Beloved Galway market, Tiny Traders, is set to call the city’s historic heartland home upon its return to trading this weekend, beginning Friday, May 26, until Sunday, May 28.
Now in its sixth year, Tiny Traders was established the provide space and resources to local vendors and to highlight the exceptional artisan crafts Galway has to offer. Over the years it has been in many locations, Nuns Island Theatre, Tribeton and most recently in Burke’s Lane near Monroe’s Tavern, but the recent move will bring Spanish Arch back to its market roots for the first time in nearly a century.
Founder of Tiny Traders, Paul David Murphy, said that the markets move to Spanish Arch is a ‘historic day’ for the traders.
“It is a historic day for us, and maybe even the city, because we are opening in the Spanish Arch and doing regular markets down there and it is the biggest thing that has ever happened to us, to get such a location. It has us over the moon and we are absolutely delighted about it, it represents the biggest opportunity we have ever had and it is the end of a long process with Galway City Council, who we are delighted to be working with on it.”
Focusing on promoting and fostering the talent of small local traders across the country, Tiny Traders, helps boost the profiles of indigenous talent as well as creating an engaging amenity and community wide event that is enjoyed by all. With a variety of stalls on offer, selling delicious food to homemade ceramics, Tiny Traders provides the opportunity for buyers to meet craftspeople and small traders personally, and see their work close up.
“When I set up Tiny Traders, a goal I had in my head was to get down to Spanish Arch someday and we have grown to that level and we are now getting it down there. It also links to the historic fish market, it is almost like reclaiming the use of the area back to its original use as a market.
“It’s an organisation for local craftspeople, artists, artisans, food start ups and designers and is entirely a grassroots project.
“This is the best thing that has ever happened to us, all the traders are really excited and we hope to do them regularly down in the Spanish Arch.”
To experience the return of a market to the city’s historic hub, Tiny Traders will be open from 11am to 5pm in Spanish Arch from Friday, May 26 to Sunday, May 29. To learn more about Tiny Traders, you can follow them on Facebook and Instagram (@tinytradersvillage ).
