The best pubs and bars in Galway can easily stand among some of the best that Ireland has to offer.
Recently elected the European city of culture, Galway embodies everything great about Ireland and its people, which is reflected in the great atmosphere that can be found in its pubs and bars.
Nothing defines a city quite like its quality of pubs and bars. In Galway, there is no shortage of fantastic spots to grab a drink.
In this article, we will list what we believe to be the top ten best pubs and bars in Galway you need to experience.
10. Garavan’s Bar − for a cosy, comfortable pint
Garavan’s is a lovely family-owned pub that sits right in the middle of the Galway City Centre shopping district.
It’s the perfect spot to pop in after work or a day spent shopping to relax and have a chilled pint or a whiskey at the bar or in one of the pub’s many snugs.
Address: 46 William St, Galway City, H91 RX54, Ireland
9. Tigh Neachtain – a pub that is loved by locals and tourists alike
The Tigh Neachtain pub is loved by both locals and tourists alike and is located within the heart of downtown Galway City, near Quay Street.
Whether you’re looking for a seat by the fire or a pub with a great atmosphere, you will certainly find both at Tigh Neachtain.
It tends to draw in an artsy crowd and has been host to some great music acts, including Sharon Shannon.
Address: 17 Cross Street Upper, Galway, H91 F9F7
8. Taaffes Bar – perfect for any GAA game
Taaffes Bar is the perfect example of everything that makes a great traditional Irish pub, not only because they serve a brilliant pint of Guinness.
It is not only popular thanks to its regular live traditional music sessions but it is also known as a great place to view any big GAA games.
Address: 19 Shop St, Galway, Ireland
7. Coyotes Late Bar and Club – Galway’s first purpose-built American theme bar
Coyotes Late Bar and Club is as unique as bars in Galway come as it is the first purpose-built American theme bar in the county.
It boasts three different themed areas, two dance floors, a sports bar area, karaoke, a pool table, a bucking bronco, a jukebox, as well as many dancers and singers!
You are guaranteed to have a hilarious and fun night at Coyotes. You can even pretend you’re in the film!
Address: 34 Shop St, Galway, Ireland
6. An Púcán – a pub with a strong tradition of Irish traditional and folk music
An Púcán is regarded as being a pub that has a strong tradition of Irish traditional and folk music as one can hear it being played there daily.
Besides its great offerings of music, the pub also offers over 15 types of whiskey as well as many different craft beers, boutique wines and cocktails. These all complement their extensive food menu.
Address: 11 Forster Street, Galway, Ireland
5. Bierhaus – home to Galway’s largest and finest beer selection
The Bierhaus can proudly claim to have the largest and finest beer selection in the county, as they have over 60 different brews on offer from across the world.
The Bierhaus has a great bar and regularly plays host to some of the best underground DJs that the city has to offer.
Address: 2 Henry St, Galway, H91 E271, Ireland
4. The Front Door – boasts a brilliant selection of whiskeys
The Front Door bar is one of the largest and liveliest pubs in Galway’s City Centre. The bar has a brilliant selection of different whiskeys to sample and enjoy, thanks to its famous Sonny Molloy’s whiskey bar.
It has a bustling atmosphere that will make for a great pint and a great stop on your ultimate one-week Irish itinerary, no matter what time of the day it is.
Address: 8 Cross Street Upper, Galway, H91 YY06, Ireland
3. Tig Cóilí – hosts excellent daily live Irish trad sessions
If you are a fan of live Irish trad music sessions, then a visit to Tig Cóilí is a must as it is a great music venue. They’re known to pour a mean pint of Guinness, too.
This cosy old-style pub hosts daily live trad sessions all year round and is widely considered as being a stronghold for traditional Irish music.
Address: Mainguard St, The Latin Quarter, Galway, Ireland
2. O’Connell’s Bar – one of the best beer gardens in Galway
If you enjoy a bar with a good beer garden, then you will be very happy at O’Connell’s Bar on Eyre Square. It has one of, if not the best, beer gardens in the city.
Its famous beer garden is decorated to resemble old-style cobbled streets with shop and pub fronts that line the walls. It is perfect in the summer months when the sun shines, sometimes.
Address: 8 Eyre Square, Galway, H91 FT22, Ireland
1. The Quays – the best place to experience some real Irish culture in Galway
In first place on our list of the top ten best pubs and bars in Galway that everyone needs to experience is The Quays. With a great atmosphere and sociable outdoor area on the street, you can’t miss out!
The pub is famous for being the home of the television channel TG4’s country music competition, “Glor Tire”.
As such, it tends to be a popular spot for tourists as it is the perfect place to sample everything that is truly great about Irish culture.
Address: Quay Ln, Galway, Ireland
That concludes our list of what we believe to be the top ten best pubs and bars in Galway that you need to experience. How many of these pubs and bars have you visited?
Notable mentions
The Kings Head: The King’s Head is the oldest pub in Galway. It is a great spot to grab a pint or two.
Monroe’s Tavern: Monroe’s Tavern is a warm and cosy bar with a friendly, intimate atmosphere.
Sally Longs Rock Bar: Sally’s bar is considered the best rock bar in Galway City. If you’re a fan of rock music, get yourself to Sally’s.
Taylor’s Bar: Taylor’s bar is definitely a hidden gem in Galway. It is a great bar with an excellent beer garden. Bonus, it’s dog friendly!
FAQs about pubs and bars in Galway
Where can I find live music in Galway?
For excellent tunes, take a visit to Monroe’s Tavern, Tig Cóilí, or Róisín Dubh. These are great bars in Galway that will cater to your want for live music.
How many bars are there in Galway?
There are just under 500 pubs in Galway!
What is the oldest pub in Galway?
The oldest pub in Galway is The King’s Head. The building itself dates back to the 13th century.
