For the second year running, Garavan’s has won Irish Whiskey Bar of the Year for Connaught at the Irish Whiskey Awards in Dublin. Organised by the Celtic Whiskey Shop, the awards recognise the best whiskey producers, distillers, and bars in Ireland.
With a strong history of whiskey, Garavans is one of the few Galway families still trading on the Williamsgate Street/Shop Street route, while the bar's interior's hand-made whiskey cabinets and original bespoke bar and counter are in the same position as they were 80 years ago.
Galway is no stranger to fine whiskey bars. With the launch of the Galway Whiskey Trail in August, An Púcan, Tigh Neachtain, and The Cottage Bar in Kinvara, were also nominated at the Whiskey Awards, highlighting the quality of bars on the trail and Galway in general. Irish Whiskey itself has experienced a renaissance, as it is now the fastest growing category of spirits in the world. Employment in the area is projected to increase from 5,000 to 6,500 by 2025.
“We’re delighted with the win," said Brian Taylor, Garavan’s manager. "Making visitors feel welcome and giving them a memorable whiskey experience is important to us, so to be recognised again this year is great. We’re knowledgeable about our whiskeys but we take a relaxed approach and focus on enjoyment for the customer."
Garavan’s currently offers five different tasting platters ranging from ‘The Classic Irish Platter’ to ‘The Grand Master’s Distillers Platter’. Branded miniature whiskey gift sets are also available in the bar, with whiskey tasting events being held regularly.
