Pubs Guide

The pub has a tremendous significance in Irish culture, and nowhere more so than in the West of Ireland. The pub is not just considered to be a social outlet but it is seen as a worthwhile pastime especially in a place like Galway, which makes no apologies for its pub culture and, in fact, thrives on it. And there'll be a lot more than drink flowing in the average Irish pub where good conversation, the best of music and the 'craic' are the order of the day. It is here that you will find the truest representation of contemporary Irish life as it is embodied in its people, which are, after all, the country's greatest asset.

Pubs in Galway generally open from 10.30 am to 11.30 pm, but some open for longer hours during the weekend. The price of drink varies, but a pint of stout is about EUR 3.50 (Jan 2006). Smoking is banned in Irish pubs (and all work places).

Tigh Neachtain 17 Cross Street, Galway

This is a century old family run business right at the heart of the medieval quarter of Galway. The pub is housed in the building which used to be the townhouse of famous politician and animal rights activist Richard Martin, known as Humanity Dick, who lived there in the last century. The bar itself holds a long and varied history, particularly as one of the main homes of traditional Irish music in the West.

Garvey's Inn Eyre Square, Galway

With Garvey's impressive stand overlooking Galway's focal point- Eyre Square; this Bar and restaurant has become a landmark in Galway City. Located in the heart of Galway city centre just opposite the bus & train station, this restaurant has a busy lunch and evening trade which has earned a fine reputation. 

Pscino's Bar Prospect Hill, Galway

A lively bar in the centre of the city. Very popular during the day and early evening as a meeting place for a bite to eat and a chat. At night there are regualar music sessions. 

Skeffington Arms (The 'Skeff') Eyre Square, Galway

The 'Skeff' has a spacious multi floored interior with a medieval church feel with dark wood and carvings everywhere. Comfortable couches add to the busy yet convivial atmosphere. It is very popular during the day and early evening as a meeting place before the crowds arrive

The Crane Bar 2 Sea Road, Galway

Galway's premier traditional Irish traditional music venue and the launching pad for many well known Irish bands and singers. The pretty exterior reflects the 'trad' focus and an upstairs and downstairs bar provide adequate room for all of those who wish to visit the home of traditional Irish music in Galway.

Tribes  Salthill, Galway

Tribes Accommodation and Bar/Club is located across from the promenade in Galway’s Salthill seaside resort. Tribes is ideal for a mid week, weekend or even longer break in the west of Ireland offering affordable accommodation with bar, live music and club nights all under the one roof..

Bazaar  6 Quay Lane (Just opposite the Spanish Arch) Galway

Located beside Quay Street. Bazaar boasts a large outside seated plaza for those wishing to enjoy the spectacular sights of The Spanish Arch area. It's a busy night time venue throughout the week providing entertainment with DJ's from Wednesday to Friday, and busy weekend nights with live music every Sunday night. All major sporting events are shown on plasma screens, with quizzes and theme nights ensuring a variety of entertainment on offer throughout the year. .

Blue Note

This rather unusual pub attracts a large number of students during the year who enjoy the dance bar atmosphere. The large bar space area opens out onto a beer garden which proves tremendously popular in the Summer months. Brunch served every day with The Hangover Brunch on Sunday a major hit.

Brooklyn Bar 13 Woodquay, Galway

This tiny bar is one of the only 'American theme' pubs in the city. Frequented by an older, local clientele, mostly from the Woodquay area, this is the type of pub to meet real

Bunch of Grapes 2 High Street, Galway

With a pretty cut-stone exterior and located on the fringes of Galway's Latin Quarter 'The Bunch' attracts a more upmarket clientele than its counterparts. A wholesome pub lunch is served daily. The wooden flooring and dimmed lights give it a more refined, quieter feel than the rest of the pubs in this area. Perfect for that nice quiet pint.

Busker Brownes Kirwan's Lane, Cross Street, Galway

Arguably the most popular pub in Galway at the moment, this enormous pub features a Slate House bar as well as the main bar combining three floors and an expanse of ground space to make it also one of the largest pubs in Galway. Clients are spoilt for choice with a cafe/seafood kitchen, lively bar and upstairs music venue in a pub that has retained its original medieval character. Eircom WiFi hotspot on site.

Cookes Thatch Bar 2 Newcastle Road, Galway

A roomy 'local' with a genuine thatched roof located in one of the oldest residential areas in Galway. An excellent pint of 'the black' is served by the friendly staff and this is an ideal spot for a group outing or a game of cards.

The Cottage Bar, Lr Salthill.

A popular student haunt, this pub is housed in one of Galways oldest buildings and features an impressive old stone hearth, which provides an enormous fire in Wintertime. A jukebox, TV room and pool room supply all the additional entertainment for its young clientele.

 Dew Drop Inn (Myles Lee) Mainguard Street, Galway

Widely known as Miles Lee's, this is a tiny vintage character pub with a colourful frontage and old style, simple interior. The barmen here have an excellent reputation as being among the most helpful and friendly in the city.

Garavans 46 William Street, Galway

Located in the very heart of Galway, this is one of the city's oldest and most enduring pubs. Attracting an older local clientele, many visit just to meet the head barman who is quite a character, and has attracted renown, both for himself and for the p

Hole in the Wall Eyre Street, Galway

This is a popular student watering hole with the large screen TV proving main attraction for major sporting events. The attractive semi-thatch exterior gives it a rustic feel, and this is reinforced inside with a flagsone floor featuring strongly in this low ceilinged circular bar.

King's Head 15 High Street, Galway

One of Galway's oldest pubs, well known for its lunchtime theatre and nightly live music gigs. The flagstone flooring and large open fireplaces contribute to the warm relaxed atmosphere. 

Living Room, Bridge Street, Galway

Opened in 2002 replacing the Lisheen Pub. Brought to you by the same people that own Cuba* and the Kings Head pub. Recent winner of a clean air award. 

Lonergan's Bar Salthill, Galway

This seafront bar is perfectly situated to take advantage of a substantial amount of passing trade, especially in the Summer. Patrons can enjoy the relaxed holiday atmosphere either inside or in the pub area outside the building, especially during the fine weather.

McSwiggans Bar and Restaurant Woodquay, Galway

Dominates the whole Woodquay area with a very impressive old-style frontage. Superb Victorian style interior decor with wooden floors and tables. Lots of Victorian bric a brac. Full restaurant and pub grub available within the bar area. Definitely worth visiting.

The restaurant is located over the pub. The menu is varied. The restaurant is divided into a number of different areas so although it may be very busy you get a sense of it being smaller than it is. It's in the moderate to expensive price range and attracts a mixed crowd. The staff are helpful even when rushed off their feet and the atmosphere is upbeat and buzzing.

Monroes Tavern Dominick Street, Galway

This spacious pub has cultivated a healthy daytime trade and is a great place to come in the afternoon for a bite to eat or a casual coffee. The staff are as relaxed as the atmosphere. At night it transforms into a major music venue featuring Galway's up and coming bands. Traditional Irish dancing on Tuesday nights.

 Murphy's 9 High Street, Galway

One of Galway's oldest pubs and one of the last bastions of old Galway culture. Stepping through the portals of Murphy's is like taking a trip back in time to an era when the art of conversation was nursed as carefully as a pint of the black stuff. The friendly and welcoming staff add enormously to the charm of this bar. A must see for the genuine culture seeker! !

Pucan  11 Forster Street, Galway

This pub features traditional Irish music every night and it is one of the main Irish language pubs in the city, with a clientele largely comprised of native Irish speakers. The colourful exterior is extremely welcoming and a warm cead mile failte is to be enjoyed beyond it.

Quays Bar and Restaurant Quay Street, Galway

Renovated in 1994, this pub has kept the charm which gained it an international reputation for its traditional Irish music sessions. The interior has a 'church' theme which is immaculately executed in wood and glass, right down to the pews. It's worth visiting just to see the decor, not to mention the ceol, music and craic to be had in this, one of the most popular of the Galway pubs.

Richardsons 1 Eyre Square, Galway

Yet another base for traditional Irish music in the city. The prime location on Eyre Square allows for easy access to this corner pub. Occupying two floors, sessions are usually upstairs while a quieter drink can be enjoyed at ground level. Live music nightly. Traditional bar food served 12:00 - 20:00.

Roisin Dubh Dominick Street, Galway

Now dubbed Galway's premier music venue, this pub features the creme de la creme of music acts in Galway, and further afield. The live acts have broad appeal ranging from country and western to cajun to Russian Gypsy music. This is definitely one of the hip and most happening places in Galway at the moment.

Sally Longs Abbeygate Street, Galway

This is one of Galway's only genuine hard rock pubs which attracts a younger clientele. The interior is dark and has a gothic feel, while loud rock music keeps the punters hopping. Live music gigs at the weekends are in keeping with the overall pub theme.

Front Door 3 High Street, Galway

One of Galway's newest 'superpubs', the Front Door has had no problem attracting a steady clientele. Spread over two floors and stretching over two streets this roomy pub has something for everyone. With trad sessions most nights in O'Riadas bar, a lively atmosphere downstairs and a slightly more sedate crowd upstairs, this pub manages to combine atmosphere, comfort and great service effortlessly.

Taaffes Pub 19 Shop Street, Galway

One is almost always sure to catch a traditional Irish music session in progress here at any time of the day or night. The bar's location in the middle of the main shopping throughfare ensures a busy daytime pub where the ceol and the craic take precedence.

Tigh Colí Mainguard Street, Galway

Another of the traditional Irish music pubs for which the city is renowned featuring a traditional seisun nightly. And a loudspeaker which brings the craic onto the street adds to the carnival atmosphere and serves as a very welcome invitation to go inside and join in