Galway Food Tours – Where Every Bite Tells a Story
25th November 2024
As Galway Food Tours celebrates its 10th anniversary, it is not just a milestone for founder Sheena Dignam and her dedicated team of 10 employees, but a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and unyielding spirit of a business that has grown from a one-woman operation into one of the city’s flagship culinary and craft experiences.
Starting from a simple idea—bringing people together through the joy of food—the tours highlight not only the best of Irish produce but also the heart and soul of Galway’s local community, championing small businesses, passionate people, and the charm of Galway that makes it such a unique destination.
Sheena describes herself as a “Franco-Irish food and wine lover”.
Originally from Wicklow, she grew up in the Loire Valley, where she studied Culinary Arts & Wine. With over 15 years of experience in the food industry, her passion for culinary excellence and unique gastronomic experiences led her to launch Galway Food Tours.
She admits: “I am driven by a deep love for food and wine, and through Galway Food Tours, I want to share the rich and diverse food culture of Galway with both locals and visitors.
“Our tours provide an authentic taste of the city, highlighting its hidden gems and showcasing the incredible talents of local artisans, chefs, and producers. We want everyone to join us on a journey through Galway’s vibrant food scene, where every bite tells a story and every sip celebrates the art of living well.”
Navigating through the pandemic was no easy feat – Sheena’s unwavering commitment to the city and its food culture meant that Galway Food Tours adapted, persevered, and grew.
Sheena and her team continued to shine a light on the essence of Galway, ensuring that the vibrant food and drink scene remained at the forefront of people’s minds—whether through virtual tours, partnerships, or adapting their offerings to meet ever-changing circumstances.
Now, operating year-round, with collaborations spanning over 30 venues and nearly 50 producers and suppliers, each tour is a carefully curated journey, introducing participants to the very best of what Galway has to offer—from artisanal cheeses and fresh seafood to craft beers and local spirits.
The company has also expanded to provide new craft and artisan tours. Sheena elaborates:
“I create and develop new tours, constantly innovating to keep our offerings fresh and exciting.
Additionally, I am committed to maintaining eco-responsible practices across all our tours. These tours offer our guests an immersive experience in local crafts, including basket weaving, storytelling, ring making, and painting. By collaborating with various craftsmen around the city, we provide a unique and beautiful experience that reflects our deep passion for the local culture and traditions.”
Empowering women through employment and collaboration is also part of Sheena’s business ethos.
One of her most notable contributions is her employment policy – she ensures that 80% of her team are women, providing them with opportunities to thrive in the food tourism sector. But it doesn’t stop there. Under her guidance, Sheena has created a safe and inclusive space for solo travellers, particularly women.
“The tours offer an environment where female travellers can explore Galway confidently, feeling fully connected and secure,” she says.
“This inclusive atmosphere not only enhances the travel experience but also provides a unique opportunity for women to enjoy social interactions and engage with the local culture without fear.”
Galway Food Tours is more than just a feast for the senses, or an experience for the solo traveller. The act of walking through the city’s winding streets and vibrant lanes creates a deeper, more authentic connection to the place.
There is something transformative about experiencing a city on foot, guided by stories, laughter, and shared tastes.
It is about more than just what is on the plate or in the glass; it is about the journey, the people, and the sense of belonging that comes from being immersed in Galway’s unique spirit.
The economic impact of this type of tourism is significant. Walking tours, like those offered by Galway Food Tours, not only introduce guests to a range of venues they might not otherwise discover but also encourage meaningful, sustained spending that benefits the entire community. By championing local businesses Galway Food Tours helps to ensure that the city’s food and craft scene remains vibrant, diverse, and inclusive.
For all those budding entrepreneurs out there, Sheena signs off with some sound advice –
“If you want something different, create something different.”
It’s safe to say that Galway Food Tours has accomplished this in spades.
