You might have heard of Ed Sheeran’s Galway Girl and tapped your feet to its fun, jolly Irish tunes playing in the background. You will do more than foot-tapping with Irish folks in the traditional, and highly-energetic best pubs in Galway, Ireland.
Currently ranked as the sixth most populous city in Ireland, mingling with friendly natives inside and outside the pub is a commonplace scenario in different places in Galway.
The harbor city is home to traditional live Irish music and fabulous street cafes, making it a perfect getaway for unlimited entertainment and fun with the locals. So here’s our list of best bars in Galway.
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10 Most Popular And Best Pubs in Galway
1. Tigh Neachtain
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Serving classic ales since 1894 and hosting one of the best and most artistic parties around Galway is Tigh Neachtain.
Situated in its heart, at the corner of Cross Street and Quay Street, is one of the best Irish pubs that offer live barnyard quartets and many more! The famous likes of Sharon Shannon, Brendan O’Regan, Brian Lennon have played in its rustic stages.
Homely handcrafted beers and ciders are always available in this bustling pub—which includes Indian Pale Ale, Pilsner or larger beers, wheat beer, dark beer, sour ale, apple ciders—each with their varying spirit levels.
They also offer soothing red wines from different European nations such as Hazana Crianza from Rioja, Spain, and Anne de Joyeuse Malbec from Limoux, France, and much more!
Prosecco and champagnes, premium, and fine red wines are also available for red wine connoisseurs.
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday – 10:30 AM to 11:30 PM
Contact Information
Phone: 091 568 820
Address: 17 Cross Street, The Latin Quarter, Galway, Ireland
Email: info@tighneachtain.com
2. O’Connells Bar
One of the warmest and most inviting pubs you’ll visit in Galway is O’Connell’s Bar. Located along the banks of river Liffey at the heart of the city, the pub is easily accessible by foot or through the cab.
With its antique theme, including stained glasses, warm lighting, and whiskey displays, staying in this pub is imbibing Irish history at its most fun.
One of the great features is the massive outdoor beer garden and outdoor bars available during the weekends. Spend some time with your friends and enjoy the best outdoor picnic activities that Galway has to offer.
Opening Hours
Monday – Thursday: 10.30 am – 11.30 pm
Friday- Saturday: 10:30 am – 12:30 am
Sunday: 12:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Contact Information
Phone:+353 (0)91 563634
Address: 8 Eyre Square, Galway
3. The Quays
Image courtesy of The Quays via Facebook
The unique and antique design of the pub is reminiscent of old taverns of medieval times.
Located in the Latin Quarter, the pub is home to some of the best-crafted beers. And with its inlaid woods, stained glasses, and church pews, visitors will have a jolly time with the locals and enjoy their fresh and handcrafted ales.
The bar and restaurant also offer amazing meals, such as the famous Galway oysters, while enjoying the free live music of the best Irish performers around town.
Opening Hours
Tuesday – Wednesday – 12:00 PM to 12:30 AM
Thursday – 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Friday – Saturday 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Sunday – 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Contact Information
Phone:+353 (091) 568 347
Address: 11 Quay Street, Galway
4. Taaffes Bar Galway
Serving good, traditional ales around Shop Street in Galway for over 150 years is Taaffes Bar.
The traditional atmosphere of the pub can be felt in all corners of the bar, from the cozy lighting to the timberwork of the chairs and tables.
The finest Guinness and dry stouts are greatly recommended by the locals and visitors alike. A friendly reminder; there are plenty of seats in the pub, but be sure to go in early if you’d like to feel more comfortable in the bar!
Opening Hours
Monday – Thursday 10:30 AM to 11:30 PM
Friday – Saturday 10:30 AM to 12:30 AM
Sunday 121:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Contact Information
Phone: 091 564 066
Address: 19-20 Shop Street
Email: padraiglally@hotmail.com
5. Monroe’s Tavern
Image courtesy of Monroe’s Tavern via Facebook
Boasting its free live music seven nights per week since 1964 is the tall, white, imposing, and traditional Monroe’s Tavern. It is home to great gigs, parties, and great Irish food! And ales, too, of course.
Its friendly atmosphere and warm people will be your best welcome in Galway, Ireland.
During Tuesdays, you can join in the festive line dance with the locals, even if you don’t know the steps—it’s a great way to boost your confidence, or try striking a conversation with any of the friendly locals.
Opening Hours
Monday – Thursday -10:00 AM to 11:30 PM
Friday – Saturday – 10:30 AM to 2:30 AM
Sunday – 12:00 AM to 11:30 PM
Contact Information
Address:14 Dominick Street Upper, Galway
6. Sehan Ua Neachtain
Image courtesy of Sehan Ua Neachtain via website.
A classy restaurant and pub that features live music and open fireplaces are some of the features of Sehan Ua Neachtain. A wide collection of whiskeys is available for anyone to try, spicing-up your traditional Irish-themed nightlife.
Take a picture with the medieval-themed Irish portraits, or try their delectable beef and dishes with a partner of a pint of handcrafted lager.
Opening Hours
Mon – Wed 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Thursday – Friday 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Sunday 10:00 AM to 11:OO PM
Contact Information
Phone:+353 91 568 820
Address: 17 Upper Cross St
7. Tig Coili
Image courtesy of Tig Coili via Instagram.
Also placed in the heart of Galway’s Latin Quarter, your boring nights will be set afire and burn with soul by drinking the good pints of cold ale in Tig Coili.
The pub offers some of Galway’s best musicians, as well as visiting musicians, to play live traditional Irish folk songs for everybody to enjoy, featuring two live music sessions per day.
The pub’s top corners are decorated with vibrant colors of roses, and the interior has the feel of a polished-woodwork room.
Opening Hours
Monday – Thursday – 10:30 AM to 11:30 PM
Friday – Saturday – 10:30 AM to 12:30 AM
Sunday – 12:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Contact Information
Phone: 091 561294
Address: Mainguard St, The Latin Quarter, Galway, Ireland
Email: tig.coili@yahoo.com
8. Barr an Chaladh
Image courtesy of Barr an Chaladh via Facebook.
You’d easily notice this small but homely pub around the Woodquay area, with its fearsome red color and catchy signage written in Irish.
The limited seating in the area, though, does not stop great traditional Irish musicians from performing and making you feel an authentic Irish experience. Have a chat with the locals and watch live sports from the TV—if you’re into sports, it would get a good conversation started.
It can get crowded sometimes, especially during the night, but if you are a visitor who’s willing to know more about Irish culture and its people, then this place is a great stop.
Opening Hours
Monday – Thursday – 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Friday – Saturday – 10:00 AM to 12:30 AM
Sunday – 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Contact Information
Phone:+353 91 895762
Address: 3 Daly’s Place,Woodquay Galway , Republic of Ireland
Email: barranchaladhgalway@gmail.com
9. Tigh Fox
Also known as the Tigh Fox Trad House is a marvelous, clean-looking bar, with polished floors, a nice, warm fireplace, and TV to watch good sports.
Try some of their menus for dinner, a Guinness, and have a chat while listening to traditional Irish music while imbibing the warm and spiritual atmosphere of this prestigious bar.
Opening Hours
Mon – Thu – 10:30 AM to 11:30 PM
Fri – Sat – 10:30 AM to 12:30 AM
Sun – 10:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Contact Information
Phone:(091) 584181
Address: 6 Forster Street Galway
10. The King’s Head
Serving one of the best dishes and ales since 1694, the three-story pub is one of the best pubs you’ll ever experience around Galway.
Live events, including stand-up comedies and live traditional Irish music performances, are of great interest to both locals and tourists alike.
The 800 years of history of this remarkable pub is still currently being researched, as its medieval walls and windows have been preserved as well.
If you want to try their menu, have a taste of their Wild Atlantic Seafood Chowder, Best of Irish Board, Lobster and Chips, Slow Cooked Lamb Shank, Burren Smoked Salmon Board, and their Great Local Seafood and Steaks.
Their food philosophy is simple, if it’s fresh, local, and seasonal, then it goes to The Kings Head’s menu! Do try their Breakfast for Kings, Light Lunches, and Dinner Mains with a partner of their best Irish ale, for a full Irish pub experience.
Opening Hours
Mon – Thursday – 10:30 AM to 11:30 PM
Friday to Saturday – 10:30 AM to 2:00 AM
Sun – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Contact Information
Phone: +353 91 566630
Address:The Kings Head, 15 High Street, Galway, Ireland
Email: info@thekingshead.ie
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 60 countries for the past 12 years. I also lived in 4 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia, Africa and now in Europe. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.
20 Best Things To Do In Galway City, Ireland - Ireland Travel Guides
Monday 16th of August 2021
[…] Enjoy a walk here with many bohemian-style cafes, restaurants, craft shops, and some of the best bars in Galway. […]
Heaven
Thursday 23rd of April 2020
Thanks love this list of best pubs and bars in Galway.