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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