The Galleon Restaurant in Salthill will celebrate its 45th birthday on September 16, and has ample reason to rejoice, having served more five million meals since it opened its doors in 1965. To commemorate this momentous and remarkable occasion, Crystal Swing, the internet sensation taking the world by storm, will be making a guest appearance.
The trio will honour the Galleon by singing Happy Birthday, and will remain on the premises from 5-7pm for a poster-signing and photographs. Members of the public are invited down to the restaurant to witness the exciting festivities and to meet and greet the famous trio, who will perform their live show that evening in Monroe’s Live.
The Galleon Restaurant is now in its third generation of family since it opened its doors and has always been, in every sense, a family restaurant – so much so that the sign outside the door, “Children Welcomed”, seems like a grand understatement. Though the emphasis placed on kids’ entertainment (notably the long-standing tradition of the colouring competition ) has obviously played a part in the longevity of the Galleon’s time in the business, there must be more to its success than this alone.
A chat with the managing director illuminates the inner workings of the place. “The members of staff really are what make the Galleon,”he says. “The dedicated team here, lead by Eileen Greaney [general manager] have many years of service and experience between them, ranging between the kitchens, restaurant floor and management roles. They deserve so much credit and praise for the success of the business which is a legendary institution in its own right.”
The whys and wherefores behind the Galleon’s supreme reign, it seems, lie in the sound, unshakable ethos of the establishment and the staff who uphold it. Every customer has been treated the same since the very first – with respect, professionalism and gratitude.
Truly the most charming of family restaurants, we should all raise a glass to The Galleon on September 16 for having brought excellence to the table for 45 long years. — Laura O’Neill
