Shopping · Galway · Ireland
Shopping in Galway
Shopping streets, markets and souvenirs worth the suitcase space.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Josi, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Galway's shopping is about independent shops, crafts and Irish-made goods in the Latin Quarter, with bookshops, jewellers and woollens along Shop Street, High Street and Quay Street. Best souvenirs: Claddagh ring, Aran sweaters and Connemara marble.
Key facts
- Shopping areas
- 3
- Markets
- 2
- Top souvenir
- Claddagh ring
Where to shop
Shop Street and High Street
The main pedestrian streets, with Irish design shops, jewellers and the city's well-known independent bookshops.
Quay Street
Claddagh ring jewellers, Aran knitwear shops and gift stores near the Spanish Arch.
Eyre Square Centre
An indoor shopping centre by the square, incorporating a section of the medieval city wall.
Markets
Galway Market
The weekend market by St Nicholas' Church for local food, crafts and art.
Galway Christmas Market
Seasonal stalls, food and a big wheel in Eyre Square, usually from mid-November to December.
What to buy
Claddagh ring
The traditional ring with two hands holding a crowned heart, sold by jewellers across the Latin Quarter in silver and gold.
Aran sweaters
Cable-knit wool sweaters associated with the Aran Islands; check labels for Irish-made, hand-knitted pieces.
Connemara marble
Green marble from Connemara made into jewellery, worry stones and small gifts.
Irish whiskey
Bottles from Irish distilleries in specialist off-licences and gift shops.
Irish-language books and music
Traditional-music recordings and books in Irish from the city's independent shops.
Streets and markets worth a wander
Street · Latin Quarter
Latin Quarter and Shop Street
The pedestrian spine of Shop Street, High Street and Quay Street runs from Eyre Square down to the river past medieval merchants' houses, colourful shopfronts and street performers.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- After dark
- Shopping
- Food
Market · Latin Quarter
Galway Market
On Church Lane beside St Nicholas' Church, the weekend market sells local cheese, organic vegetables, crafts and street food such as crêpes, curries and oysters.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Food
- Shopping
Food and drink to take home
Edible souvenirs travel best when they are dry or sealed: consider Irish brown bread, Guinness and local craft beer and Irish coffee. Served free with soup in most pubs; bakeries and the Saturday market sell loaves. Check your home country's rules on bringing food and drink back.
Shopping by neighbourhood
| Area | Price level | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Eyre Square | $$ | The city's main square, bus and rail stations and large hotels |
| West End | $$ | Dominick Street bars, cafés and gig venues across the Corrib |
Paying and bargaining
Prices are in EUR. About 10% is typical in restaurants with table service; some add a service charge for larger groups. Tipping is not expected at the bar.
- Greet bus drivers and shop staff; a 'thanks' as you leave is customary.
When to shop
Shops and markets are quietest in January–February; the busiest months are July.
- April: Cúirt International Festival of Literature (usually April)
- July: Galway International Arts Festival (usually mid to late July)
- September: Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival (usually late September)
- October: Baboró International Arts Festival for Children (usually October)
- November: Galway Christmas Market in Eyre Square (usually mid-November to December)
- December: Galway Christmas Market continues (usually until just before Christmas)
Staying near the shops
$$ · Best for first-timers, budget and shopping
Eyre Square
The city's main square, bus and rail stations and large hotels
Questions travellers ask
+What should I buy in Galway?
Claddagh ring, Aran sweaters, Connemara marble and Irish whiskey.
+Where is the best shopping in Galway?
Shop Street and High Street: The main pedestrian streets, with Irish design shops, jewellers and the city's well-known independent bookshops.
+What are the best markets in Galway?
Galway Market and Galway Christmas Market.