- Tig Cóilí (Galway City): A famous traditional pub on Mainguard Street in the Latin Quarter, named after owner and musician Cóilín Ó Flatharta. Hosts live traditional Irish music twice daily (6:00 PM and 9:30 PM Mon–Sat, 2:30 PM and 8:00 PM Sun), with a cozy, photo-lined interior. Known for its authentic atmosphere and local musicians. Expect a lively, intimate pub packed with locals and tourists, great Guinness, and toe-tapping trad sessions. Arrive early for a seat, especially upstairs, as it holds only 50–70 people. Ideal for music lovers.
- Tigh Neachtain (Galway City): A vibrant pub since 1894 on Cross Street and Quay Street, known for its literary connections and bohemian vibe. Features wooden panelling, a crackling fire, and artifacts, with live music and a great craft beer and whiskey selection. Once frequented by Seamus Heaney and Mary Robinson. Its outdoor seating faces the Latin Quarter. Visitors can enjoy a cozy, artsy atmosphere with excellent drinks and occasional music. Perfect for people-watching on a sunny day or a pre-dinner pint near top restaurants.
- The King’s Head (Galway City): A historic pub on High Street in the Latin Quarter, dating back over 800 years, once home to Galway’s mayor. Named after Colonel Peter Stubbers, who executed King Charles I, it offers bistro-style food, house-made Blood Red Ale, and comedy gigs in the Ruby Room. Known for its lively atmosphere and history. Expect a bustling, tourist-friendly pub with hearty meals (e.g., crab claws, Connemara lamb), great beers, and entertainment. Ideal for a fun night out, though it can be crowded.
- O’Connell’s Bar (Galway City): A traditional pub on Eyre Square, featured in Ed Sheeran’s “Galway Girl” video, with a history as a grocer’s. Hosts one of Galway’s best beer gardens, designed like cobbled streets with shop fronts, plus ornate ceilings and live music. Known for summer BBQs and rugby screenings. Visitors can enjoy a quirky, welcoming pub with great pints and a vibrant outdoor area. Perfect for a sunny pint or watching sports, though it’s busy during events.
- The Quays (Galway City): A 400-year-old pub on Quay Street, recently renovated, known for its traditional charm and live music. Features carved wood, stained glass, and the Galway Girl restaurant with seafood and Guinness stew. Hosts live trad music nightly and has an upstairs music venue. Home to TG4’s “Glor Tire” competition. Expect a lively, tourist-heavy pub with excellent food and music. Great for a cultural experience, but book ahead for dining or arrive early for music.
- An Púcán (Galway City): A traditional pub on Forster Street near Eyre Square, recently refurbished, known for its lively atmosphere. Offers daily live music, weekend bands, and a late-night DJ, with 11 screens for sports and a large beer garden. Serves food all day, plus whiskey and cocktail menus. Visitors can enjoy a vibrant pub with great food, sports, and music. Ideal for groups or sports fans, though it’s lively at night and best visited during the day for a quieter vibe.
- Monroe’s Tavern (Galway City): A Galway institution on Upper Dominick Street in the West End, known for its music and long bar. Offers live trad music seven nights a week, a varied menu (breakfast to dinner), and an upstairs concert space for shows like Irish dancing. A local favorite for over 50 years. Expect a spacious, warm pub with excellent music and food (mains €11–€15). Great for a night of trad or a casual meal near The Claddagh.
- John Keogh’s – The Lock Keeper (Galway City): An award-winning gastropub on Upper Dominick Street, opened in 2016, known for its modern Irish cuisine. Features vintage decor, gas lamps, and fireplaces, with a menu of lamb cutlets, pork belly skewers, and duck spring rolls. Voted Ireland’s best regional food pub in 2022. Visitors can enjoy upscale dining (mains €20+) in a cozy, historic setting. Perfect for foodies, though reservations are recommended due to popularity.
- O’Connor’s (Salthill): A family-run “singing pub” in Salthill since 1942, featured in Ed Sheeran’s “Galway Girl” video. Known for its sing-along sessions, eclectic decor with antiques, and no TVs or food, focusing purely on music and drinks. Visited by Michael D. Higgins and Art Garfunkel. Expect a traditional, music-driven pub with a homey vibe, opening only at night. Ideal for a memorable evening of song, though it’s small and fills quickly.
- The Crane Bar (Galway City): A renowned traditional music pub on Sea Road in the West End, a haunt for musicians and listeners. Offers live trad sessions nightly, with upstairs and downstairs bars. Known for its authentic, unpretentious vibe and local musician gatherings. Visitors can enjoy an intimate, music-focused pub with great pints and a local feel. Perfect for trad enthusiasts, but arrive early as it’s cozy and popular.
- Garavan’s (Galway City): A family-owned pub on William Street since 1937, in the heart of the shopping district. Hosts one of Ireland’s largest whiskey collections (over 400 varieties), Victorian lamps, and a cozy snug. Offers whiskey tasting platters and weekend live music. Expect a small, elegant pub with top-notch whiskey and a relaxed vibe. Great for whiskey lovers or a post-shopping pint, though space is limited.
- Busker Brownes (Galway City): A gastropub on Cross Street Upper in the Latin Quarter, popular with buskers and foodies. Features an extensive menu of Irish and modern dishes, craft beers, and cocktails, with live music and DJ nights. A two-time Galway Restaurant of the Year winner. Visitors can enjoy a lively, spacious pub with great food and music. Ideal for a meal or a night out, though it’s bustling during peak times.
- The Skeff Bar (Galway City): One of Galway’s largest pubs, located on Eyre Square, operating since 1850. Features six bars across five floors, a history as a coaching inn, and live music from The Dubliners to Christy Moore. Offers a vibrant atmosphere and varied drinks menu. Expect a large, tourist-friendly pub with a lively vibe, good drinks, and music. Great for groups, though it can feel hectic at night.
- Róisín Dubh (Galway City): A legendary music venue and pub on Dominick Street in the West End, named after a 16th-century Irish song. Hosts top Irish acts like Christy Moore and comedy nights, with a red-and-black interior and rooftop smoking area. Known as one of Ireland’s best music venues. Visitors can enjoy a vibrant, artsy pub with eclectic music and a lively crowd. Perfect for a concert or comedy night, though it’s busy during shows.
- Hole in the Wall (Galway City): A refurbished pub in Woodquay, popular with younger crowds for its modern vibe. Offers a spacious beer garden with shelter, gluten-free tap beer, and a diverse drinks menu. Known for its friendly staff and contemporary feel. Expect a relaxed, youthful pub with great drinks and outdoor seating. Ideal for a sunny pint or casual night out, though it’s less traditional.
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County Galway:
Ireland’s county Galway offers a delightful mix of cultural heritage and coastal beauty, with Galway City’s Latin Quarter showcasing historic streets and traditional music venues. The Connemara National Park provides hiking trails through rugged mountains and bogs, while the Aran Islands offer ancient stone forts like Dún Aonghasa. Other favourite stop is ithe Kylemore Abbey’s Victorian gardens and coastal cliffs. Galway is Ireland’s second largest county by size (5,939 sq km) and fifth largest by population (277,737). Population peaked at 440,198 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 148,340 in 1966. In terms of hospitality, Galway is Ireland’s third most visited tourist county with around 1,028,000 international visitors per year.
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