Pictured at the launch (L-R): Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Peter Keane, Sinead Curran (proprietor, Fairhill Cafe), and Tracy Bruen
GALWAY City’s innovative “Café Lates” pilot initiative returns for a second year.
Building on the success of its initial phase in boosting the city’s vibrant night-time economy, the initiative was launched in response to public demand for a thriving café culture after 6pm. Café Lates supports local businesses in trailing extended opening hours and offering diverse, alcohol-free evening experiences.
Jungle Cafe, Plámás, Wylde Cafe, Fairhill Café, Blackrock Cottage Café, and Ré Coffee + Design have been announced as participating businesses for 2025. Dangan House Cafe is also participating in Café Lates with two special evenings already held during the Bealtaine Age and Opportunity Festival.
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.
Stimulating revenue, driving football, the building of a dynamic evening café scene and the trialling of extended opening hours are the core aims of Café Lates.
Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Peter Keane (FF), commented, “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”.
