One has taken an iconic city spot
The original Enable Ireland branch on Lower Cross Street in Galway city centre(Image: Enable Ireland, Galway)
Galway city has welcomed three news businesses, including a new charity venture, a new location for a beloved Galway brand, and one business taking the place of a city icon.
The former Ward’s on University Road served thousands of students every day for decades, and it’s loss in May 2024 was widely acknowledged as they bowed out after 91 years.
However, the smell of fresh coffee and tasty delights will once again bring students and workers alike to the much-loved address.
Here are the three new businesses set to light up the city:
Here for Now
Here for New, the newest, Galway city coffee shop, launched on 7 December 2025 at the iconic former Ward’s store.
Situated on University Road, directly across from the southern campus entrance in what was previously Ward’s Corner Store and Sandwich shop – making it the nearest café to Galway Cathedral and the front entrance to UoG..
The interior has been completely transformed, featuring outdoor seating “by the canal” – essentially outside the premises – accommodating 50 patrons, which should prove delightful once milder weather arrives. Indoor seating is also available for those quintessentially Galway days!
The exterior branding remains understated with a sophisticated light grey colour scheme – whilst preserving the iconic clock, which may well have influenced the café’s name.
Without a single sandwich on offer, Here for Now aspires to become one of Galway’s premier coffee destinations, providing “crafted coffee by the canal” within a laid-back, comfortable setting.
Current offerings feature premium speciality coffee (ours was absolutely delightful) and pastries, with plans to introduce smoothies and açaí bowls. Coffee selections encompass all the standard options.
Matcha is available hot or cold, and can be paired with cold foam infused with ube (a nutty-flavoured purple yam from the Philippines), vanilla, strawberry or mango – creating wonderfully vibrant drinks.
Enable Ireland Homewares
This charity-run pre-owned homewares store launched in late November 2025. Located on Eglinton Street, nestled between the NCBI Ireland Charity Shop and Booley Outdoors, and near the main Post Office, this shop unit was once home to the much-loved Cake my Day.
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However, it’s been vacant since mid-2023. Now, it’s been spruced up with a fresh lick of paint inside and out, and kitted out with display units.
It remains to be seen whether this is a festive pop-up or a more permanent venture to complement their existing clothing shop on Cross Street. While much of the initial stock is Christmas-themed, there are also some standard furniture items on offer.
The shop will open its doors from 9:30am to 5pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Stitches New Location
Meanwhile, Stitches, Galway’s longest-serving alterations shop, has been serving the people of Galway since 1980 and has earned a reputation as one of the city’s top bridal alteration specialists. Now, they’re branching out and opening a second location.
Their new shop can be found in the Terryland Shopping Centre, right next to the large Dunnes – an incredibly convenient spot ready to breathe new life into your cherished garments.
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