The best pubs you must visit in Galway

The best pubs you must visit in Galway

The word pub is short for 'public house'; it describes an establishment granted a license to serve alcoholic beverages for drinking on the premises.

Galway is renowned for its vibrant pub scene, blending traditional Irish charm and a lively atmosphere.

Remember that the best pub experience often involves embracing the atmosphere, striking up conversations, and enjoying live music if available.

Each pub contributes to Galway's lively social scene, and exploring a few of them will give you a taste of the city's authentic spirit.

Galway is a city with a rich history of music and culture, and its pubs are a big part of that. Here are some of the best pubs you must visit in Galway.

An Pucan

• It was established in 2003 by brothers Paul and Colm O'Donnell.
• It is a gastropub located in the heart of Galway City.
• The name "An Púcán" means "the little pig" in Irish, and the bar is named after a pig that was once kept in the cellar of the building.
• The bar is known for its extensive whiskey selection, which includes over 300 different brands.
• It also has a good selection of beers on tap.
• The bar is also home to several traditional Irish music sessions held every night of the week.

Bar Nova

• Bar Nova a gay-friendly bar established in 2015 by brothers Fergal and Eoin O'Connor.
• Bar Nova is a cocktail bar in the heart of Galway City, on Shop Street.
• The bar is known for its extensive cocktail menu, which includes over 100 different drinks.
• Bar Nova is often frequented by people who enjoy cocktails and good music.
• The bar is named after the nova star, a type of star that suddenly increases in brightness.
• The bar's interior is designed to reflect the name, with a modern and minimalist aesthetic.
• Bar Nova is a member of the World's Best Bars Academy.

Blake’s Bar

• Blake’s Bar was established in 1792 by John Blake, a local merchant.
• Blake's Bar is a traditional Irish pub on Eglington Street in the heart of Galway City.
• The bar is named after the Blake family, a prominent family in Galway in the 18th and 19th centuries.
• Blake's Bar is known for its traditional Irish music sessions, held every night of the week.
• It also has a good selection of beers on tap and a menu of traditional Irish pub food.
• The bar is a founding member of The Galway Whiskey Trail, offering a wide selection of Irish whiskeys.
• Blake's Bar has been featured in several movies and television shows, including "The Commitments" and "The West Wing".

Busker Brownes

• It was established in 2007 by brothers Ciaran and Derek Browne.
• Busker Brownes is a gastropub in the heart of Galway City, on Cross Street Upper.
• The name "Busker Brownes" refers to the pub being a popular spot for buskers, who often perform in the street outside the bar.
• The bar is known for its extensive food menu, which includes traditional Irish dishes and more modern fare.
• It also has a good selection of beers on tap and a cocktail menu.
• Busker Brownes is a popular spot for tourists and locals, and it is often frequented by people who enjoy good food and good music.
• The bar hosts several live music events, including DJ nights and traditional Irish music sessions.
• The bar is a two-time Galway Restaurant of the Year award winner.
• Busker Brownes has been featured in publications such as The Irish Times, The Sunday Times, and The Guardian.
• The bar is a member of the Good Food Ireland Association, which promotes high-quality food and drink in Ireland.

Hole in the Wall

• Hole in the Wall is a traditional Irish pub on Eyre Street, in the heart of Galway City.
• It was established in the 1870s and is one of Galway's oldest pubs.
• The name "Hole in the Wall" is said to come from a hole in the pub's back garden that was used for smuggling goods.
• The pub is known for its traditional Irish music sessions, held every night of the week.
• Hole in the Wall is a popular spot for university students.
• The pub is a popular spot for live music, and it has hosted some of the biggest names in Irish music, including The Dubliners, Christy Moore, and Mary Black.
• Hole in the Wall is a great place to experience traditional Irish culture.

John Keogh’s Gastropub

• John Keogh's Gastropub is a restaurant and bar located on Upper Dominick Street in the heart of Galway City.
• It was established in 2010 by John Keogh, a former chef who wanted to create a restaurant offering a modern take on traditional Irish cuisine.
• The pub is known for its extensive food menu, which includes traditional Irish dishes and more modern fare.
• It also has a good selection of beers on tap and a cocktail menu.
• The bar hosts several live music events, including DJ nights and traditional Irish music sessions.
• In 2017, the Good Food Ireland Association named John Keogh's Gastropubs one of the top 50 gastropubs in Ireland.
• The pub is named after John Keogh, a former mayor of Galway known for his love of food and drink.
• The pub's interior is designed to reflect the city's history, with exposed brickwork and beams.
• John Keogh's Gastropub is a member of the Slow Food movement, which promotes sustainable and ethical food production.

M. Fitzgerald's Bar

• The former 1520 bar was founded in 1997 by Nick Carty, who wanted to create one to celebrate Galway's rich history.
• M. Fitzgerald's Bar is a medieval-themed bar with a 21st-century twist. Its extraordinary interior boasts some amazing features, including wooden floorboards, original paneling, and a section of medieval stone walls.
• It is located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, on Quay Street.
• The bar is named after the 14 tribes of Galway, a group of merchant families who controlled the city in the Middle Ages.
• M. Fitzgerald's Bar is a popular spot for tourists and locals. It is known for its traditional Irish music sessions and wide selection of beers and whiskies.
• The bar also has a good food menu, which includes traditional Irish dishes and more modern fare.

Massimo Bar

• Massimo Bar is a stylish pub serving a modern brunch menu, locally sourced dishes, cask ales, and TV sports.
• Massimo Bar is located in the heart of Galway's West End.
• Named after a hamster, Massimo opened its doors in 2001. Unfortunately, the hamster is no longer in the bar, but the bar is more extensive and brighter than ever. Massimo Bar serves an innovative cocktail list that features all the classics and Massimo's signature cocktail creations.
• They also have a great selection of whiskeys and gins.
• The food menu at Massimo Bar is modern Irish, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
• They have a wide selection of brunch dishes, salads, sandwiches, and burgers.
• The bar hosts live music events, including DJ nights and traditional Irish music sessions.

Mc Swiggans

• McSwiggins Bar is a traditional Irish pub on Eyre Street in the heart of Galway City.
• It was established in 1972 by John McSwiggan, and it is one of the most popular pubs in Galway.
• It also has a good beer selection and a traditional Irish pub food menu.
• The pub is known for its friendly atmosphere and welcoming staff.
• McSwiggans Bar serves traditional Irish pub food with generous portions. If you're looking for a hearty meal, McSwiggans Bar is the place to go.
• McSwiggans Bar has a warm and inviting atmosphere. The staff are friendly and welcoming, and the pub is always active.

McGinn’s Hop House

• McGinn's Hop House is a craft beer bar on Woodquay in the heart of Galway City.
• It was established in 2015 by Fergus McGinn, who wanted to create a bar to celebrate the best Irish craft beer.
• The bar has a wide selection of craft beers on tap and a menu of bar food.
• The bar hosts many live music events, including DJ nights and traditional Irish music sessions.
• The bar is named after the McGinn family, who have been brewing beer in Ireland for over 150 years.
• The bar's interior is designed to reflect the city's history, with exposed brickwork and beams.
• McGinn's Hop House is a member of the Good Beer Guide to the best craft beer pubs in Ireland.

Monroe’s Tavern

• Monroe’s Tavern is a traditional Irish pub on Dominick Street in the heart of Galway City. Monroe’s Tavern is a great place for a pint and some craic.
• It was established in 1964 by Monroe and Mary O’Connor.
• The pub is named after Monroe O’Connor, a well-known figure in Galway.
• Monroe’s Tavern is known for its traditional Irish music sessions, held every night of the week.
• It also has a good selection of beers on tap and a menu of traditional Irish pub food.
• Monroe’s Tavern is a great place to experience traditional Irish culture, and it is a must-visit for any visitor to Galway.
• Live music: Monroe’s Tavern is a great place to hear traditional Irish music. The pub hosts live music sessions every night of the week, and you'll undoubtedly hear some great tunes.
• Food: Monroe’s Tavern serves traditional Irish pub food.

O’Connor’s

• O'Connor's is a traditional Irish pub located in Salthill.
• It was established in 1852 by Michael O'Connor.
• The pub is named after the O'Connor family, who have been running the pub for over 160 years.
• It also has a good selection of beers on tap.
• In O'Connor's Pub, locals often gather to socialize, share stories, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
• Live music: O'Connor's Pub is a great place to hear traditional Irish music. The pub hosts live music sessions every night of the week, and you'll undoubtedly hear some great tunes.
• O'Connor's Pub has a warm and inviting atmosphere.
• O'Connor's Pub in Galway gained attention and became iconic when Ed Sheeran visited the pub and even filmed parts of his music video for the "Galway Girl" song there.
• This unexpected collaboration between the international superstar and the traditional Irish pub created a unique blend of modern and traditional culture, further solidifying O'Connor's Pub as a notable spot in Galway's social scene.

O'Connell's Bar

• O'Connell's Bar is a traditional Irish pub on Eyre Square, in the heart of Galway City.
• It was established in 1866 by Michael O'Connell, and it is one of the oldest pubs in Galway.
• The pub is named after Daniel O'Connell, a famous Irish politician and leader of the Catholic Emancipation movement.
• O'Connell's is known for its traditional Irish music sessions.
• It also has a good beer selection and a traditional Irish pub food menu.
• O'Connell's Bar is a great place to experience traditional Irish culture.
• Food: O'Connell's Bar serves traditional Irish pub food. O'Connell's Bar is the place to go if you're looking for a hearty meal.
• Atmosphere: O'Connell's Bar has a warm and inviting atmosphere.
• Location: O'Connell's Bar is in the heart of Galway City, in Eyre Square, a great place for a pint and some craic.

Roisin Dubh

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• Róisín Dubh is a traditional Irish pub on Dominick Street in the heart of Galway City.
• It was established in 1978 by Padraic O'Connor.
• The pub is named after a traditional Irish song, "Róisín Dubh".
• Róisín Dubh is known for its live music, which features various genres, including traditional Irish, folk, rock, and blues.
• Róisín Dubh has been awarded the title of "Best Live Music Venue in Ireland" by Hot Press magazine.
• The pub has hosted some of the biggest names in Irish music, including The Dubliners, Christy Moore, and Sinead O'Connor.
• Róisín Dubh is a great place to experience traditional Irish culture.

Sally Longs Rock Bar

• It is a rock bar located on Abbeygate Street Upper, in the heart of Galway City.
• It was established in 1988 by Noel Long.
• The pub is known for its rock music, which features various genres, including metal, punk, and alternative rock.
• Sally Longs Rock Bar is a popular spot for tourists and locals, and musicians and artists often frequent it.
• Sally Longs Rock Bar is a great place to experience live music and enjoy a night out in Galway.
• The pub is named after Sally Long, a legendary Irish pirate.
• The pub's interior is decorated with rock and roll memorabilia, including guitars, drums, and posters.
• Sally Longs Rock Bar has been featured in movies and television shows, including "The Young Offenders" and "Love/Hate".

Seven Pub

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• Seven Bar is a cocktail bar located on Bridge Street in the heart of Galway City.
• It was established in 2015 by Fergal and Eoin O'Connor.
• The bar is known for its extensive cocktail menu, which includes over 100 drinks.
• It also has a good selection of beers on tap, as well as a menu of bar food.
• The bar hosts live music events, including DJ nights and traditional Irish music sessions.
• The bar is named after the seven sisters, a group of mountains in the Galway region.
• The bar's interior is designed to reflect the city's history.
• Seven Bar is a member of the World's Best Bars Academy, and it has been consistently ranked as one of the best bars in Galway.

Sult Bar

• Sult Bar is a modern gastropub located on the campus of the University of Galway, on University Road.
• It was established in 2010 by former NUI Galway students Karl Whelan and Gary O'Sullivan.
• The bar is known for its extensive menu, which features a modern take on traditional Irish cuisine.
• It also has a good selection of beers on tap and a cocktail menu.
• Sult Bar is a popular spot for students and locals, often frequented by people who enjoy good food and drinks.
• The bar also hosts many live music events, including DJ nights.
• The bar's name is derived from the Irish word "sult", which means "hunger".
• The bar's interior is designed to be a casual and relaxed space, with exposed brickwork and wooden furniture.
• Sult Bar is a member of the Good Food Ireland Association, which promotes high-quality food and drink in Ireland.

Taylor’s Bar & Beer Garden

• Taylor's Bar was established in 1840 by Taylor and his wife, Mary.
• It is located on Dominick Street, in the heart of Galway City.
• It is a traditional Irish pub with a warm and inviting atmosphere.
• It is known for its extensive selection of beers and whiskeys and traditional Irish music sessions.
• It also has a good selection of bar food.
• Taylor's Bar is a member of the Good Beer Guide to Ireland's best craft beer pubs.

The Blue Note

• The Blue Note is a music venue on William Street in the heart of Galway City.
• It was established in 1994 by Mal Kearney.
• The bar is known for its live music, which features various genres, including jazz, blues, soul, and funk.
• It also has a good selection of beers on tap.
• The bar's interior is decorated in traditional American jazz club style, with dark wood and red leather seating.
• The Blue Note is a member of the Galway Music Commission, a group of music promoters and venues in Galway.
• The Blue Note is a member of the Galway Jazz Festival and hosts many live music events throughout the year.

The Crane Bar

• The Crane Bar is a traditional Irish pub on Mainguard Street in the heart of Galway City.
• It was established in the 1930s by the Smith Family.
• The bar is named after the Crane, a bridge that once stood over the River Corrib.
• The Crane Bar is known for its traditional Irish music sessions, held every night of the week.
• The Crane Bar is a member of the Good Beer Guide, a guide to Ireland's best craft beer pubs.

The Dail Bar

• The Dail Bar is a traditional Irish pub on Cross Street in the heart of Galway City.
• It was established in 1978 by Seamus Quirke.
• The bar is named after Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Irish parliament.
• The Dail Bar is known for its live music, which features various genres, including traditional Irish, folk, rock, and blues.
• It also has a good selection of beers on tap, as well as a menu of bar food.
• The bar's interior is decorated with traditional Irish stuff.
• The Dail Bar is a member of the Good Beer Guide, a guide to Ireland's best craft beer pubs.
• The Dail Bar won the Best Cocktail Experience in the World at the Irish Hospitality Global Awards in 2022.

The Front Door

• The Front Door is a bar on Cross Street in the heart of Galway City.
• It was established in 1985 by Padraig O'Connor.
• The bar is named after its location, which is on the front door of a building.
• The Front Door is known for its live music, which features various genres, including traditional Irish, folk, rock, and blues.
• It also has a good selection of beers on tap, as well as a menu of bar food.
• The bar's interior is decorated with a mix of traditional Irish and modern elements, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
• The Front Door is a member of the Good Beer Guide, which lists the best craft beer pubs in Ireland.
• The Front Door was awarded the title of "Best Live Music Venue in Ireland" by Hot Press magazine in 2016.

The King’s Head

• The King’s Head is a traditional Irish pub on Shopp Street in the heart of Galway City.
• The history of The King’s Head pub in Galway is a long and storied one. It was established in 1820 by the Lynch family, one of the 14 Tribes of Galway. The pub was initially named "The Lynch’s Head" after the family, but it was later changed to "The King’s Head" after the statue of King Charles I that once stood in Galway. The bar is named after the King’s Head, a statue of King Charles I that once stood in Galway.
• The King’s Head is known for its traditional Irish music sessions, held every night of the week.
• It also has a good selection of beers on tap, as well as a menu of bar food.
• The King’s Head is a member of the Good Beer Guide, a guide to Ireland's best craft beer pubs.
• The pub has won many awards for its beer selection and is known for its wide range of craft beers on tap.
• The King’s Head is said to be haunted by the ghost of King Charles I.
• The King’s Head is a unique pub with a rich history. It is a must-visit for any Galway visitor and will surely be a memorable experience.

The Quays Bar

• The Quays Bar is a traditional Irish pub on Quay Street in the heart of Galway City.
• It was established in 1820, making it one of the oldest pubs in Galway.
• The bar is named after the River Corrib, which flows past the pub.
• The Quays Bar is known for its traditional Irish music sessions, held every night of the week.
• It also has a good selection of beers on tap, as well as a menu of bar food.
• The Quays Bar is a member of the Good Beer Guide.
• The Quays Bar was awarded the title of "Best Traditional Pub in Ireland" by The Irish Times in 2016.
• The Louis Fitzgerald Group, one of Ireland's largest pub operators, owns the pub.
• The Quays Bar has been featured in many movies and television shows, including "The West Wing" and "The Tudors".
• The pub is a popular spot for live music, and it has hosted some of the biggest names in Irish music, including The Dubliners, Christy Moore, and Sinead O'Connor.

The Salt House

• The Salt House is a craft beer bar located on Raven Terrace in the Claddagh area of Galway City.
• It was established in 2014 by Galway Bay Brewery, one of Ireland's largest craft breweries.
• The bar is named after the Claddagh, a traditional fishing village in Galway.
• The Salt House is known for its extensive selection of craft beers, which are sourced from Ireland and around the world.
• The bar's interior is decorated with a modern industrial style and has a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
• The Salt House is a member of the Good Beer Guide.
• The Salt House was awarded the title of "Best Craft Beer Bar in Ireland" by The Irish Times in 2016.

The Skeff Bar

• The Skeff Bar is a pub in Galway, Ireland that has operated since 1850. It is located in Eyre Square, in the heart of the city. The Skeff is a popular tourist destination and a favorite among locals.
• The Skeff is one of the oldest pubs in Galway.
• The Skeff is the largest pub in Galway.
• The pub is named after the Skeffington family, one of the most prominent families in Galway in the 19th century.
• The Skeff was originally a coaching inn, a popular stop for travelers to and from Dublin.
• The Skeff has a long history of hosting traditional Irish music sessions.
• The pub has been featured in many movies and television shows, including "The Commitments" and "The West Wing."
• The pub has six bars over five floors.
• The Skeff Bar is a popular spot for live music, and it has hosted some of the biggest names in Irish music, including The Dubliners, Christy Moore, and Mary Black.
• The pub is also a popular spot for food, with a wide selection of Irish dishes.
• The Skeff Bar is a great place to people-watch, always bustling with activity.

Tig Coili

• Tig Coili ("House of the Harp") is a traditional Irish pub on Shop Street in the heart of Galway City.
• It was established in 1980 by Seamus and Mary Fahy.
• The bar is named after the harp, a symbol of Ireland.
• Tig Coili is known for its traditional Irish music sessions, held every night of the week.
• The Fahy family owns and has run the bar for over 40 years.
• Tig Coili has been featured in several movies and television shows, including "The West Wing" and "The Tudors".
• The bar is a popular spot for live music and has hosted some of the biggest names in Irish music.

Tigh Neachtain

• Tigh Neachtain (pronounced "nee-haun") is a traditional Irish pub on Cross Street in the heart of Galway City.
• It was established in 1894 by a prominent animal rights activist, Richard Martin.
• The bar is named after the Irish word for "Neachtain's house," a famous 17th-century poet and storyteller.
• Tigh Neachtain is known for its traditional Irish music sessions.
• Hot Press magazine awarded the pub "Best Live Music Venue in Ireland" title in 2016.

Tom Sheridan’s

• Since opening its doors in 2004, Tom Sheridan's Bar has become an integral part of community life in the Knocknacarra, Salthill, and Barna area, supporting many local societies, charities, and sports clubs.
• Tom Sheridan’s is a traditional Irish pub located in Knocknacarra.
• Proud winner of ‘Local Bar of the Year’ (Bronze Medal) at the prestigious Irish Bar of the Year Awards 2022.
• Tom Sheridan’s is known for its traditional Irish music sessions every weekend.
• It also has a good selection of beers on tap, as well as a menu of bar food.
• Tom Sheridan is a member of the Good Beer Guide.
• Tom Sheridan’s is a popular tourist spot, often featured in guidebooks and travel articles.