This is Galway June 2019 Edition - Issue #19

JUNE 2019 // FREE // THISISGALWAY.IE

ISSUE #19

Galway Film Fleadh 9th-14th July 2019

31st GALWAY FILM FLEADH 9-14 JULY 2019 WWW.GALWAYFILMFLEADH.COM Galway Film Podcast

Galway Film Fair 11th–14th July 2019

WHAT’S INSIDE

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ENDA MCEVOY // Loam is where the heart is

SIP ME BABY ONE MORE TIME // A guide to some of Galway’s best wine bars and where to get a decent glass of vino

FRESH PLACES NEW FACES// Discover brand-new restaurants and shops on our city streets CLUB GARDENIA // Creating a more integrated community through music GALWAY FILM FLEADH // Bringing the very best in worldwide cinematics to the heart of Galway

WHAT’S ON // Festivals, 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

Editor Lisa O’Brien lisa@thisisgalway.ie

Additional Photography Sesh-queen / Editorial Lisa O’Brien Sarah Gill sarah@thisisgalway.ie

Advertising Queries Maxi Browne // Mattie Cahill marketing@thisisgalway.ie

ENDA MCEVOY Loam Is Where The Heart Is

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Enda McEvoy is certainly no stranger to notoriety, and for those who have enjoyed the exceptional dining experience at his Michelin star restaurant Loam, the recent accolade of ‘Best Restaurant in Ireland’ comes as absolutely no surprise. We caught up with the master of all things appetising to chat about his passion for cooking, the sustainable ethos of his restaurant and Galway’s rich foodie community.

As a young boy growing up in the ‘80s, Enda didn’t see food as anything more than something you ate, and though the award-winning chef wouldn’t have considered his upbringing to have been focused on food at all, cultivating produce has been a role Enda became familiar with from a young age. “I grew up in a shop with a farm out the back. We would always go fishing down at the lake and catching rabbits too. We grew a lot of fruit and vegetables to sell on to suppliers. We ate eel and all these things that might seem unusual now but weren’t so much back then. In hindsight you could romanticise this upbringing, but at the time food wasn’t a major focus. Even though our lives were centred around food and produce, to me it was just digging in the ground.”

With dreams of making a living playing the bodhrán overseas, an 18-year-old Enda headed off for Germany, where he quickly realised his musical dreams may not be quite as lucrative as he thought.

He had to improvise. “I got a job as a kitchen porter and I really enjoyed the mechanics of working in a kitchen. There was a point when I started working in kitchens that it was morso the technique and the regime that appealed to me; the organisation and being part of this big machine. But as time went on I became more interested in the possibilities of Irish produce and that things were getting overlooked.”

When Enda made his move to Gaillimh in 2004, he became inspired by the quirky people around him and their eagerness to do something interesting in the hopes of making a living. People like Nimmo’s Harriet Leander, Seamus Sheridan and David Gumbleton have all inspired his interest in local producers that go otherwise overlooked. “The whole egalitarian, green, lefty movement, like championing small independent people trying to make a living in strange circumstances. People kept doing what they wanted to do because they believed in what they were doing, and I liked that kind of belligerent belief in a product. It was that sort of buzz around Galway when I moved here - people getting excited about something like cheese just seemed hilarious. It’s just hard milk! They just really enjoyed it and they are now making a living out of it and inspiring other people to do things.”

Loam reflects Enda’s passion for local produce through their philosophy of utilising West of Ireland ingredients exclusively. “What’s most important for us is that we’re working directly with farmers, so we don’t really use any big suppliers or central suppliers. We source directly from farms and directly from suppliers so we don’t use a middle man”, Enda explains. “We know all the producers by name, they’re friends of ours. They know what we’re looking for, they know when things are coming into season and they bring it in to us before we even realise we need it. We’ve spent so much time building up a working relationship with people we get on with, and it’s up to us to showcase the things that they’ve been working hard on. It takes a lot of the thinking out of it from an ordering point of view, but from the creative point of view it might be a little bit more difficult when things run out or you might get a lot of things at the one time, but you make a commitment to these people and you want to do your best for them.”

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Sustainability is becoming an increasing concern on the minds of many, and Loam’s efforts to be as low impact as possible were rewarded in 2016 when they became the first independent restaurant in Ireland to receive the highest possible rating of three stars from the Sustainable Restaurant Association! This is no small feat - this level of recognition requires a lengthy questionnaire that delves into every element of the business. “It goes through all aspects of sustainability, from minimising food waste and the treatment of animals on the farms we buy our produce from, to what methods the fish are caught, down to how the staff are treated and your impact on your community, whether you interact with the community and where you fit into the society you put yourself in. It’s quite an in-depth survey, it’s not just a waste thing or an environmental thing, it’s the holistic approach to sustainability.” Enda is clearly extremely passionate about this realm of his business, saying, “Our focus from the very beginning was to have a very sustainable and thoughtful restaurant, being conscious of what we’re doing and why we’re doing it. We want to set an example”. And the proof is in the pudding.

Enda McEvoy has been in the industry for about 20 years now, and his great culinary prowess has bolstered the Galway foodie community massively. Winning a Michelin star for Aniar during his days as head chef there, landing the title of ‘Best Chef in Ireland’ in 2016 and leading Loam to a Michelin star a mere 10 months after it opened its doors are just some of a long list of achievements under the incredibly skillful chef’s apron strings. Enda believes that these accolades are far more than a massage to the ego. “The award of a star for Michelin is recognition from your peers and from the industry in a way. It’s great for business because it drives a lot of traffic. With both Loam and Aniar having a star each, it’s driven a lot of tourists to Galway and all up and down the Wild Atlantic Way. Especially if there’s two or three in one area, it makes a weekend out of it”.

We’re all well aware that Galway’s foodie scene is bursting at the seams with insanely talented chefs, and Enda gives honourable mention to Kai and Wa Sushi - among others for their culinary greatness, but the chef has a real grá for the good old Galway market. “I love the market in Galway.

It’s such a great community of people and you always get well fed down there.” However, Enda is adamant that the Irish food system is in urgent need of diversification.

“Ireland is a small country consisting of farmers, or people that are one or two generations away from living on a farm. Everyone has contact with someone who owns a farm. Farmers have been encouraged not to diversify and to specialise in one thing, either beef or dairy. Small farms that have diversified have the opportunity and the power to rejuvenate small villages. Small farms that produce specific things - be that raw milk or cheese or free-range pork - they’re products that could be potentially sold in markets in the town.”

It’s clear from Enda’s fervour, that this is something he has given a lot of consideration. “The whole idea of co-ops could be re-introduced and this has to come from the top down. It’s not up to the individuals or even the consumers to push this forward, it should be an initiative from the Department of Agriculture - from the government - to help farmers diversify and not encourage them to live off subsidies because that isn’t helping anyone.”

Spearheading a hugely successful, award-winning restaurant is a seriously demanding role, with Enda often working in excess of 12 hours a day. With a wife and four young kids at home, the weekends certainly are a cherished thing. “Life is so jam packed, but on Sundays we like to hang around the house as much as possible and cook together. This time of year we like to do a lot of barbequing.

It’s a healthy focused house but not in a dogmatic way, we all sit down together in a natural way and as hard as it is to get kids to eat what you want them to eat, we don’t want to have major battles at dinner time.” Mussels are the order of the day in the McEvoy household - even their two year old is lapping up the shellfish goodness!

“Life is so jam packed, but on Sundays we like to hang around the house as much as possible and cook together.”.

If you haven’t had the pleasure of a meal in Loam, you need to put it on your bucket list middling quick! It’s luxurious, yet laid back and you’re guaranteed to get value for your money. When you enter into the restaurant, you’ll be greeted by a friendly face and shown to your table. Once you’ve settled, one of the chefs will bring down a small snack for you to nibble on while you peruse the menu. Throughout each course, you’ll be extremely well taken care of, and you’ll have constant contact with the people making your food from the open kitchen. Enda and the whole team at Loam want each visitor to have the best dining experience imaginable, without badgering their guests or shoving their practices down their throat.

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“First and foremost, we want them to feel like they’ve got an experience that was value for money. At the end of the day, it’s a business transaction and you want them to have a really positive experience. Especially if they’re overseas visitors, you want them to experience the Irish hospitality and give them a taste of Irish produce. What I do not want to do is browbeat people with ‘this is all the things we had to do to this product to make it delicious’ and ‘there are our sustainability practices’ because at the end of the day, people want to come out and have a good time, relax and not be preached to. We want to set an example for businesses from a sustainability point of view but we put that aside at 6 o’clock and it becomes a restaurant where people can come to have a nice time and not really think.”

Enda exhales appreciation for and dedication to his restaurant and the team of workers that make Loam what it is. “I am so immensely proud of everyone who comes through the doors to work. They’re the hardest working, nicest bunch of people that you could imagine and they really are a pleasure to work with every day.”

Loam has garnered every success in their five short years, and with Enda McEvoy at the helm, there is an incredibly bright future ahead.

WORDS by: Sarah Gill Photos by: Boyd Challenger Restaurant Shot courtesy Loam SOCIAL WHITE:

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Sip Me Baby One More Time!

One of life’s simplest pleasures is imbibing in the evening with a glass full of vino, picking away at some delicious nibbles and just letting the weight of the world roll right off your shoulders. Whether you’re partial to a full-bodied Merlot or a fruity Sauvignon Blanc, the city of Galway has ambient, atmospheric wine bars in abundance. Whatever your preferred accompaniment may be, from tapas to cheeseboards, there is no shortage of options here in the City of Tribes. Grab yourself a goblet of the grape at any one of these spots and you’re guaranteed an opulent, if not somewhat hazy, night of pinkcheeked decadence.

FOOD & DRINK

Kai Rastaurant

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Kai have been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand for the second year running for their food offering, a testament to Jess and the team. So it comes as no surprise to learn that Jess was named as the ‘Best Chef in Ireland’ at last years RAI awards. Their wine offering is no different! Particular attention to detail has been incorporated in the growing of this line-up. The majority of wine on their list is made up of “natural” wines. This means the grapes are grown without fungicides, pesticides or irrigation. The results are incredible!

Lively, individualistic wines, breaking barriers, going against the norm with their unpredictability.

Ruairi, the wine buyer, employs a careful selection process to meet with small producers that take great care of their vines and whom strive to grow in both an organic and biodynamic fashion. These producers use techniques which cause as little intervention as possible, techniques from many decades ago, going back to their roots, wines made with passion that stand up against commercial behemoths. The personability Ruairi achieves is prevalent by simply perusing their offering. Ruairi Recommends: Milan Netarec, Czechoslovakia. Judith Beck, Burgenland, Austria. Elena Panteleoni, Emilia Romagna, Italy. Elisibetta Foradori, Dolomites IGT, Italy. Partida Creus, Penedes, Spain. Domaine de l’Écu, Loire, France.

22 Sea Rd, Galway // (091) 526 003

Massimo Massimo Bar offers a wine list that is unrivalled by most other bars in the city, extending to more than 20 wines across a range of grape varieties from some of the best wine producing regions in the world, all of which are affordable and almost all available by the glass.

Carefully selected and tasted by their manager and staff in conjunction with their premier wine suppliers, there really is something for every palate. It is Ken’s belief that “if it’s not good enough for us, then it’s not good enough for our customers.” If your tipple of choice is red, we have a complex, fruity Sicilian Nero d’Avola, a rich, wellstructured Argentinean Malbec, and our current favourite, a vibrant, medium bodied Romanian Merlot. If you prefer a white wine, we have several Sauvignon Blanc options: Chilean, Romanian and New Zealand. Or maybe you prefer something a little more delicate, like our aromatic Spanish Verdejo or our fresh and fruity, 100% piquepoul from Languedoc, France. Rosé and sparkling options are also available, so if it’s a glass after a hard day or a bottle to share with friends, make Massimo one of your chosen wine destinations. You won’t regret it. .

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

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The Universal As well as stocking a plethora of craft beer, The Universal also has a fine collection of wines from around the world.

Wines from well established regions such as Beaujolais, Piedmont and Rioja share the racks with wines from Slovenia, Sardinia and Chile.

Natural, organic and biodynamic wines are a new feature of the list and have been enthusiastically received and match up splendidly with the plates emanating from the kitchen.

9 William St West, Galway // (091) 728 271

Rouge From the passionate staff to the ambient musical selections, the atmosphere at Rouge Restaurant will have you feeling like you’re tucked away in your very own château in the heart of Paris. Providing unique, French style cuisine, an evening in Rouge is the quintessential wine-drinking experience.

Their exclusive selection of wines imported from independent French producers are best enjoyed when accompanied by a platter of the finest cheese and cured meats, and the experience is further heightened by their inexpensive dinner menu. Word to the wise, their amusebouche is to die for.

38 Dominick Street Lower, Galway // (091) 530 681

Tartare Café + Wine Bar Tartare is located in Galway’s Bohemian Westend. At night, it transforms into a casual and contemporary wine bar. In keeping with our philosophy of sustainability, our wine list is made up entirely of organic, biodynamic and natural wines. It features wines from lesser known regions, such as Greece and Slovenia, and also features more unusual styles such as Orange wine.

The wine bar is a great space to meet up with friends for dinner or just pop in for a glass of wine and have some nibbles. Our wine bar is now open in the evenings, Wednesday to Sunday until late.

56 Dominick Street Lower, Galway // (091) 534 494 Image by: Julia Dunin

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IL VICOLO Il Vicolo boasts one of the most extensive Italian wine lists in the country, with wines spanning from the north tip of Alto Adige to the boot of Puglia to the island of Sicily.

More than 20 wines are available by the glass to allow customers to experience the diversity of Italian wine.

And for wine enthusiasts, or those looking to learn more about Italian wine, Il Vicolo hosts a bi-monthly ‘Meet the Winemaker’ event, where they bring a winemaker from a small vineyard in Italy, including names such as Pietro Zardini and Luigi Valori, to Galway to discuss their work and host a five course tasting menu with wine pairings.

Each event offers an insight into the workings of their vineyard, the way they handle their grapes, and the advantage of small scale operations that are organic and thoughtful in their approach to both the soil and the environment. Guests learn about different styles of winemaking and get to try a selection of the wines on the night. The most recent event was a celebration of the annual Venetian Carnival, featuring traditional Venetian masks for all guests.

The Bridge Mills, Dominick Street Lower, Galway // (091) 530 515

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West Restaurant West Restaurant at The Twelve Hotel is a mustvisit for anyone who fancies themselves as a bit of a wine aficionado. Their ever-evolving wine list maintains an air of sophistication, while remaining accessible to all. Expanding and developing with each new discovery they make, West Restaurant has a selection of over 250 wines that reflect the tastes of the public at large. The managing director and somelier Fergus O’Halloran would never lead you astray when it comes to vino.

Having graduated as Canada’s top sommelier from the International Sommelier Guild of Canada in 1997, Fergus is well-known for his exceptional wine and food pairings and has landed an impressive eight Wine Spectator Awards since his return to Ireland. As one of Ireland’s very first restaurants to introduce the Coravin wine preservation system, West Restaurant offer an unrivalled taste of premium wines from around the globe.

Barna Rd, Freeport, Barna, Co. Galway // (091) 597 000

Deli la Tasca Recreating an authentic Spanish dining experience in the heart of Galway’s Westend, Deli La Tasca will make sure you forego the siesta and dive straight into the vino. Life just seems more enjoyable when you’ve got tapas in one hand and a glass of red in the other! The organically grown grapes for their Galeam Monastrell are selected from vineyards in the Alicante region, and the palate has ripe blackcurrant and plum characters, savoury notes and hints of black pepper and the supple tannins lend that extra complexity to each mouthful. Ìf a lightly sparkling wine is calling out to you, their Blanc Pescador, which is one of Spain’s best selling white wines, will cut right through your thirst. The same traditional grapes used to produce Cava are bottled at the lower alcohol percentage of 11.5%, so it’s pretty much a baby Cava! Tapas, sharing platters or bigger bites just for you, each dish is perfectly paired with a premium Spanish wine, either by the glass or by the bottle...

But we both know it’s better by the bottle!

1 Dominick Street Upper, Galway // 085 108 2115

FOOD & DRINK

Black Gate

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If you’re looking for a tasteful glass of vino in comfortable surroundings, you’ll be right at home at the Black Gate Cultural Centre. Carrying a comprehensive selection of wines from around the world, the Black Gate is serving up some of the most full-bodied wines around town. Paired with their scrumptious cheese and charcuterie boards, Black Gate is the ultimate spot to soak in some great wine and culture.

Francis Street, Galway // (091) 534226

Le Petit Pois Fast approaching the fourth year of their incredibly successful adventure, Le Petit Pois are experts when it comes to wining and dining. Phillipe and Michèle strive for an excellent standard of friendly French cuisine, updating and tweaking their menu each month. Each bottle of their extensive wine selection is imported from independent French winemakers and their incredibly knowledgeable sommeliers will teach your palate a thing or two about the grape - they’re warming up their best red and cooling their finest wine for you as we speak!

Victoria Place, Galway // (091) 330 880

Sheridan’s Cheesemongers & Wine Bar Sheridan’s cheesemongers is nothing short of a Galway institution. They have been selling cheese for over 25 years in the Galway market via their stall and shop front. Along came a very welcome addition in the form of a Wine bar. They put an emphasis on ‘Old World Wines’ and have an impressive offering of wines by the glass, rotating daily so there is always something new and exciting to be quaffing. Grab an artisan cheese board or an array of cured meats and ask the expert behind the counter which idyllic wine will marry with your nosh. Coupling this rustic wine bar, an award winning artisan cheesemongers, passionate and informed staff with a well rounded and thought out wine list, now this is what we call ‘the perfect pairing’.

14 Churchyard St, Galway // (091) 564 829 SOCIAL WHITE:

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THE SKEFF Powerful, opulent and full of fruity character not only sums up the Skeff Late Bar, but also perfectly describes their extensive selection of wines.

Serving up high quality food and drink in a casual environment is a Skeff speciality, and friendly and approachable staff make an evening in the bar all the more enjoyable.

Each dish on their evening menu is prepared using the finest ingredients and teamed with a delicious wine.

Starting at €6, the Skeff’s wine offerings have expanded to include Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel, a premium Australian Cabernet Sauvignon that’s finished in aged Irish whiskey barrels which gives the wine that extra complexity, integration and maturity.

The rich, dense palate incorporates a smoothness, while dark fruits remain prominent alongside the subtle toasty character.

The Skeff has been synonymous with good food, great drinks and superb entertainment for years and their quality and value are always top-notch.

Pop in during the week to try out their food and drink nightly specials for as little as €15. Make it a Thursday and you’ll get yourself a steak sandwich, home-cut fries fries and a glass of vino!

27 Eyre Square, Galway // 091 563173

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Martine’s Restaurant & Wine Bar There’s connoisseurs of wine, and then there’s Martine. From selling her own wine and wine-making equipment in the Quay Street Wine Bar back in the ‘80s to running one of Galway’s most wellrespected restaurants, Martine has been elevating the Galway wine experience for over 30 years.

Martine’s Restaurant specialise in steak and seafood, and are the only premises in Galway with a Josper oven to give their meat a mouth-watering charring. We’re all well aware that nothing makes a juicy steak taste better than a tall glass of red and their wine menu is extremely well-endowed, perfectly complimenting each dish.

Order yourself a rare steak, accompanied by a glass (or bottle) of their Lorgeril Malbec to offset the sensation of tannin. If ribeye is calling out to you, give their Gigondas a try. The robust wine is essentially a version of the highly revered Chateauneuf du Pape.

21 Quay St, Galway // (091) 565 662

The Huntsman Inn The Huntsman Inn has adopted a contemporary outlook on a classic wine list. Fine dining only graced our shores relatively recently, but we’ve pulled up our socks in record time and so has the Huntsman. It was a regular occurrence to spot a Chardonnay from Burgundy or Merlot from the Languedoc. They are present on this list but Stephen Francis, General Manager goes the extra mile to ensure that he knows where these wines are coming from and that the wine quality of wine doesn’t suffer at the hand of profitability, churning out table wine to make to make money.

They are keeping up with the trends and have listed a wee selection of ‘New New World’ Wines. These are produced outside the traditional winegrowing areas of Europe. Two stellar examples of this are the Roka Blaufrankisch and Furmint, both produced on a 1.5 hectare vineyard owner by Liam & Sinead Cabot of Westport. Exquisite wines for under €30!

164 College Rd, Galway // (091) 562 849

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Hyde Bar & Gin Parlour Forget starchy and old-fashioned. Hyde Bar is bringing the humble grape to cool crowds of discerning drinkers. One of Galway’s most stylish and sophisticated bars which is ideal for date night or a girls night out has updated it’s wine offering to help wine become its drink du jour. Discover everything from natural wines to grapes from far-flung vineyards, plus service from knowledgeable, approachable staff in Galway’s East Village While known for its signature cocktails and an amazing selection of Gin, Hyde Bar is an inspired place to sip, particularly in its beautiful Greenhouse area bar or in front of the iconic flower wall while you stare out at the constant comings and goings on the streets of Galway. While wine by the glass or bottle is always interesting, it’s how it’s served by approachable staff that gives Hyde the edge.

When it comes to white wine the selection is broken down by “Full Bodied Chardonnay and Friends, Cool Climate and Aromatic Whites, Stylish Fresh and Acidic Sauvignon Blancs and Mediterranean Classics. In terms of Red, there are Full Boded Warming Reds, Pinot and a Lighter Rioja, a few smooth stylish gems such as Sensi, Chianti Campolouce and Kanonkop Kadette. Not forgetting bubbles either, Hyde has become an extremely popular brunch venue with the Bubbles and Brunch a real highlight. The menu currently contains a beautiful Italian Prosecco, Spanish Cava Rose, and an impressive selection of Champagne with brands such as Bollinger and Moet Chandon on the shelves.

Forster Street, Galway // (091) 564 111

FOOD & DRINK

Tribeton Tribeton is situated in a monumental art deco space that had been closed from public view for several years. Tribeton is definitely one of Galway’s most aesthetically pleasing restaurants. It gives many nods to the industrial heritage of Ireland.

With lofty high ceilings, stripped back industrial lighting with bare cables, an open and on-view kitchen, there is no hiding!

This follows through to their wine list. They have absolutely nailed the ‘Classic’ wine list that many avoid as it can leave you vulnerable.

The wines must be on the mark and true to their ‘terroir’ to stand up to critique. Ben Kodba, Tribeton’s wine expert, has done exactly this. It shows that meticulous and purposeful thought has gone in to this list. The classic grape varieties such as Sauvignon Blacn, Albariño, Viognier, Tempranillo, GSM blend, Montepulciano, Merlot are all present. Hailing from the staple locations of vinification history like Rioja, Sancerre, Veneto and Côtes du Rhône, these wines that are true to their heritage and marry perfectly with the contemporary twists taken on classic dishes to excite and amp up nostalgic, hearty tuck.

1-3 Merchants Rd, Galway // (091) 421 600

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

Seacrest Kafe Seacrest Kafe have thrown open their doors and are serving up healthy and honest food in the heart of Knocknacarra.

Whether it’s soup and a sambo or a colourful salad, the team at Seacrest use all the local produce they can get their hands on. If you’re a meat-eater, vegan or gluten-intolerant, you’ll find something tasty to enjoy alongside a flavourful smoothie or a divine coffee, courtesy of the Seacrest crew.

They’ve even got a pantry full of tasty local products! As well as all that deliciousness, there’s also a wonderful selection of quirky gifts and exquisite homeware.

Shangort Rd, Knocknacarra // 083 880 2233

NEW FACES

R.M McCabes Tucked into Upper Salthill, RM McCabes is about to be your new favourite seaside gastro pub. Gary Monroe, Michael Grady and Mark Hopkins have transformed the spacious premises, creating a family friendly, inviting atmosphere while maintaining a cosy vibe. The menu is designed to change with the seasons and focuses largely on local produce. Their foodie offerings are heavily influenced by their proximity to that salty sea air, featuring daily specials of all your seafood favourites. With a fully stocked bar, big-screen televisions to watch the match and weekly live music sessions with everything from trad to bluegrass - RM McCabes is a more than welcome addition to Salthill.

Upper Salthill Road, Galway // (091) 330 296

White Rabbit The cutest den on Cross Street lies behind the doors of White Rabbit, so if you’re looking for an intimate date night destination or somewhere cosy to hang out with a few close friends, look no further. With their freshly made sharing plates, mouth watering crostinis and dreamy desserts all calling out to be devoured, White Rabbit is the perfect place to stuff your face. With a focus on providing good food in a social setting, the restaurant’s minimalistic, high-quality menu will give you plenty to talk about. From their kitsch Judy Greene crockery to their delectable coffee and everything in between, you won’t regret falling down this rabbit hole.

10 Cross St Upper, Galway // 085 758 1581

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Samyo If you’re in the mood for some soul soothing food, check out the new kids on the block in Salthill.

Samyo is an Asian inspired restaurant that screams authenticity from every angle. Decorated head to toe with vibrant interiors and beautiful artwork, everything (and we mean everything) has been custom made and shipped over from China. As a sister restaurant of the popular Ken’s in Loughrea, it’s no surprise these guys are serving up some the most authentic and delicious Asian food in Galway! Our advice? Try the shaggy mane mushroom salad, who knew salad could taste so good!

177 Upper Salthill Road, Galway // (091) 443 001

The Lane Boutique Residence A heavenly escape from the hectics of Eyre Square, a night in The Lane Boutique Residence is a night of guaranteed comfort. Rainfall showers, eco-friendly toiletries and a coffee machine right there in your room, The Lane has got everything you need for a night away in the City of Tribes.

With a cafe, a gym and a beauty salon all under one roof, this family-run boutique residence provides all the hotel luxuries without breaking the bank. They’ve even got a cosy snuggle room, with the bed built right into the wall! Who doesn’t love a good snuggle?

Kiltartan House, Galway // 087 914 3909

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Bowling & Market For women who are partial to original, beautiful and handcrafted garments and accessories (so essentially everyone), Bowling & Market will give your wardrobe that extra little bit of individuality you’ve been searching for.

Cosy tops, cute jumpers and stylish dresses aplenty, this quirky boutique is anything but banal. Their stock features ‘50s style gems, vintage pieces and alternative, eccentric items that will spruce up any outfit. Whether it’s kitsch pendants, a decorative pair of earrings or a cute little bowler hat, their selection of accessories will add another layer of interest to any look.

Why waste your money following high street trends when you can invest in some staple pieces that will make up a capsule wardrobe? It’s a no brainer, if you ask us. Whatever your style, you’ll always find something fitting in Bowling & Market.

1 Middle St, Galway // 087 616 6340

2 Wild Geese I dare say that there’s a house in the West that doesn’t have a little something from 2 Wild Geese adorning the walls. Prints, ceramics, homeware and everything in between, the store is a treasure trove just waiting to be explored.

When the owners Luke Anthony and Maggie Murphy decided to set up shop, their aim was to give local designers and craftspeople an avenue to sell their products to a wider audience.

At 2 Wild Geese, artists can rent shelves to promote their work and customers are given the opportunity to support local talent. Unique, quirky and bolstering Galway’s artistic community, this independent shop are blazing their own trail.

Unit 12, Level 1, Corbett Court Shopping Centre, Galway // (091) 563 813

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8 Reasons Why Tiny Traders Village Should Be Part Of Your Saturday Routine...

You can find Tiny Traders Village at Nun’s Island Theatre every Saturday from11am-5pm.

THE FOOD

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THE CRAFTS The food is only half of what’s on offer at Tiny Traders. It’s also home to some of the most eye-catching, innovative, and beautifully hand-crafted products in the West of Ireland.

Ranging from paintings, clothes and skin creams to crystals and musical instruments, the market is the ideal place to buy a unique, rare gifts. Many of the traders also custom make their creations so the shopper can walk away with gifts completely personalised and suited to them.

In the short period of time since its inception, Tiny Traders Village has made a name for itself as a complete foodie paradise. Locals coming every week to sample the huge array of international, local and fusion cuisine on offer.

It is often said by visitors that they leave having eaten much more than they had planned, but having not eaten half of what they had their eye on. TTV has become known for its healthy fast food options and guilt free delicacies. Top tip: bring your appetite Top tip: bring your appetite

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Top tip: keep an eye on weekly competitions in the craft village, there are prizes to be won

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THE PEOPLE What is any place without its people? Apart from the treasure chest of products, the lifeblood of the Tiny Traders Village is the traders themselves. You’ll get the chance to meet the makers, who also happen to be some of the very best characters in town. There’s also a notable community vibe, which gives off a distinctive energy.

Top tip: ask traders about their processes and ideas, they love having the chats

THE MUSIC The village has often been described as a Microcosm of Galway city, so it will come as no surprise that music plays a big part in making TTV what it is. With live performances from some of the most loved local musical acts and an uber tasteful TTV Indie Playlist, you’ll be sure to be bopping away while you shop.

Top tip: download Shazam before you come down, there are some cracking tunes

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WHAT’S ON

THE LOCATION

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Even though it’s only a 5 minute walk from Quay Street, the Nuns Island Theatre is one of the most beautiful off the beaten path locations in Galway. It’s tucked away just around the corner from Galway’s West End and just a stone’s throw from the Cathedral but remains largely unknown, offering a much less hectic alternative to the hustle bustle of Shop Street.

Top tip: bring some cash money

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SHOP LOCAL

It’s always worth remembering that the way you spend your money has a big impact on the society you live in and the people in it.

Supporting small businesses and start ups bolsters the local economy and makes a big difference to the city’s ethos. Many people take great pride in going out on their own, bringing their ideas to fruition.

Top tip: spending money wisely means more than saving a few quid

THE ATMOSPHERE Since the very beginning, the market has received high praise for the visitor experience as a whole. The village manages to find a nice middle ground of busy yet relaxed, maintaining a remarkably calm and welcoming environment that sees people spend hours wandering around.

Top tip: get a massage, they’re amazing and very inexpensive

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SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT Aside from the many eco, vegan, upcycled and sustainable products throughout the market it is a plastic-free zone! All cutlery, bags and wrappers are fully compostable and biodegradable.

Grassroots initiatives such as this should be commended, supported and copied.

Top tip: you can even bring your old containers back for refilling

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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

PHOTO by: Lisa O’Brien

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Club Gardenia is a brand new inclusive music event taking place as part of That’s Life’s Club Tropicana mini-festival, with the aim of integrating those with intellectual disabilities into Galway’s wider artistic community while celebrating their outstanding projects. We caught up with David Boland, the curator of Club Gardenia, the voice of New Pope, to talk about the inaugural event and why this type of integration is so essential within our community.

That’s Life are an arts programme of Galway’s Brothers of Charity services, offering people with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to discover and explore their artistic potential. The programme has a vision of how society in Galway should operate, which involves the integration of differently-abled people into all aspects of our community. All people should be afforded the same opportunities in life, and That’s Life do their damndest to ensure that those with intellectual disabilities contribute to the city’s cultural and artistic life.

David recalls the first time he crossed paths with the work of That’s Life, when Electric Dreams played a set in the Róisín Dubh. Electric Dreams are a mixed abilities band supported by That’s Life.

“It was just one of those really memorable gigs, for a few reasons, not least of which because they were just really really good and enthusiastic and confident. Everything was great about them, from the songwriting to the musicality to their stage presence. They played purely in a packed room and it was just an amazing night.”

Since then, David has kept in touch with Andrew from That’s Life, and when he was asked to curate an inclusive night as part of Club Tropicana, he didn’t have a doubt in his mind about lending a hand. “It’s a really feel good, beautiful thing to get involved in. There have been months of workshops with people with intellectual disabilities; putting together loads of props, transforming a big space and putting on a night for people with intellectual disabilities and their carers. I think that’s a really nice thing, but this year they’ve expanded that into a three-day festival of sorts.”

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CLUB GARDENIA A hell of a lot of organising goes into an event like this, but with the help of so many ready and willing groups and individuals getting involved, Club Gardenia is coming together quite nicely. David is proud that, “everyone’s been super supportive and enthusiastic about being involved.

It’s such an immediately feel-good kind of thing, so it’s not hard to motivate people to be part of it.”

Taking place within a giant art installation, the lineup for the night is provided by a number of the city’s record labels and collectives. Strange Brew, Citóg Records, New Heights Music Group and the Open Mic Night at the Róisín Dubh. The lineup features some of Galway’s finest indie and electronic acts, including Slyrydes, Oh Boland, Anna Mullarkey, NewDad and Jack Lee. There will also be performances from Electric Dreams and song banging tunes from the Bounce DJ Crew.

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“We’ve got an amazing lineup and I think that the music on show is really quite a diverse sample of what’s going on in Galway musically and the acts that are playing are really at the top of their game at the minute,” David says. “On one level, that’s really interesting because it’s a nice mix of acts from different cliques within the city, but what’s really great about it is it showcases the high quality of what That’s Life are doing. What they do is really up to a high standard.

All the events that they do and all the concerts they put on are done with professional artists or theatre groups and their production level is already really high and that’s part of their ethos.

“It’s not a token gesture, they’re doing this to a really high standard that competes with everything else that’s going on in the city. What I hope and expect people will take away from it is to see that quality, and to see that people with intellectual disabilities can really add to the cultural life of the city.”

With hopes for this to become an annual element of Club Tropicana, David believes that the initiative has great potential. “It has the potential to not only be something special in the calendar of That’s Life, but for the local music scene because there are very few big events that celebrate the quality of local music that happens within the city.”

Taking place in the Black Box Theatre on Thursday, June 27, Club Gardenia is a night not to be missed. With an exceptional lineup, an abundance of passionate supporters and an incredibly worthwhile intention at the root of Club Gardenia, it’s sure to garner every success. Tickets cost €10 and are available from the That’s Life website.

WORDS by: Sarah Gill Slyrydes, NewDad & Jack Lee Photos: Ciarán MacChoncarraige Additional photography courtesy Oh Boland & Anna Mullarkey

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

GALWAY FILM FLEADH Calling all film buffs! The Galway Film Fleadh is upon us Recognised far and wide for showcasing the cream of the Irish and international cinema crop, the Galway Film Fleadh is entering into its 31st year. Taking place from July 09 until July 14, the Fleadh brings the very best feature films and documentaries from all around the world right to the heart of Galway.

Putting the fanfare that usually surrounds film festivals to one side, the Galway Film Fleadh is all about celebrating a common passion for the greatest artform of all. There’s no red carpets here, but plenty of unparalleled cinematic greats. The Fleadh set out to curate a programme of excellence that will bolster Irish talent to a local, national and international level, while generating an atmosphere that encourages a meeting of minds between audience and filmmaker.

It’s safe to say that the organisers haven’t pulled any punches when it comes to their stellar 2019 programme, which is absolutely brimming with exciting feature films, thoughtprovoking documentaries and outstanding shorts. As well as all that, the Fleadh will also play host to some wonderful filmmaking talents for one enchanting festival week.

From the opening film all the way through to the concluding piece of cinema, the Fleadh will be bursting with all the

moving, thrilling and fascinating movies you could hope for, with some public interviews thrown in to top it all off. The full programme of events will be unveiled later this month, but until then we’ve got just enough intel to help boost your already heightened excitement…

Returning to the Fleadh with a flurry, The Irish Film Institute will be showcasing a fantastic programme of archival films made in and about Gaillimh in Glimpses of Galway on July 10. These precious snapshots into Irish life span all the way from the silent movie era of the ‘20s, right through to some of the ‘70s finest films. Glimpses of Galway will feature some rarely-seen amateur and professional footage of the city and town that are compelling beyond belief.

Also taking place on July 10 is a special screening of My Foolish Heart, a stunning modern film noir directed by the great Rolf Van Eijk. The film stars Galway’s very own Steve Wall of The Stunning, who embodies the role of jazz legend Chet Baker in this 2018 cinematic gem, doing the city proud.

If you haven’t seen this music-focussed masterpiece, now’s your chance.

The Fleadh have the honour of hosting the Irish premiere of Never Grow Old on July 14, to mark the end of the celebrations. The film is an old-fashioned Western that was shot out in that old familiar Connemara we all know and love.

The fast-paced movie is set on the infamous California trail

FEATURE during the 1849 gold rush, where loyalties spin like the barrel of a gun, so prepare yourself for an action-packed viewing.

The Fleadh’s closing flick will be followed by the closing night party, which is one hell of a way to draw festivities to a close.

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If you’re a fan of darkly comedic flicks with a supernatural edge, Extra Ordinary has your name written all over it. In this black comedy a driving instructor is required to use her supernatural gifts to save a lonely man’s daughter from an aging rockstar, who plans to use her as a satanic sacrifice.

To make the viewing all the more sweet, the cast and crew will be in attendance on the night - July 13 - including the film’s stars Maeve Higgins and Barry Ward, as well as the directors Mike Ahern and Enda Loughman.

Making a welcome return to the this year’s Fleadh is director Patrick Wang, still fresh from previous successful features in In The Family and The Grief of Others. A Bread Factory, Part One & Part Two follows the characters of Dorothea and Greta. Forty-odd years ago, the duo transformed an abandoned bread factory into a vibrant arts space, which quickly became the heart of their community. But the emergence of a high-profile couple moving into town, constructing a competing arts venue and draining all the funding and audience seemingly overnight, Dorothea and Greta’s very existence is called into question. As if this cake needed any more icing, multiple Emmy and Tony Award winner Tyne Daly of Cagney & Lacey fame will be presenting the double-bill on July 10 and 11!

Agnes Varda Tribute -- Galway Film Fleadh will be celebrating the life and times of Agnes Varda, paying tribute to the legendary filmmaker and new wave pioneer who sadly passed away early this year. The Fleadh will commemorate the film icon through the screening of a number of her iconic films in Pálás cinema, from July 9 until July 14. The screenings are set to feature some of Varda’s cinematic classics dating as far back to 1955! The muchloved 1962 Cléo de 5 à 7, captures the city of Paris at the height of the ‘60s in an intriguing tale expertly presented in real time about a singer whose life is in turmoil as she awaits test results of a biopsy. With screenings from ‘62, ‘77, ‘85 and 2000, the tribute ends with a screening of the 2019 film Varda par Agnès, the filmmaking pioneer’s finale. The film, which wrapped just prior to Varda’s death, sheds a light on her experiences as a director, bringing personal insight to what she called ‘cine-writing’ and travelling from Paris to Los Angeles and Beijing.

Whether you consider yourself a connoisseur of all things cinematic, from the direction to the lighting, or just love to sit back and delight in the magic of a story developing before your eyes, Galway Film Fleadh will certainly have what you’re looking for.

These films are now on sale with full programme available from 25 June at GalwayFilmFleadh.com SOCIAL WHITE:

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Galway International Arts Festival Exciting New Theatre at Galway International Arts Festival this July It’s been described by The Guardian as “One of the Top 5 Summer Festivals in Europe” and earlier this year was voted the Best Irish Festival of 2018 in the Irish Hospitality Awards.

Next Month Galway International Arts Festival will take place right on our doorsteps from 15-28 July bringing the best artists, musicians and theatre makers from Ireland and all around the world to venues all around the city.

We’re taking a look at the theatre programme which includes new plays from Druid, The Abbey Theatre, Rough Magic and Moonfish Theatre to name but a few; a brand new opera about JFK’s forgotten sister from Irish National Opera as well as spectacular physical Theatre all the way from Australia.

Theatre-goers can look forward to seeing the company behind GIAF17 hit Tristan & Yseult when Kneehigh return with a new fiery, full-throttle musical – Dead Dog in a Suitcase (and other love songs), jaw-dropping feats of physical prowess from Australian physical theatre company Gravity & Other Myths and their European premiere of Out of Chaos and Galway’s award-winning Druid and its world premiere of Epiphany by Brian Watkins, directed by Garry Hynes.

With anywhere between five and ten different plays and shows being performed on any given day during the festival, Galway audiences will be spoiled for choice throughout these 14 extraordinary days which takes place this year 15-28 July.

GIAF has long been the birthplace of works of theatre that have gone on tour to great acclaim internationally and this year numerous collaborations and co-productions are at the heart of the GIAF19 programme. The 2019 theatre programme alone includes five world premieres and four Irish premieres including the aforementioned Epiphany from Druid, Moonfish Theatre’s Redemption Falls, adapted from the novel by Joseph O’Connor, an explosive new opera from Irish National Opera Least Like the Other, searching for Rosemary Kennedy.

The Abbey Theatre presents a new work by Dylan Coburn Gray, Citysong, and Rough Magic presents a visceral story of one family’s will to survive, Cleft by Fergal McElherron.

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Also featured will be an immersive video installation observing global conflict Now is the Time to Say Nothing from Caroline Williams and Reem Karssli (England / Syria) and Until the Flood, based on interviews following the 2014 shooting of black teenager Michael Brown by white police officer Darren Wilson (Dael Orlandersmith).

The Irish theatre programme offers renowned plays from the country’s best-loved writers, new work from emerging voices, and innovative takes on classics. The Same by Enda Walsh (Corcordorca) starring Catherine Walsh and Eileen Walsh will run at the Galway Airport. For two nights only, audiences will have a chance to get a glimpse of Breakfast on Pluto, a musical work-in-progress from Landmark Productions and GIAF, based on the novel by Patrick McCabe. Breakfast on Pluto will make its world premiere next summer at GIAF 2020.

Other Irish works include a dance and Irish language interpretation of Oscar Wilde’s Salómae created by Breandán de Gallaí (Ériu in assoc with An Taibhdhearc); Eden by Eugene O’Brien presented by Decadent Theatre; a fairytale collection by Oscar Wilde The Star Child (Galway Youth Theatre and Galway Arts Centre) and the return of the hugely popular staged readings series Druid Debuts, an opportunity to hear three brand new works fresh off the page.

Following the recent UK premiere of Rooms at the Barbican, a new immersive theatre installation, Waiting Room by Enda Walsh, will also premiere in Galway this July.

Galway International Arts Festival 2019 will take place from 15-28 July and offers 200 events across theatre, opera, circus, music, talks, visual arts, street spectable, and comedy. Full details are available on giaf.ie and the printed GIAF19 programme. Tickets may be purchased online on giaf.ie. Tickets may be purchased in person from 17 June when the Galway International Arts Festival Box Office opens in The Cornstore in the heart of the city.

Full details https://www.giaf.ie/festival/events

Photos courtesy Galway International Arts Festival

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WHAT’S going ON? Image by: Boyd Challenger

JUNE HIGHLIGHTS

WHAT’S ON

Clubbing, music, food and the a bit of shopping: we thought you might like it!

Ginfest Our favourite June Festival is back in the Latin Quarter, showcasing some of the finest Gins in the Country!

Sprawled over 4 days, get your tushies down to Galway’s Latin Quarter and check out some of the coolest events around town! Whether it’s a gin tasting or a cupeen Hendrick’s High Tea, we promise you’ll have a jolly good time!

6 -9 June // Latin Quarter // Festival

Bia Lover The good people of Athenry are hosting their 6th annual Bia Lover Festival this June! Bia lover is simply a celebration of produce, place and people. Whether you’re set in your food ways or more of a culinary adventurist, you’ll have no trouble stuffing your face at this year’s festival!

22 - 23 June // Athenry // Food Festival

Alcock & Brown 100 Festival

Club Gardenia

This year marks the centenary of the first ever non-stop transatlantic flight in history by the aviation heroes, John Alcock and Arthur Brown. To celebrate the historic anniversary, Clifden will host a week-long festival that’s perfect for all the family! Come along and join in on the fun from June 11th-16th!

If you have a soft spot for indie and electronic music, come along to Club Gardenia and experience some of Galway’s finest sounds. The day is jam-packed with cool workshops, performances and some seriously creative art installations! Hit up the Black Box Theatre on the 27th June!

27 June // Black Box // Music

11 -16 June // Clifden // Festival

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WE RECOMMEND

Inside Making a Murderer

Bottomless Gin Brunch Merrow

The Róisín Dubh presents a controversial conversation in the Black Box Theatre on June 7th. Join Laura Nirider and Steven Drizin, as they openly chat about the false confessions and wrongful conviction of Brendan Dassey, as seen in Making a Murderer 2. The story has captured the world and we’ve no doubt this conversation will be an interesting one.

In association with the Latin Quarter’s gin festival, Merrow have teamed up with Micil Gin to host the ultimate bottomless gin brunch. Yes , we did say bottlomless gin. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savoury, Merrow’s heavenly menu has it all!

7 June // Black Box // Talk

8 June // Merrow // Food & Drink

Vintage Kilo Sale

Tigh Nora Gin Cruise

Whether you’re looking for some new threads or in search for that one of a kind piece, get yer butts down to the Kilogram Sale in the Galmont on June 8th. Remember, everything is priced by weight rather than by item! Yeah, we know that sounds dangerous… should we just load the trailer on now or?

Get into that summer groove with Tigh Nora’s Gin Cruise! As part of the Latin Quarter’s annual Gin Festival, our gin heroes of Cross St are hosting their own booze cruise! With everything from gin tastings, cocktail shaking, live Dj and abita food for some soakage, it sounds like all our gin dreams have come true!

8 June // Galmont Hotel // Shopping

9 June // Tigh Nora // Food & Drink

WHAT’S ON

Eclectics Eclectics is an inspiring music experience kicking off on Wednesdays in the snug surrounds of the Black Gate. The new show will present Irish artists brimming with integrity, originality and talent. This month alone, Eclectics will welcome 7 talented acts to the stage! Come along and listen to some fresh sounds this June!

5 /19 /26 June // Black Gate // Music

Hot Chip (DJ Set) at Monroe’s Hot Chip have captivated club and festival audiences both as a duo and alongside a touring band, and this June Monroe’s are bringing them to Galway’s Westend... we can’t friggin’ wait!!

Grab your mates and be prepared to throw some serious shapes to the indie fused tunes from one of the best electronic bands out there! Yeow! Support from Mitch Presents...

15 June // Monroe’s // Music

Duke Dumont

Bob Skeleton

The world renowned DJ Duke Dumont will be making shapes back to Galway this month! If you’re in the mood for some techno house with a twist of disco thrown in for good measure, we suggest dancing your way to Electric on June 22nd!

The home grown boyos of Bob Skeleton are hitting up the Roisin Dubh this June! The lads describe their style of music as “Late night pop”, taking sonic influence from a number of genres from Jake Bugg to Royal Blood! If you’re looking for some indie music fused with some dancefloor grooves and catchy melodies, don’t miss out on the 29th June!

22 June // Electric // Clubbing

29 June // Róisín Dubh // Music SOCIAL WHITE:

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An Taibhdhearc Ériu will proudly present their new production of Salómae, in association with An Taibhdhearc as part of Galway International Arts Festival from July 11 until July 20.

Established in 2010 by Breandán de Gallaí, Ériu aim to explore the poetic potential of Irish dance and present work that is explorative and innovative in a contemporary context.

To date, the company has produced three significant works; NOĊTÚ, Rite of Spring, and Lïnger. Each piece has been met with positive peer review, with NOĊTÚ being nominated for two Drama Desk awards while Rite of Spring opened the 2012 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, attracting 14,000 spectators and receiving a nomination in the coveted Allianz Business to Arts Awards. Linger received many positive reviews during its recent run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and was also nominated for a Total Theatre and The Place Award for Dance.

Image by: Kate Nolan Photography

Image by: Declan English

As a dancer, Breandán toured with Riverdance from 1994 to 2003, seven year of which were spent as principal dancer.

He performed all around the world and led the company at the opening ceremony of the World Special Olympic Games in 2003. In 2007, Brendán returned to Riverdance as Dance Director, but his overarching artistic ambition was to explore the expressive potential of the traditional Irish dance form, using this potential to engage with issues rarely explored in traditional dance. By simultaneously maintaining the traditional Irish dance legacy and emphasising the expressiveness of the dance, de Gallaí desires to bring a fresh perspective to the art form. Ériu’s unique production of Salómae is a dance and Irish language interpretation of Oscar Wilde’s classic. Visually compelling, the show is a commentary on the brutality of evilness and the vulnerability of the human condition. Through the seamlessly united voice, body, and music, de Gallaí has created a dance work that is simultaneously beautiful and terrifying. With tickets costing a mere €20-€25, it’s an experience not to be missed.

Every Wednesday, from June 5 to July 10, the public are invited to come along an experience a lunchtime performance of Siar is Aniar / The West’s Awake in An Taibhdhearc. Through this experience, the audience have the option to learn some choruses to sing along with the performers at the 1pm concert.

This Can ! Sing bilingual concert series aims to make the rich tapestry of our song tradition widely known and encourages people to be more confident singing.The West’s Awake focuses on songs that have links with the West and the Wild Atlantic Way. Deirbhile Ní Bhrolcháin and Ann Kirrane will lead you through the songs each week, with Áine Sheridan and Steve Johnston making guest appearances. Tickets are only €10, so get booking early.

Image by: Declan English

Tickets for Salómae and CAN!Sing are available from An Taibhdhearc’s Box Office on 091-562024 or online www.antaibhdhearc.com SOCIAL WHITE:

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Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Graham Dolan, a blow in from the midlands who came to Galway to go to college and I liked the place so much that I never left. I play tunes, have the craic, knock back pints, tell stories, collect records, eat more than I should and laugh a lot.

Go-to breakfast spot in Galway?

That’s a tough one. Kai on a Sunday, Corrib Tea Rooms every other day of the week and Armorica if I ever find myself out in Oranmore. Arb Bia, Bite Club, Dela, The Museum and Merrow all deserve honourable mentions.

Favourite spot for a drink in town?

The Blue Note and the Bierhaus are my two regular haunts but Neachtains is hard to beat on a sunny day if you can get a seat outside.

Favourite spot to get away from it all?

Sifting through a box of vinyl in Bell, Book & Candle while chatting away to Paul who might just be the friendliest shopkeeper in Ireland.

Favourite time of year in Galway?

The Arts Festival. Acts who wouldn’t usually shift 50 tickets can suddenly sell out whole venues, old friends reappear everywhere and Danny Donut’s stall is open every day of the week.

how

Galway’s best kept secret?

More and more people are becoming wide to it’s charms but the Black Gate is still seriously under appreciated. Lovely staff, tasty stout, great events and one of the best cheese and meat plates in town.

First record you bought?

Bosco - This Is Where I Live (1983). Technically it was bought for me by my parents but I’m not going to split hairs. I even played a snippet of it in my set when I won the University DJ Society’s end of year competition when I was in second year.

Image by: Boyd Challenger

wya?

What are your thoughts on the nightlife scene in Galway at the moment?

All promoters and DJs in Ireland are always fighting an uphill battle due to our archaic licensing laws.

But Galway has the additional challenge of being a very transient town. So many people come here, get a degree and leave. It can be quite hard to build up a club night or a scene when the crowd is constantly changing but it can be done. I think the scene is actually quite healthy at the moment with plenty of new blood coming through.

What’s your favourite venue in town, now / historically?

Well I have long standing residencies in both Electric Garden & Theatre and the Roisin Dubh so obviously they’re both pure class. I have fond memories of playing and dancing in the GPO and Cuba back in the day. And the Blue Note always has been and always will be one of the best venues in the entire country to have the craic.

If, for some awful and unexplained reason, you’re only able to listen to one album for the rest of your life - what would it be and why?

It would have to be a compilation of some sort. I’m not restricting myself to one artist for the rest of my life.

The folks at Soul Jazz are amazing curators and their first New Orleans Funk compilation is astoundingly good.

You appeared at Cúirt Festival for a session on the history of hip hop. Tell us a little about your love of the genre?

When you become a real hip hop obsessive you don’t just discover a bunch of amazing rap records you also discover all the amazing records that they sample. Hip Hop has introduced me to phenomenal funk, soul, jazz, garage, psyche, disco, reggae and electro records that I may never have heard otherwise.

Any upcoming gigs you’d like to plug?

You can catch me pretty much every Friday in the Garden and every Saturday in the Roisin.

Lastly, tell us one of your legendary stories...

The secret of a legendary story lies in its delivery.

Reading a typed out truncation of a tale doesn’t do it justice. Next time you see me out west just slip me a pint of Guinness, pull me aside for five minutes and ask me to tell you the one about the stripper in New York who was mad for Maeve Binchy.

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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. Kai Restaurant 2. Massimo 3. The Universal 4. Rouge 5. Tartare Café + Wine Bar 6. Il Vicolo 7. The Twelve Hotel 8. Deli la Tasca

9. Black Gate 10. Le Petit Pois 11. Sheridan’s 12. The Skeff 13. Martine’s Restaurant 14. The Huntsman Inn 15. Hyde Bar & Gin Parlour 16. Tribeton

17. Seacrest Kafe 18. R.M. McCabes 19. White Rabbit 20. Samyo 21. The Lane Boutique Residence 22. Bowling & Market 23. 2 Wild Geese 24. Tiny Traders Village

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.

To advertise with us in future issues or to stock the magazine in your space, send an email to: marketing@thisisgalway.ie

Image by: Lisa O’Brien

15—28 July 2019

GALWAY INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL and RÓISÍN DUBH

21 ACTS UNDER 1 BIG TOP VILLAGERS & JOHN GRANT · MACY GRAY TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB · THE ACADEMIC BELL X1 · THE CORONAS · BURT BACHARACH ORBITAL · TINARIWEN · NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OF IRELAND with support from

ALL TVVINS·SAINT SISTER·HYPNOTIC BRASS ENSEMBLE WILD YOUTH · LE BOOM · RYAN MCMULLAN · TRUE TIDES THE CLOCKWORKS · DAITHÍ · PADDY HANNA