"There is something for everyone in Woodquay," says the owner of McGinn's Hop House, Fergus McGinn. The stylish bar, renowned in Galway for its wood fire pizzas, cosy surrounds, and superb atmosphere has been a part of the Woodquay community for five years.
With more than 30 years' experience in the bar trade, leasing premises throughout the city and county, what attracted McGinn to the area is its superb community spirt.
He says; "Woodquay has a local feel and a real sense of Old Galway and that tight knit-community spirit. It is a place where family, friends, and locals gather and where many Galwegians have great memories. Our neighbours, Hughes' for example is synonymous with Galway as everyone was probably in it with their father and grandfather. Our regulars and locals become our family and friends because we see them so much on a daily basis."
McGinn highlights the diverse community of bars, cafes, and shops which make the area attractive for locals and tourists alike.
"From high fashion ladies stores, menswear, jewellers, cafes to hair salons, barbers, opticians, laptop repair, there is such a diverse range of businesses in the area. Woodquay Thai Massage is one of the city's hidden gems providing the best massage in Galway and indeed the country.
"Woodquay has a wonderful combination of bars which depicts the traditional and new styles. We have a mixed of craft and mainstream beer; Caribou across the road specialises in craft beer from around the world; The Lough Inn is great for horse racing and sports; Barr an Halla has music seven nights a week; McSwiggans provides a delicious meal; and the newly refurbished Hole in The Wall has an interior which probably no other bar can touch in the country.
"You can start your day shopping in Woodquay and end it with a night of great craic, meeting all ages of people from 20 to 80."
