McSwiggan’s Galway came onto my radar as their menu featured bloody mary oyster shots- all of the above not easily available in Switzerland. Turns out, I got far more than I bargained for with a delicious Sunday night feast in the restaurant portion of the bar/resto. Glad to have booked as there were plenty of waiting tables.

The bar is gorgeously decorated with a fun mix of local shellfish and of course, the local beer, Guinness. Maybe you’ve heard of it.

The oyster shooter was a bit deconstructed and despite the waiter’s sloshing it about, made for an elegant presentation. While it was fun, really, I could have done with about six more oysters and a glass of fizz.

Whoops, there’s the fizz! And the delectable Margaux to pair with the sharing Chateaubriand.

The sharing board came with a duo of potatoes- conveniently hers (mash) and his (chips) just as we prefer- grilled onions, grilled ‘shrooms, and a trio of sauces. What a fun meal!

Committing in full, we shared the banoffee pie that the (Argentinian) waiter insisted was Irish. When in Rome and all that. While it was nice to end on a sweet bite, my baking obsession could have whipped up a nicer crust that the store bought shell that was its vessel.

To continue with ‘When in Rome,’ the Gentleman ended with an Irish coffee so I test drove the salted caramel espresso martini which arrived impressively fast.

McSwiggan’s was an absolute indulgence and great way to kick off the week’s tour of Ireland. Service and food both come highly recommended from my side. If I’m ever in Galway again, I’ll certainly look (and book) McSwiggan’s back up.