Brewers on the Bay

Earlier this week, I went along to the annual 'Brewer's on the Bay Festival' launch party at the Olso in Salthill. What this pub offers is something unique, and the first of it's kind in Galway City: an on-site microbrewery.


The production of in house ales and porters has become an increasingly popular trend in the country, with the larger breweries such as Trouble Brewing in Kildare and the Franciscan Well in Cork, setting a high standard for the production of craft beer in Ireland.


After sampling a few of their own, we were given a tour of the in-house brewery, nestled within the walls of the Oslo. Led by their Master Brewer, he explained the ale making process to us from roasting to fermentation. A moderate beer drinker myself, I always love a good brewery tour to gain insight into different brewing complexities and techniques. 


After the tour we refilled our glasses and were joined by our new friend, the enthusiastic tour guide, and the banter about beer and life ensued until after dark! Something you can never beat is a personal touch.


Of their three in-house brews, I enjoyed their porter the most. The red ale and pale ale both tied in closed second, both very light and refreshing, served quite chilled. I would encourage any beer/ale enthusiasts to go and have a look, and see which tipple takes your fancy!


For more info visit http://www.ilovesalthill.com/the-oslo

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Top spots to soak up the sun

#10 Eyre Square
# 9 Sitting outside McCambridge's on Shop St.  
# 8 The Long Walk
# 7 Sitting outside Born Cafe on the River
# 6 Outside the Townhouse Bar
# 5 Salthill
# 4 On Quay St. outside Neachtain's
# 3 Along the canal
# 2 O'Connell's Beer Garden 
# 1 The Spanish Arch

Truly Artisan

Discovering new places to eat with an interesting menu and reasonable pricing can be a struggle, especially when variety is not the pressing issue, taste and value is. This is particularly true of Galway, where restaurants are abundant. Be it Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Mexican, Asian, Indian, French- our collective cuisine preferences are adequately catered to. Too often it happens however, that a high rated restaurant with a promising menu only goes half way. It's not good enough that a dish contains chillis, I want to be able to taste those chillis. You know?

On the quest for such a spoiling, a small group of us booked a table at Artisan restaurant last Thursday. Over-looking busy Quay St., Artisan is a quaint perch to people watch, poised above Tig Neachtain. We decided to go for the three course early bird menu. To kick start things, we were served a tasty little amuse-bouche with a selection of homemade breads. Following this, I chose the French style charcuterie plate for a starter, with cured meats, olives, pate and thin slices crispy baguette which I savored with a glass of a rich French red. My entrée was baked trout, with baby potatoes. The delicious tangy salsa and roast parsnip accompaniments really made the dish, after which I polished off an indulgent selection plate for dessert.  Upon recommendation, we went with a bottle of Syrah from the extensive wine menu, a nice and light red wine from the Rhone Valley in France.

The overall experience was hard to fault, the service was very friendly and we were well looked after. The interior is elegant and classy, the silver napkin rings were a nice touch! For you foodies- Artisan specialises in locally sourced farmhouse produce, serving good sized portions of fish and meat dishes with exciting ingredient combinations like brie, roasted pecans and cranberry. For you romancers- the narrow, low lit layout provides an intimate dining setting. For you penny-pinchn' fast food junkies- go somewhere else! 

Evening meals are served daily from 6-10pm Mon-Sun, the early bird option is served from 6-7pm, a bargain for €25. Booking is advised 091 532655

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**Artisan was awarded 'Best restaurant in Galway' at the recent Irish Restaurant Awards last Tuesday, March 20th 2012! **

I Shop Galway Stores

Zhivago, Shop St., Galway

The 'Iconic Cotton Shoppers' are now being stocked in a number of Galway stores including Judy Greene's, Public Romance, Zhivago's, Galway Woolen Market, Faller's Sweater Shop and Treasure Chest (from tomorrow, March 22nd), and as always, from right here!

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Where's wall-y?

The first of Galway's town walls were constructed in the 13th century, under the command of Richard De Burgo. By the early 15th century, most of the city was enclosed within the 16 foot high limestone enclosure, and Galway became a fortified town. The total area within the walls was 25 acres and there were four gate-houses or entrances and at least seven substantial towers positioned at strategic points.

In 1505 a deep ditch or fosse was dug around the walls on the east side into which a branch of the river Corrib was turned, for further protection from attacks.

By the mid 18th century the wall had fallen into decay, however today there are still some surviving stretches to be found at the Spanish Arch, The Eyre Square Centre, inside the Edward's Square clothes shop A-Wear, and at the rear of Dunnes Stores, Eyre Square, next to the socks. 

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Monkeying around

The heavily carved façade of Lynch's Castle bears the Lynch and Fitzgerald families' coat of arms.

 If you look closely just below this, you may notice the figure of a monkey holding a baby.

This pays tribute to the pet primate who rescued a toddler from the burning building.

Lacking in any official record, this story makes me wonder whether this a heroic tale of a leaping Tarzan, or the original King Kong. 

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Inmates as Housemates

The temperamental sky showed off it's versatile side today, alternating between a moody sulk and a spring haze. Here are two structures associated with the Fourteen Merchant Tribes' Townhouses. 

 The Brown Townhouse Doorway, Eyre Square

This is Browne's Doorway, a 16th century townhouse entrance, bearing the coats of arms of both the Browne and Lynch families. Salvaged from the Browne's collapsed mansion house on Abbeygate Street, it was moved here in 1627 by the Galway Archelogical and Historical Society.


Inscribed on a stone panel up above the arched entrance, are the words:


"Part of the house built in the year of our Lord 1627 for Martin Browne, merchant, was removed form ruins in Lower Abbeygate Street and was erected here in 1905, to witness the architectural character of the great houses that were built in the days of Galway's civic opulence".


Prone to vandalism- like every phone box and public toilet in the vicinity, a protective glass barrier keeps the doorway from harm, yet sadly hinders photo opportunities.

 Blake's Tower, Quay Street

This was originally the Blake family's Townhouse. Simultaneously it also served as the county jail, from 1586 to 1810, until the inmates were relocated to a new custom built clink.

It is believed that Walter Lynch was held prisoner here, prior to his execution. 

Today, it houses the undoubtedly delicious KC Blakes restaurant, with criminal prices. Is this history repeating itself? 

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Saturday Morning Breakfast Club

Saturday morning breakfast/brunch- where to go? 

Ard Bia is one of those places I've walked by more than a dozen times and methodically thought to myself "I must go in there sometime". So, when considering where to eat last weekend, decided to try it out. Located within Nimmo's building behind the Spanish Arch, it is an authentically cool spot. 

We were served decent sized portions of tasty food, amid a mellow atmosphere with homely wooden furnishings, decent background music and great river views. My somewhat fragile head, slightly shaken from Friday night's excess, demanded carbs and coffee. I ordered the toasted sourdough sandwich with fried egg, wilted spinach, grilled mushroom and tomato chutney with a strong Americano. My companion went full hog with the 'McGeough's lovely full fry', and graciously shared her bacon with me. 

Both breakfasts and two coffees cost €19. Overall it was worth the detour from the usual Quay St. shuffle, although the waitress did seem like she needed a hug.

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Heads, Hands and Horses

Yesterday was another unusually bright afternoon, so I seized the rare opportunity to take some photos in the lustrous spring light. Ironically, I ended up in a dark church shooting statues. This one below is from the church of St. Nicholas on Market Lane, the oldest serving Medieval Church in the country. 


Just like many of the stone figures in St. Nicks, this one has no head or hands. Why? The rambunctious nature of horses - the Church's interior was used as a stable for Cromwell's troops during the 1652 invasion.

*More Medieval stuff on the Medieval Times page*

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Good view Great coffee

There are times in life when a triple shot skinny latte is more than just a modern want.. its a basic need! I like good coffee, so for a €2.40 latte, with comfortable seating and a sweeping view over Quay St.- this one's a winner. Any guesses where I am?

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A second hand record rummage

For those who like something a little bit different, take the Wolfe Tone Bridge across the river to Bell Book and Candle. Just a five minute walk from the Spanish Arch, this charming independent store specializes in second hand vinyls, records, cds, comics and books. 


At the centre of the Westend's thrift store trail, BB&C is an interesting spot to sift through the countless boxes of new and used records. Depending on the day you could either strike gold, or completely bomb out! Perhaps a random record may be worth the gamble?


BB&C also houses Wingnut Records which stocks, sells and promotes independently released Irish music.

Bell Book & Candle's comic book inspired facade is hard to miss...

 ...they stock an eclectic treasury of music, from seattle thrash to mississippi blues...

...and provide ample parking.

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Sunny Sundays

Yesterday was an absolute belter with blue skies and a light spring breeze.. perfect conditions for a sunny Sunday stroll around the City. 

As we're getting closer to spring and therefore summer, attractions such as the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square are descended upon by tourists and locals to bask in the sun. The Spanish Arch in particular becomes populated with jugglers, street performers and poi enthusiasts, who entertain their lounging audience. 


It's not unlikely to spot said loungers with a can of Bavaria, or a bottle of cider in hand. However, while there is no national legislation prohibiting drinking in public, drunkenness will lead to alcohol confiscation, and that's never fun. In the event of having too many drinks in the heat, a two minute walk to McDonnagh's fish and chip shop will help sort you out!

Here's a few photos I took while on a walk around town yesterday..

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Matters of the Hearth and Heart

Marriage stones have been crafted since the early 16th century to denote and celebrate the coming together of two families in marriage. These symbolize the couple's vows of devotion and love for each other, and were often integrated into the stonework above the fireplace.

Marriage Stone, taken from above the fireplace in the King's Head Pub

To discover where some of Galway's early elite have placed theirs, see the 'Medieval Times' page.  

I Shop Galway

I've uploaded photos from my latest 'Icon Totes' photo shoot on the I Shop Galway page.. camera + studio + props = fun times..!!

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The Notorious 14

I've just finished typing up an article on the 14 Tribes of Galway on the 'Medieval Times' page.. it was such an interesting time and an intriguing part of our history, it really was another world - no internet.. no central heating.. no butlers coffee!


If you could travel back to the Medieval era and live it up in one of the tribes' townhouses, which modern luxury would you miss most? I think mine would be toothpaste.

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QR Quest!

I reckon that QR codes are the future of alternative marketing. By downloading an app on your phone which scans QR codes such as RedLaser www.redlaser.com  you can directly access blogs / websites / URLs.


This code will lead you straight to www.iseegalway.blogspot.com, which is useful is you want to see any of this information on the go. 

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From Jail to Jesus

Old City Jail, demolished in 1902   

Galway Cathedral was built in 1965 upon a site which was once occupied by the Galway City Jail, which was shut down in 1902 and demolished.

Jail Bridge, built in 1818


The purpose of Jail Bridge was to connect the jail on one side of the river with the courthouse on the other.

Galway Cathedral, construction finished by 1965 & the Salmon Weir Bridge (formerly Jail Bridge)

After the jail shut, the Bridge's name was changed to the Salmon Weir Bridge.

Every year from April until early July people gather along the bridge to witness the seasonal shoal of salmon swim upstream to spawn. During this season you will also notice anglers standing in the river fishing for salmon, anchoring themselves within the fast flowing current.


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The Eyre Square Fountain

This commemorative fountain was crafted in 1984 in the shape of 'Galway Hooker' sails. A Galway Hooker is a traditional fishing boat used in Galway Bay. This marked the 500th year since the City's liberation from the feudal lordship of the De Burgo family, granted by King Richard III in 1484.


Traditionally the Claddagh fishermen paint their boat's sails with a solution made from the bark of a tree which stiffens them, making them stronger. This local custom is know as 'Barking the Sails' and gives them their rusted red/brown appearance. To the right of the fountain is the former 'Railway Hotel', named so due to its proximity to the once popular railway line. It is now called 'The Meyrick'.

St. Nicholas' Church

The Church of St. Nicholas was allegedly built upon the remains of a Knights Templar Temple in 1320, when Galway was a thriving Medieval town, governed by the 14 Tribes.. today it's an attractive spot to sit and eat your crepe from the Saturday market!

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Bring on the Volvo Ocean Race 2012!

Here's a clip from the time lapse camera poised above street level during the Volvo Ocean Race 2009. An unforgettable week of live music, pints in plastic cups and serendipitous sunshine..

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