Galway City's innovative "Café Lates" pilot initiative is back for its second year, building on the success of its initial phase in boosting the city's vibrant night-time economy. Launched in response to public demand for a thriving café culture after 6pm, Café Lates supports local businesses in trialing extended opening hours and offering diverse, alcohol-free evening experiences.
Following a successful first edition, Galway City Council is delighted to announce the participating businesses for 2025: Jungle Cafe, Plámás, Wylde Cafe, Fairhill Café, Blackrock Cottage Café, and Ré Coffee + Design. Dangan House Cafe is also participating in Café Lates with two special evenings programmed on the occasion of the Bealtaine Age and Opportunity Festival: a jazz night (2 May) and a craft night (14 May).
From May to June, and again from September to November, these establishments will host a variety of engaging events designed to enrich Galway's evening and night-time offerings. This year's programme promises a diverse range of experiences. Live DJ sets will create lively atmospheres at Jungle Café, Plámás, and Wylde Café. For those seeking a more intimate setting, Fairhill Café will host evenings of spoken word and live acoustic set.
At Fairhill Café (11 Abbeygate Street Upper), attendees enjoyed a relaxing Thursday evening with soulful singer-songwriter Tracy Bruen Live at Fairhill Café on 8 May, as part of the launch. Her beautiful melodies and heartfelt lyrics created a cozy atmosphere while attendees enjoyed delicious coffee and treats.
22 May, 5 June, 26 June (7pm – 10pm, Free): Open Mic Spoken Word Nights. Unleash your inner poet or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere! Share your stories, poems, or songs, or sit back and appreciate local talent. No booking is necessary – just come along and take the mic or a seat.
Jungle Café (Prospect Hill) will host 'Yawlag: Organica' on select Thursdays (22 May, 5 June, 19 June, 4 September, 25 September, 16 October, 6 November, 7pm – 10pm, €5 on the door including a beverage). These curated music events, hosted by the Galway-based Yawlag Collective, will offer themed evenings of organic global grooves and downtempo music in the café's unique tropical setting.
Wylde Café (Forster St) will present free "Spice Up Your Thursdays" events (15 May, 29 May, 5 June, 12 June, 6pm-8pm) including Latino evenings with DJ Matt KV, promising vibrant rhythms, delicious coffee, and refreshing mocktails.
Details for Plámás's "Coisír Thí sober rave" events in May and June, as well as the programmes for Blackrock Cottage Café (September and October) will be announced soon.
The Café Lates initiative directly addresses the public's desire for more after-6 pm offerings - a key finding from consultations for the Galway City Council Night-Time Economy Action Plan. The core aims remain to expand evening and night-time options, support businesses in trialing extended hours, stimulate revenue, drive footfall, and build a dynamic evening café scene.
Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Peter Keane, commented, “"I am delighted to see the return of Café Lates for its second year. This initiative has already demonstrated its value in diversifying Galway's night-time economy and providing appealing, alcohol-free options for residents and visitors alike. The exciting programme of events planned by the participating cafés showcases the creativity and vibrancy of our local businesses. I encourage everyone to come out, support, and experience what Café Lates has to offer."
Sinead Curran, Manager and Owner Fairhill + Ré coffee and design, said, "As first-time participants in the Café Lates initiative, we're thrilled to be part of this movement to enhance Galway's evenings. At Fairhill Cafe, we're looking forward to hosting lively spoken word and music nights, we see this as a fantastic chance to connect with the community in new ways and contribute to Galway's evolving night-time scene. We're also developing something special for the later part of the year at Ré Coffee + Design. We believe this initiative is a wonderful way to support local businesses and create a more dynamic city after dark."
Stay up-to-date on the specific event schedules and extended opening hours for each participating café by following ThisisGalway/GalwaybyNight as well as the individual social media channels of Jungle Cafe, Plámás, Wylde Cafe, and Fairhill Cafe, Blackrock Cottage Café, and Ré Coffee + Design.
Galway City Council is excited to support these businesses in delivering engaging evening experiences and further enriching the city's night-time economy.
Call to Galway Cafés:
Is your café already open later and programming evening activities? The Galway City Night-Time Economy Advisor is eager to connect with you!
Please get in touch with Kate.Howard@GalwayCity.ie to explore how Galway City Council can support your efforts through marketing and communications initiatives.
#CaféLates #GalwayByNight #ThisIsGalway #GalwayCityNTE #SupportLocal
