In a prominent location on the main square of this handsome north Galway market town, Ger Lyons’s delightful café is easy to spot with its eye catching green paint and the name painted in white. Formerly Kelly’s before re-opening as Smidin in Spring 2026, it quickly established itself as a go-to daytime destination.
With well-spaced tables, fresh paint on the walls and lots of Irish language art, there’s a pleasant, contemporary feel. You walk in off the street through a small vestibule to a 'wait to be seated' sign - and a buzzing atmosphere, as it will probably be packed.
Friendly, neatly turned-out staff catch new arrivals quickly with big smiles, offering a choice of tables, swiftly followed by menus. - and drinks orders are taken straight away so you'll feel very welcome.
Ger has decades of experience in the industry, having previously worked at The Galleon in Salthill, Galway, and she's a hospitality natural with a word for everyone, so it's no wonder that this is such a popular spot for brunches, lunches, light bites and takeaways. Head Chef Cathy Fleming shares her enthusiasm for hearty, well-balanced offerings such as Black Pudding, Walnut and Pear Salad and Buttermilk Chicken Burger. It's refreshing to see a traditional dish like Bacon and Cabbage with parsley sauce on both the main and children’s menus, alongside modern brunch options. The menus are considered, with classic combinations executed well and everything made from scratch. Quality ingredients take centre stage - the meat is all Irish from the local Geraghty’s Butchers, and it would be interesting to see more suppliers.name-checked.
Smidin is a warm place with a pleasant hub-bub of chatter, efficient service and good coffee, teas, and casual eats. Named after a friendly local fox, there’s a strong sense of pride in the Irish language at this place. Ger's aim is to create a community hub with a friendly atmosphere and that is being achieved very well --currently for daytime coffees, teas, drinks, in-house bakes and lunch dishes, and the plan is to open in the evening at some stage. Meanwhile it’s just the spot for a tasty daytime bite.
