Take a stroll down to the Galway Market- open for all of Volvo Ocean Race week
By Roisin Peddle
A well-known weekend treat for the people of Galway will become a festival-long treat for all during the Volvo Ocean Race. The Galway Market, which takes place by St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church every Saturday and Sunday, will operate for the duration of the Volvo Ocean Race and the Galway Arts Festival.
Not only does it offer the finest of national and international cuisine, there are arts and crafts stalls to delight young and old.
Why not enjoy a hearty wrap with homegrown organic salad at Falafel? Genuine, tasty, Indian food can be hard to come by in Ireland, but Gourinda’s stall offers tasty paneer and samosa, along with delicious side sauces. More hearty grub can be found under the tree, where Henry Nepgen serves up yummy South African sausages. Dessert time means you are spoilt for choice at the Galway Market. Boychik’s doughnuts, served by Daniel, are famous with children and students alike. Cobiejam offers a range of homemade jams to give as gifts (or simply keep for yourself). Fans of scrumptiously light pancakes can choose from a myriad of toppings including hazelnut, chocolate, and savoury toppings including cheese and ham, at Yummie Crepes. Why not sample a delicious pastry from Lenka? The whole lot can be washed down with a latte, espresso, or hot chocolate from Andrew’s stall.
Then take a wander among the many craft stalls, offering everything imaginable to make your home that little bit more beautiful. Why not pick up a hand-painted scene of Galway, or a print or two, from Peter? Gerard Reagen’s stall offers handmade gifts such as clocks made from native wood. Glass is one of the most beautiful materials there is, and Mags’ stall has a range of hand-painted glass, plus a collection of sweatshirts. How about a rainbow hat for the winter? Eileen will be happy to serve you at her brightly coloured stall, as well as fit you out for a hurley.
Enthusiastic about photography? Pat O’Connor’s locally taken, atmospheric images are sure to enchant you. Speaking of enchantment, at Away With The Fairies, children can enjoy some beautiful gifts as they read all about fairies. Adrian also has a store in Kinvara.
For wonderful wall-hangings, Kevin McCarthy’s three-dimensional oil pictures are unparalleled. Tina O’Connor’s stall has everything for those with an alternative outlook, including clothing, incense, candles, cards, and more. Why not pick up an original oil painting by Diana Pivovarova at Kawal’s stall? There are scenes from all over Ireland plus prints and cards. Locally produced, handmade soaps and creams are the order of the day at Simona’s stall.
These are just some of the stallholders and products which brighten up Galway every weekend.
The Galway Market will be open every day during the Volvo Ocean Race, so there is plenty of opportunity to take a stroll and soak up the wonderful atmosphere.
