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

56 Central was created with 1 main thing in mind - HAPPINESS. This stylish world above the streets has, over the years, been a place of joy, content and positive vibes, hence the tagline #ourhappyplace. Fun and laughter radiates the walls of 56 Central. It is a place for everyone, families, friends and old acquaintances, to catch up and enjoy each other’s company. Don’t forget that happiness is contagious so spread the joy!

Bunaíodh 56 Central agus gan ach rud amháin ar intinn againn – SONAS. Síos tríd na blianta, tá an domhain galánta seo atá os cionn sráideanna na cathrach mar áit shona shásta le hatmaisféar dearfach, agus sin é an chúis leis an mana #ÁitAntSonais

Tá an spraoi agus an gáire ag síleadh amach as ballaí 56 Central. Is áit é do chuile dhuine, do theaghlaigh, do chairde agus do sheanchairde, chun bualadh le chéile agus taitneamh a bhaint as comhluadar a chéile.

Cuimhnigh go bhfuil sonas tógálach, mar sin, scaip an sonas!

Upon arriving in the restaurant you are immediately greeted with a big smile, the sound of laughter and a friendly hello. From open to close the restaurant is always full of old friends catching up over a glass of bubbles,  little children busy colouring and general good vibes.

The key to happiness is connection, living life mindfully and being a part of something bigger. The crew aim to make sure that everyone leaves with a smile and from day one the crew are thought about the value of making a difference to the lives of others. The crew are known for their kind hearts and their love for helping others.  Each weekend the crew are encouraged to give out free desserts to certain customers to cheer up their day. The 56 Central Crew are no strangers to giving back to the community and are famous for their work with The Galway Simon Community each year.

Each month 56 Central hold different classes and seminars to give information about how to simply be happy. From the positive living network to morning yoga, this restaurant wants to spread the joy across Galway.

Everyone at 56 Central realise that day to day life is full of its ups and downs but if they manage to make your day even 1% better they are content they have done something worthwhile.

Live life mindfully! Take time out to take notice and observe what is happening around you and in your life. Realise that there is no point worrying about the future or living in the past – instead tune into your feelings in the present.

Build personal connections! Take action to strengthen your relationships and build connections with others. This is essential for happiness. Spend quality time with family and friends.

Give back to others! Giving is good for not just you but everyone around you. Giving connects us to others, creating stronger communities and helping to build a happier society for everyone.

Look for what’s good! Although it is important to realise that life is full of ups and downs it is important to stay positive and focus on the good aspects of the situation. After all every cloud as a silver lining.

Be a part of something bigger!

It is time to realise that everyone has

a purpose in life and although these vary

from person to person, they all involve

being a part of something bigger.

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! With its pastel green coloured walls and gold finishes, this room is a nod to the classical interior design seen in the 17th century. The Art room has 4 window seats with old long traditional windows where people can sit and relax and watch the streets below from our stylish world.

The Art room is used for functions and big events held in the restaurant. It has a calm and sophisticated feel about it and is perfect for every occasion.

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.

HISTORY

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.