Everything You Need To Know About Shopping In Galway
Galway is a thriving cultural city in Western Ireland. It’s one of the country’s most scenic places and a famous seaside destination with pristine beaches and a rugged coastline. It was a small fishing village near the Spanish Arch known as “The Claddagh” and became a walled town in 1232. Today, it’s one of the most gorgeous cities in Ireland, known for its natural attractions, fantastic food, vibrant street theater, and festive activities. Filled with free things to do, museums, and lovely open air spaces, Galway is a place to enjoy to the fullest.
Don’t forget to add shopping in Galway to your itinerary. The city provides excellent shopping options with eclectic flea markets, tourist-orientated shops, and enclosed shopping centers dominating Galway City Centre shopping areas. Many specialist stores are also located in quaint districts in the downtown core, selling souvenirs and unique and interesting gifts.
Check out the narrow cobbled streets lined with stone-clad facades and colorful storefronts. In addition to the well-known shops in many traditional tourist areas, there are also independent gems worth discovering. Are you arriving from the airport and can’t wait to explore the town’s alluring shopping spots? Drop your bags off at a luggage locker in Galway and experience the magic of retail therapy.
Top Shopping Centers in Galway
Galway Shopping Centre
Found on Headford Road, Galway Shopping Centre is the largest shopping facility in the West of Ireland. It’s the first shopping center of its kind established in Galway, featuring over 100 stores and retail outlets, including major retailers like Boots, Dealz, Tesco, and Penny’s.
Whether you need new shoes, footwear, sports gear, fashion, grocery, or accessories, Galway Shopping Centre has got you covered. Hungry customers can now enjoy an outdoor seating area where they can grab their favorite food and snacks while embracing the warm sunshine. Your food options include salads, sandwiches, savory snacks, gourmet dishes, and sweet treats that go well with an array of beer, wine, and spirits you can buy at the center. There are also laundry services, chemists, a dentist, a play area for children, and free parking for up to two hours.
Location: Headford Road, Galway City, Ireland
Eyre Square Shopping Centre
Nestled in the Galway City Centre, Eyre Square Shopping Centre combines history and modernism, offering visitors an awe-inspiring shopping experience. A notable section of the city’s medieval walls can be seen inside, including two of the original towers, the Shoemaker’s Tower and Penrice’s Tower.
Constructed in 1992, Eyre Square Shopping Centre is one of the most attractive meeting spots in the city, offering more than 70 shops, including international and local Irish retailers. Some of the well-known brands from the high street include Jack & Jones, Regatta, New Look, Penneys, Dunnes Stores, and more. In addition to a mix of leisure and fashion stores, it has restaurants and café-style eateries offering delicious nibbles, coffee, and refreshing drinks and snacks.
Eyre Square Centre guarantees a convenient retail experience to shoppers with reliable customer service, accessible toilet facilities, ATMs, and a baby changing suite. It has free WiFi anywhere in the center if you need to surf the internet while you shop.
Location: Eyre Square, Galway, Ireland
Corrib Shopping Centre
Corrib Shopping Centre is located in the heart of Galway, just a stone’s throw away from Eyre Square Shopping Centre and the famous Shop Street. It’s a compact shopping center featuring different goods, including clothing, food, sports items, and more.
The primary outlet at Corrib Shopping Centre is Roches Stores, a department store selling everything, from accessories and cosmetics to ladies' wear, menswear, food store, and household goods. It boasts a large multi-level car park, an ideal parking spot for shopping in the center and the city.
Location: Eyre Square, Galway, Ireland
Corbett Court Shopping Centre
Opened in 1987, Corbett Court Shopping Centre is the oldest shopping mall in Galway City Centre. It is connected to Edward Square and Eyre Square Centre, just a short walk from the train and bus stations. It is in a premium location, so it’s not surprising that it’s a favorite shopping spot among commuters and visitors.
Corbett Court Shopping Centre host an excellent range of independent specialist stores and national retail outlets. Some of the shops you’ll find here include Foxford Jewellery, Vodafone, Perfect Fit for ladies' and children’s shoes, Carraig Donn, Francis Soap Shop, and Faller’s Sweater Shop.
The Shopping Centre is built on a historic site that once housed an Army Barracks for the Queen of England. It is surrounded by historical attractions and several points of interest, including Lynches Castle, Kennedy Park, Galway City Museum, and the Spanish Arch, allowing visitors to combine shopping with sightseeing.
Location: 8/9 Williamsgate St, Galway, H91 V5DX, Ireland
Briarhill Shopping Centre
Opened in September 2007, Briarhill Shopping Centre is one of the newest shopping centers in Galway. It is situated just off the old Galway-Dublin Rd, about five minutes from Galway City Centre. Its anchor tenant and Ireland’s largest retailer is Dunnes, where you can shop the latest clothing and fashion, home décor, furniture, and more.
The establishment of Briarhill Shopping Centre has improved the retail experience of shoppers in the area. Customers can shop in an attractive and convenient setting, allowing them to access multiple stores and avail of an array of services under one roof. These include a pharmacy, a salon, opticians, and a barbershop.
If you get hungry while shopping, stop by KFC or Grind Coffee and Food Hub. There are also healthier options at the food court if you’re hungry for veggie delights, sweets, and savory dishes.
Location: Level 2, Briarhill Shopping Centre, Ballybrit, Galway, Ireland
Top Galway Shopping Streets
Shop Street
No shopping in Galway is complete without exploring Shop Street, the city’s main thoroughfare and a must-visit destination for retail therapy in west Ireland. This pedestrianized street is home to the best preserved ancient building in central Galway, Lynch’s Castle, and close to St. Nicholas Church, the largest medieval church in the country. It also contains old brick structures, numerous pubs, and bright storefronts.
Discover a selection of countless brands at Shop St. Though a busy area, Shop Street doesn’t get too crowded, so you can still enjoy relaxed shopping. It boasts a bohemian atmosphere with many old family retailers that have become an institution in the area. Chain stores, independent outlets, and eateries are also not hard to find.
For avid readers and bookworms, browse through the massive range of books, teen fiction, and more at Eason. It’s a wonderful book store at Shop Street and the country’s largest specialist book retailer. You can also swing by Dubray Books or Paddy Comics for something unique. Watch out for buskers, musicians, dancers, and street performers, adding color and excitement to your adventure.
Quay Street
Another favorite area among locals and visitors is Quay Street. It’s the city’s beating heart and an entertainment and cultural mecca filled with great restaurants, Irish pubs, museums, and other tourist attractions. It is brimming with energy and life, offering a rich blend of live music, people, food, and history.
When it comes to shopping, your experience here is like no other. Numerous shops have plenty of souvenirs to take home and gift your loved ones. Irish sweaters, musical instruments, silver jewelry, and vintage treasures are just a few of the many items you can buy. But even if you’re only here to window shop, don’t miss the chance to get a hold of the iconic Claddagh ring, symbolizing loyalty, friendship, and love.
Let your curiosity be your tour guide, and get lost in Quay Street. Besides shopping, try the local pubs and restaurants. Just across the bridge south of the street is Monroe's Tavern, a warm and cozy pub where you can listen to traditional music and ballad. Try seafood and partner it with Irish whiskey or your favorite cold drink.
High Street
Another bustling pedestrian street in Galway is High Street, boasting a perfect mix of shops for all styles and budgets. Whether you’re looking to update your wardrobe, need quality shoes, or want to spice up your home interior, the lovely boutiques and small stores in the area have something for you. Many are independent, family-owned businesses handed down from one generation to another.
High Street is home to the Latin Quarter, featuring some of the best of the city’s medieval heritage. It boasts some of the city’s best-known restaurants, shops, and pubs along the historic buildings. Also, be sure to visit Kilkenny Shop at 6-7 High Street if you want to support locals. It has the country’s most extensive collection of Irish products, including gifts, fashion, homeware, and jewelry. Next door to Kilkenny Shop is a sweet shop and a cozy accommodation.
William Street
William Street is one of the stylish shopping streets in Galway, where you can enjoy a lively and relaxing retail atmosphere. It is between Shop and William streets, offering an array of gifts, one-of-a-kind items, and accessories. There are also coffee shops and an ice cream parlor specializing in traditional homemade Italian ice cream.
Swing by Treasure Chest at 31 William St. It’s an established shop boasting the finest collection of fashion wear, crafts, crystal, and fine Chinaware in Ireland. The first floor is dedicated to fashion, so you’ll find beautiful pieces from leading European and Irish designers. When you go to the ground floor, you’ll discover a wealth of items, including pottery, linen, crystal, and gifts.
Galway Farmer Markets
Galway Market
Located in the heart of Galway is a buzzing street market with hundreds of stalls selling locally produced arts and crafts, fresh vegetables, fruits, plants, and other goodies. It has been trading for centuries near St. Nicholas Church at Church Lane, allowing shoppers to meet local artisans and producers.
Every Saturday between 8:30 AM and 6 PM and Sunday from 2 PM to 6 PM, the area comes alive with customers and vendors. Many people come here to find handmade items, yummy crepes, chocolates, bread, and more. You can also buy fresh, seasonal ingredients and spices for whatever dish you want. Be sure to come in December for the annual Galway Christmas market at Eyre Square, close to Church lane. It receives hundreds of thousands of visitors shopping in Galway and enjoying its great entertainment.
Location: 1, 3 Church Ln, Galway, Co. Galway, H91 C623, Ireland
Ballinasloe Indoor Country Market
Come on a Friday morning between 9 AM to 1 PM at Ballinasloe Social Centre to check out the Ballinasloe Indoor Country Market. It recently moved from its previous location in the Town Hall, which was its home for nearly ten years. It welcomes visitors looking for home-baked goods, local fresh produce, crafts, homemade jams, and more. You can also buy gifts, wooden décor, kitchenware, candles, and other unique items.
Location: Ballinasloe Social Centre, Society Street, Ballinasloe, Ireland
Clifden Farmers Market
Another Friday market worth exploring is located in the coastal town of Clifden, about an hour from the central Galway. Every Friday morning from 8 AM to 2 PM, you’ll see a crowd browsing through the stalls, hunting for treasures and great bargains.
Although it closes at 2 PM, you’ll want to come early as most stalls and produce are gone by noon. You’ll also want to be one of the first customers to discover nice handcrafted items at affordable prices. You can find a fine selection of pies, homemade bread, plants, herbs and spices, flowers, vegetables, and clothing.
Location: Market Street, Clifden Co. Galway, Ireland
Enjoy Exciting Retail Therapy in Galway
You won’t feel guilty about spending your hard-earned money in Galway City! You know you’re investing in high-quality goods no matter where you shop. You have endless options for a well-deserved shopping spree with vibrant high-street shops, independent stores, lively markets, and large shopping centers.
They offer one-of-a-kind gifts, souvenirs, and goodies that make stunning keepsakes to remind you of your great times in Galway. So, take your time strolling through the shopping streets and districts, and you’re sure to discover more hidden treasures worth adding to your collection.
