flea Market. Having sold their items exclusively online up to this point, the market was their first opportunity to sell in person. Paul says that the experience opened their eyes to a lot of things and that “when you’re there selling, you really see the sense of community”. Talking to people who were genuinely interested in the pieces and the ethos of the brand gave the lads the extra bit of encouragement they needed.

A big hope for the brand is to get their products into stores.

The duo are dead set on waiting to find the right fit. Paul is adamant that, “one thing that has really stood to us is that we have taken our time with everything. We haven’t been sending out feelers to 30 shops to see what happens because that dilutes everything. It’s all about finessing.” There are, of course, reservations about losing their identity in handing over their work to someone else but regardless, “it would be a dream come true to see someone walking out of a shop with out stuff in a bag.”

In the next year, the lads want to get themselves to some more markets, see a rack of their clothes in a small independent store and watch their company grow organically. A brand that is this unique, striving to be as sustainable as possible and brimming with significance is something to marvel at.. It’s a lot more than just pictures on a jumper. It’s a social commentary, a conversation starter, a piece of art. Expect to see plenty of people strutting down the street sporting Grey + Ginger apparel.

Find them at greyandginger.com and on social media @greyandginger

WORDS by: Sarah Gill PHOTOS by: Boyd Challenger

We’re in it for the long haul. We have visions of where we want the brand to go and we’re not in any rush, we want to make sure we do everything right.

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

CLADDAGH ART COLLECTIVE The Claddagh Art Collective is comprised of Joe Westcott and Jarlath Tourish, two of Galway’s most beloved tattoo artists. The collective was formed from the boys’ shared vision of someday having a private custom tattoo studio and with over 15 years of combined experience under their belts, it was destined to be a success.

The duo met back in 2008, when Joe was starting out in his apprenticeship in Irish Ink, and they’ve been friends ever since.

When their professional paths crossed in Inkfingers Galway, they began painting together outside of studio hours. This is where the concept of the Claddagh Art Collective was hatched.

The lads yearned for a space where they could create original art, a space where they could push their artistic boundaries to the limit and enhance their art.

So came the birth of the Collective.They’ve set up a painting studio where they can come and go as they please, usually heading in at 6am to get in a good 4-5 hours of sketching before they start tattooing for the day. Another exciting aspect of the space is that it gives them the opportunity to invite some unreal international artists to guest spot in the studio.

Jarlath’s style focuses on custom intricate geometric designs, fused with black and grey realism. This combination creates original concepts that caters to all his customers while steadily evolving. Joe’s style is a mixture of realism and fantasy, with each piece taking on its own character. He loves the freedom of drawing freehand onto the skin, allowing him to work with the shape of the body to enhance the design.

The tattoo studio and visual art space is based on Lower Dominick Street, in Galway’s Westend. In terms of location, it was always going to be the Westend. Regulars in the Blue Note and Massimo, they do all their socialising this side of town. It’s a very special place for them both.

There’s endless plans and ideas for the coming year, once they’re settled. They intend to evolve their artwork with a view to having an exhibition of their work. Galway 2020 is an opportunity to display their art, putting the city on the map for the artistic talent it has in abundance. They also plan on holding charity events to allow them to give something back to their community as well as tattooing at conventions throughout Ireland and Europe.

Unit 2, 59 Lower Dominick Street, Galway

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Bubble Bee Bubble waffles—made in a honeycomb-shaped mould for a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior— are a popular treat in Hong Kong, beloved for their fun look and the endless toppings you can pile on top. Now you can get bubble waffles right here in Galway at Bubble Bee, heaped with any combination of ice cream, marshmallows, fruit and sauces! They also serve freshly-made coffee, tea and cake, and have a food menu coming soon.

28 Abbeygate Street Lower, Galway City

Banditos Call out to the village of Oranmore for some delicious Mexican street food, made with fresh local ingredients.

They serve up burrito wraps, bowls and nachos in serious portions at affordable prices, making it a great spot for easy family meals, or for curing a delicate hungover head! You get the choice of chicken, chorizo, chilli or pulled beef followed by a ton of fillings and toppings including three types of salsa, guacamole, and a chipotle sour cream, which is delicious.

Main Street, Oranmore

NEW FACES

Virtual Reality World Immersive video gaming meets escape room puzzles in Galway’s first dedicated virtual reality entertainment centre. 360-degree multiplayer virtual worlds invite gamers to become actively involved in what’s happening around them, communicating and working together while exploring. It’s a physically interactive environment, which is great for a fun afternoon as well as for educational purposes. They also have wheelchair-accessible freestyle gaming pods, with a library of over 50 games available!

Liosban Industrial Park 1a, Tuam Road, Galway // (091) 726 294

Moco Artisan Delicatessan While in Oranmore, you won’t want to miss this lovely little café, especially if you’ve got a sweet tooth. With an eye to summer, Moco’s organic ice cream is freshly made every single day in small batches on their premises in Oranmore. They also serve up delicious cakes, tarts, and French pastries to go with your tea, coffee or hot chocolate! And if you’re feeling something savoury before your ice cream indulgence, they’ve got delicious sandwiches, fresh-baked bread and wine.

3 Castle Court, Oranmore

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WOODLAND WALKS DISCOVER GALWAY March looks like it might treat us a bit more kindly this year (fingers crossed). Spring is here and it’s time to shake off the winter months, get out there and enjoy the stretch in the evening! Explore wide limestone landscapes, deep natural woodland full of magic, and winding paths through Connemara’s lakeside forests all right here in Galway County.

Image by: Boyd Challenger

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Kylebrack Woods

Burren National Park

There are four trails of varying lengths, from 1.4 kilometers to 7.4 kilometers, all beginning at the eco-friendly Slieve Aughty Centre outside Loughrea.

Bring your wellies for a walk through bog land, explore the Coillte pine forests, walk along the banks of the Duniry River, and find the preserved stand of natural oaks and beeches on the longest trek. The deep-rooted trees are covered in moss, giving it a very enchanted feeling!

Seven way-marked trails of varying lengths and difficulties await in the Burren National Park, varying from thirty minute walks to three hour hikes.

On one of the spectrum, a 1.5km looped trail is very doable and on the other end is a 7.5km trek through steep, remote upland. Whichever you choose, you’ll get to experience the beautiful and unusual limestone and flora of the Burren landscape.

Find it: On arriving to the Slieve Aughty Centre, go to the Nature Hut or stop by the reception to borrow a map, and explore the woods following coloured horse shoes.

Find it: The Burren National Park is situated on the south-eastern side of the Burren, in north Co. Clare. To access the park, from Corofin, take the R476 to Kilnaboy. In Kilnaboy, take the right turn (L1112) before the ruined church. Approximately 5 kilometres along this road you will reach a crossroads. There is a layby just before this crossroads on the right. Then on foot, turn right, along the ‘Crag road’, Burren National Park lands are on your left. Please park in the lay-by not on the crag road to avoid damage to the vegetation.

Coole Park And Garryland Woods South of Galway, Coole Park was once the home of dramatist Lady Gregory and the inspiration for poet W.B. Yeats. There are two waymarked trails through Coole Park to choose from. The Family Trail is 1.75km, which takes walkers past the old house and walled gardens of the grounds, through woodland with views of the river, and finally past the Fallow deer enclosure before ending at the Visitor Centre. The ‘Seven Woods Trail’ is 4.5km and takes walkers through woodlands made famous by W.B. Yeats and past the outhouses of the property including stables and kilns.

The Garryland Woods on the same grounds are a less-popular walk but equally beautiful, with limestone pavement and unusual woodlands of oak, ash and yew. Due to its proximity to turlough, the area is prone to flooding.

Find it: Off N18, 4km north-west of Gort, Co Galway.

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Lackavrea Forest

Knockma Wood

Monivea Woods

You’d do best to leave one car at the start and one car at the finish of this walk if possible, as it’s a 9km linear walk from the Hill of Doon viewpoint to Maam Cross. Here, you’ll pass through the heart of forest and bogland in Connemara. A four-kilometre bridge trail carries you across bog into Lackavrea Forest, which follows the winding Folore River. Absolute peace and quiet can be had here, and it’s also an excellent place for fishing! It can be very wet, though, so dress accordingly.

Rich with folklore and myth, Knockma Wood is an easy, family-friendly walk through a small natural woodland. The legendary Queen Madb of Connacht is supposedly buried in the neolithic cairns on the summit of the hill, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding area. According to legend, Finnbhearra, King of the Connacht fairies, is buried alongside the warrior queen. The wood is also home to a 13th-century tower house and turlough lakes, which appear in winter and disappear in summer. Visitors can expect to spend 90 minutes exploring the wood through easy terrain.

This woodland, now maintained by Coillte, was once part of the Ffrench estate (yes, two F’s!). The Ffrench family left it to the Irish Nation on the death of Miss Cathleen Ffrench. One of the main features in the forest is the Ffrench family Mausoleum, which is as impressive today as when it was constructed in 1900. The forest is full of coniferous areas, liberally interspersed with broadleaf trees, with a rich understory of briar, fern and ivy.

There is also a natural regeneration of beech, ash, hazel and other natural Irish wood. Two waymarked trails, either the mass track trail (1.3km) or the historic trail (1.5km) will lead you through the forest.

Find it: At Oughterard Village, turn right at the Square and drive over the bridge onto the Glann Road. Enjoy a scenic drive along the shores of Lough Corrib, popular with fishermen. This scenic drive is beautiful in its own right and it ends at approx 9 miles later, at the Hill of Doon. The trailhead begins here.

Find it: A few kilometres west of Tuam, north Co. Galway, on the R333.

Find it: 8km North of Athenry off the L54.

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Image by: Boyd Challenger

WHAT’S going ON? Image by: Ciarán MacChoncarraige

WE RECOMMEND

WHAT’S ON

Comedy, live music, burlesque: we thought you might like it!

Seachtain na Gaeilge Festival Put your cúpla focal to good use during this celebration of Irish language, culture and heritage. Come together to take pride in Ireland’s native tongue and inspire future generations to immerse themselves in the culture. It doesn’t matter if you’re old or young, native or non-native, fluent or novice – there’ll be something for everyone!

1 - 17 March

Retro Drive-in Movies Retro Drive-In are screening Dirty Dancing, Frozen, Bohemian Rhapsody, A Star Is Born and The Greatest Showman across three days in Galway Racecourse. You can belt out the lyrics or cry shamelessly in the comfort of your own car while munching on some popcorn, burgers or chips. Perfect for a family day out or an 80s-style romantic date!

8 - 10 March // Galway Racecourse

St Patrick’s Day

The Game

This year’s parade marks the 117th anniversary of the Galway St. Paddy’s Day Parade and it won’t disappoint. As always, an array of community, cultural, sporting and international groups including the much-loved theatre company Macnas will showcase the diverse culture and talent that exists within our beautiful city. Kicking off at 11:30am and finishing up at 1pm, the parade will even see the iconic fountain in Eyre Square turn green!

The Game resurrected West-Coast hip-hop from the streets of Compton and the impact of his art was felt globally. With a number 1 single, a number 1 album and a 20-million-dollar film role, The Game has been paving his own lane throughout hip-hop. Selling millions of records worldwide and collaborating with industry giants as maintaining a strong acting career, Game continues to hold his position as intensely and ferociously as ever, as Rap’s MVP.

15 - 17 March

9 March // Monroe’s Live SOCIAL WHITE:

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BRUNCH•LUNCH DINNER•DRINKS IRELAND’S LARGEST GIN COLLECTION

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LATE NIGHT BAR FRI & SAT FORSTER STREET, GALWAY 091 376561 | info@anpucan.ie | www.anpucan.ie AnPucan AnPucan AnPucanGalway

WHAT’S ON

HIGHLIGHTS

Drink & Draw

Jason Byrne

Unleash your inner Banksy over a couple of pints and some good tunes.

You don’t need any experience to throw a splash of paint on the canvas.

Try something different, meet new people and create a piece of art that you can take home and show off to your friends (if it’s not too terrible).

Jason Byrne is one of the most popular Irish comedians on the scene right now. His live comedy acts are an exciting experience that cannot be adequately put into words. Every night stars are born, friendships are formed, mascara is ruined and pants are binned. Don’t miss out on this unique experience and maybe bring some spare pants.

7 March // Biteclub 9 March // Town Hall Theatre

Galway Street Club For the weekend that’s in it, Galway Street Club will return to their old haunt for two nights of ceol and craic. Saturday’s show starts at 8pm, Sunday’s kicks off at 5pm and for a fiver in you may as well head along to both! The Street Club began in 2016, when a heap of individual buskers came together to jam as a group and the result was extraordinary – go see for yourself!

16 - 17 March // Róisín Dubh

Basement Project’s Paddy’s Day All Day Yard Party If you’re on the hunt for an unreal way to spend Paddy’s Day this year, the Commercial Boat Club is where you’re heading. How does two stages (indoor and outdoor) and 15 DJs sound? Myler, Cailín, Jon Hussey, Jamie Behan and Mia are already lined up to perform with lots more to be announced.

17 March // Boat Club, Woodquay SOCIAL WHITE:

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Joni 75: A Birthday Celebration Fans of Joni Mitchell, listen up. Celebrate the iconic singer’s 75th birthday with an incredible array of singers and musicians paying tribute to Joni by performing songs from all stages of her career.

Captured across two nights in LA, the entire concert and behindthe-scenes interviews will be aired in Pálás for one night only.

21 March // Pálás

Flea Style Market Game of Thrones Quiz Night How closely have you been paying attention to Game of Thrones? Are you a true fan?

Test your Thrones trivia ahead of the highly anticipated final series at The Skeff’s quiz night, in conjunction with Amigo Productions. Gather your bannermen and pre-book your table today. All proceeds go to Western Alzheimers and Amigo Productions. Winter is coming…

26 March // The Skeff

If you’re looking for a way to spice up your wardrobe, this is exactly what you need. Whether it’s vintage or pre-loved, antiques or handmade pieces, this thrift market is the best thrifting ground in the West. Sustainable fashion is incredibly important so while you’re sporting one of a kind, unique pieces you’re also doing your bit for the world! Nice one.

23 March // Aras na nGael

Ceol agus Craic You can’t pass through the city without heading into Tig Cóilí for some live music and a pint of plain. Providing a country pub vibe in the middle of the bustling city, Cóilí boast some of the finest musicians Galway has to offer. They have trad sessions fourteen times weekly so do yourself a favour and get in there, there’s probably a pint of Guinness settling for you already.

Mainguard Street, City Centre

WEEKLY BUZZ

WHAT’S ON

Hoolie at Electric

Silent Disco at the Róisín Dubh

Every Thursday, Electric Gardens & Theatre put on one hell of a Hoolie.

In the month of March alone, headliners include Mella Dee, Boots & Kats, Sunil Sharpe and Neil Flynn (to name a few). Thursdays in Electric have become a home away from home for many students and is a guaranteed location for a good old fashioned bop.

Not a Tuesday goes by that Galway’s Westend doesn’t echo with the sound of Sisco-goers. A pair of headphones is all you need for an evening spent belting out the lyrics of your favourite tunes, and at €5 for entry as well as a shot of Jager, you’d be mad not to.

Every Tuesday // Róisín Dubh

Every Thursday // Electric

Ireland’s Smallest Comedy Club

Juicy Thursdays at Four Four Nightclub

If it’s a laugh you’re after, The Dew Drop Inn should be your weekly port of call. Supplying the giggles every Thursday night along with some free finger food during the break, you’ll feel right at home in no time.

The Ubuntu DJs fill Four Four Nightclub with Hip-Hop, R’n’B, Grime and Drill music each Thursday, while Graham Doherty holds court of the main floor, playing some of the juiciest tunes all night long. Get rested, get restless and get ready to go.

Every Thursday // The Dew Drop Inn Eveery Thursday // Four Four

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Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Aengus Wall. I’m co-owner of AWOL Tattoos and Piercing with my sister Áine. I’m a tattoo artist and a machine builder, tattooing for 23 years, owner of AWOL Tattoos since 1997. I took a small break in that time and worked as a tattoo artist in Canada for about seven years. We’ve had AWOL Tattoos in Galway for the last seven and a half years and in that time I’d like to think we built up a good reputation for the studio.

What’s your go-to spot for breakfast or brunch?

The best spot for breakfast for me is the Spar on Mainguard Street. I come in fairly early in the mornings to get my drawings done, tidy up, set up, start my day. I like to go down there for my breakfast mostly because they have amazing staff and one of the best hot food delis in Galway. If I do get a chance to sit down, which unfortunately is rare, I like to go to The Cellar Bar. Once again, amazing food, amazing staff and a nice place to have breakfast.

Best pint of Guinness in Galway?

The best pint of Guinness for me, is Richardsons on Eyre Square. Mostly because in the early days of AWOL while I was living in Ballybane, I was working 7 days a week, the studio was open from 11 until 8 o’clock and the precious few times I had to be any way social was the odd time for a pint of guinness while waiting for the bus back to Ballybane. It was basically my quiet time and time to just enjoy a good old drink

howya?

Favourite spot to get away from it all?

The best place for me to get away from it all is, and always will be, the open road.

I know it sounds corny but I’ve been building motorcycles and riding motorcycles for as long as I can remember and I’ve ridden in countless countries in 3 continents and will continue to do so until I can’t do it anymore. I plan, if possible, to ride a motorcycle in just about every corner of the world I can get to. It’s something that’s indescribable. It’s a feeling of freedom that you can never attain by any other way.

Favourite time of year in Galway?

It has always been and always will be late Summer. I went to college here, I worked with Macnas and Galway always seems to be at its most alive around august. Between arts festivals, students coming home, tourists here, the warmth is in the air.

What’s Galway’s best-kept secret?

The canal walk along the river Corrib from the cathedral and Salmon Weir bridge down as far as Spanish Arch. On a summer’s day it’s one of the most beautiful walks in any city that I’ve ever been to. The river on one side, the canal on the other. It’s just a breathtaking part of Galway and any time I have anyone coming to visit the studio, guest artist or friend I will always try to bring them or convince them to take that walk.

Image by: Ciaran McChoncarraige

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WHERE IT’S AT

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. Handsome Burger 2. Wholly Cow 3. Massimo 4. BóTOWN 5. TGO Falafel 6. The Skeff 7. The Burgerstory 8. Scotty’s Famous Burgers & Wings 9. Chili Shack 10. Capone’s 11. Snoozles

12. Claddagh Art Collective 13. Bubble Bee 14. Banditos 15. Virtual Reality World 16. Moco Artisan Delicatessan 17. AWOL Tattoos and Piercing

Advertise with us Each month, This is Galway’s magazine shines a spotlight on local eateries, pubs and clubs, cultural destinations as well as events across the County.

It’s an essential resource for visitors who want to dive straight into the heart of the place, and locals looking for a bit of inspiration.

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Image by: Ciarán MacChoncarraige