A foodie's guide to Galway City

Marty O’Neill from @dishyouwerehere recounts time spent in Galway City, and shares his recommendations.

- Marty O’Neill

Galway City, where the River Corrib meets the mighty Atlantic Ocean. I’ve fond childhood memories of the West Coast of Ireland with mum, dad and my big sister. I spent many a summer holiday in an overpacked, aging estate car with flasks of tea never too far away. Dad keen to catch a salmon, mum with a steady stream of pre-made tinfoil wrapped crisp sandwiches on hand and the continual drone of ‘ Are we nearly there yet?’ from my sister and I!

My transport, packed lunches and the city in general have come a long way since then. Perfectly situated on the Wild Atlantic Way, Galway City may just be the perfect pit stop these days.

When arriving in any new city, near or far, you should always hunt down a locally-led food tour. It’s my number one tip for anyone who seeks more than a filthy burger and chip on a nightly basis. The beating heart of any metropolis is its people. And there’s no better folk able to lead you to the latest local hot spots, bolt holes, or quirky new kid on the block, than a locally-led culinary adventurer.

Galway’s nomad epicure is none other than Shauna Dignam and she knows where’s hot right now in this city which offers a culinary scene that’s a passionate, delicious heady mix of rural West Coast Ireland, combined with the chicness of France.

Shauna kicked things off with wine and cheese sampling in Galway’s oldest family run delicatessen, McCambridges of Galway. We then enjoyed some Buttermilk oysters at the local fishmongers in the bustling local market before the tour ended with us drinking and sampling Vietnamese ramen broth and beer in the oh so authentic bolthole Wa Café just a stroll off the Main Street.