The Heart

Upon arrival to 56 Central you will be greeted by a giant heart designed by local artist Finbar 24/7. This heart represents ‘connection’ - each value connects you to all the rooms within this magnificent building, represented by a continuous line which changes from a white line, to pink ribbon as you journey through this magnificent building.

Our restaurant is located in Galway City Centre and provides a welcome oasis from the outside world.

Old Windows & Marriage Stone

We have 2 giant Old Galway Windows from a castle that I have been told the previous owner Lydon took from Kirwan's Lane years ago when people didn't see the value in them! We also have an old Marriage stone on the stairs - these were very popular years ago when 2 families married. I tell the customers to rub it on the way out - and that it might bring me luck and find me a husband!!!

The Garden

A giant tree was made using duct tape by Finbar 24/7 and the designer Dan Gardner Original used natural wood and etched the words ‘Its Time’ on the seating. This area represents the outdoors and our connection to nature.

The Buddha Zen Rooftop

Heart centered living begins in the mind and being centered - slowing down from the busy lives we live to breath & relax.

In the busy city lies our Buddha zen garden - where you can sit and sip a glass of wine and enjoy the sounds of our water fall and listen to the chimes - all over looked by our giant Buddha which was hand crafted by local artists -  you will instantly relax and unwind in our secret garden.

Don't be surprised to come here and smell incense burning and listen to chill out tunes or chimes from our giant chime.

Our Buddha Zen Rooftop is one of the reasons that we're becoming one of the most popular restaurants in Galway.

The Restaurant Site

This main sitting area has been designed using recycled materials, Dan Gardner, the designer, cleverly used old scaffolding to make some unique seats and, of course, the window booths are some of the best seats in the house where you can sit and watch the world go by.

Once a month we host a paint club to allow people to express themselves in 56 Central.

The Art Room

Art and culture are all part of the experiences in life which we crash into every day, but are often too busy to notice! This room is unique and has a one of kind piece of art on the walls designed by FinBar 24/7. We have 4 window seats with old long traditional windows where people can sit and relax and watch the streets below from our stylish world.

Once a week we do yoga in the art room with local teacher Sinead from Love Yoga - a time to heal our bodies and slow down and breath while being grateful for all we have.

The Wine Vault

A hidden gem in the city our own wine vault to display our wine selection. Dan has used some old materials from a bowling alley to make this caged wine vault. ‘Enjoy the Journey’ has been etched on the walls using pink ribbon to remind everyone that life is a journey not a destination.

If you're looking for a restaurant in Galway that has a bit of life to it, then come and visit us, you won't be disappointed.

Phone

(091) 569 511

Location

5 Shop Street
Galway

Hours

Mon - Thur 08:30 - 18:00    

Fri - Sat 08:30–LATE
Sun 10:00–17:00

The History of the Building - 5/6 Shop Street, Galway

5/6 Shop Street Galway has long been pouring cups of tea … it goes as far back as 1946 when the first cup of tea was poured in this building formerly known as Lydon's Restaurant. 

Lydon’s bakery, and later the restaurant, came into prominence on the site in the middle of the 20th century, as good food became a main attraction. We are reminded daily from customers of the good old days where fancy cakes were served on cake stands, you would simply order a stand and eat what you wished - only paying for the buns you ate! Other dishes included liver, kidney and more tea. We doubt there was a skinny, almond milk flat white back then!!

Later, Lydon’s gave way to the creation of Lynch’s Restaurant, which served very traditional carvery dinners which were, until a few years ago, a most sought after dinner for locals. Times change, tastes change and this saw the end of the carvery dinner as we know it.