Sheridans Wine Bar is located on St. Nicholas’s Church square in the centre of the city where the famous Galway market is held every Saturday. Having launched their Cheesemongers over twenty years ago, Kevin and Seamus later added this Wine Bar above the cheese shop and overlooking the Church. It's a social hub for the market traders (you may spot the ladies on the organic vegetable stall across from the entrance keeping warm with a glass of red in the winter, or cooling off with something sparkling on a hot day) and this is where you will find the chefs of the city on their day off.
A visit to Sheridans is a relaxed, convivial affair. Aromas from the cheesmongers and deli below accompany you up the stairs and there are shelves of wines to greet your arrival. Knowledgeable staff assist your choice of wines from the rustic, blue tiled bar and are more than happy to let you try any bottles that are open. The wines are predominantly Italian, chosen by Enrico – their wine importer – a native Venetian. All are imported and selected exclusively for Sheridans, along with some excellent wines from small producers in France, Spain and Portugal. You can buy a bottle to take home with you too, all wines are for sale. You could even treat yourself to a bottle of Sangiovese from Sting’s (the singer) biodynamic plantation in the Chianti Classico area of Italy.
The boards are diverse and delicious, chosen daily from their wide selection of farmhouse cheeses. Savour a 'Killeen Cumin' from Galway, a texture similar to Gouda with a good punch of cumin, 'Brin d'Amour' a ewe’s milk cheese from the island of Corsica coated in juniper and rosemary, or (if you are lucky) a last tangy taste of the discontinued Glebe Brethan from the banks of the river Boyne. Similarly the charcuterie boards are chosen from Irish and European favourites, from Gubbeen Chorizo to elegant Pancetta or a gamey Venison Salami. All boards are served, of course, with their speciality home made brown bread crackers and chutney.
A seat overlooking the hustle and bustle of the market on a Saturday with a nibble and a tipple in hand is always a pleasure.
