Description: When we asked our B&B host at
St. Judes the easiest way to get to shopping in Galway, we were very pleased when she said that we were a mere 10-minute walk from Quay St., a cobblestone walkway lined with Irish shops and pubs. So we set off on our walk, and crossed over the River Corrib via the Wolfetone Bridge. People were lining the bank of the river to feed the beautiful white swan pair that were swimming along.
Quay Street is closed off to traffic to allow pedestrians full access to the hundreds of shops that line its cobblestone streets. You can find jewelry, clothing, watches, souvenirs, pubs, restaurants - whatever your heart desires. Just watch out for that credit card bill!
It's also important to note that most of the shops in the Quay are closed on Sundays, and many close after 6pm on weekdays. Take that into account when you're planning.
Here are some of the shops/restaurants we frequented while on Quay Street, and links to the full journals.
1. Faller's Jewelers: We had been looking for a specific claddaugh ring to take home as an Irish souvenir, and the first jewelry store we stopped in told us to go to the end of Quay Street and visit Faller's. Sure 'nuf, there it was -- along with any kind of jewelry (Irish or otherwise) that you could want. Full journal
2. Killkenny: This shop was full of beautiful Irish pottery, and I found some nice gifts to bring home to my cat-sitter. There were traditional designs and unique designs as well. Full journal
3. Kirby's of Cross Street: We looked around for a pub or restaurant for dinner that wasn't so commercial and so "American." We came upon Kirby's and took a look at the menu, and decided to eat there. It was great - good food, good service, the place all to ourselves. Full journal
Close