Galway is known as the cultural city of Ireland. Apart from the beautiful landscapes, it is famous for its fun nightlife. Some traditional Irish pubs serve a perfect pint that you can enjoy with your friends. If you’re a tourist, the city’s welcoming nature will make you want to explore more of these pubs and have a thrilling time in the lively atmosphere here.
From old school bar to beer gardens, here’s a list of the top 7 Best pubs in Galway city:
Table of Contents
An Pucan
Au Pucan is a place where you can find anything and everything- be it a freshly cooked meal, several drinks or want to enjoy a rugby match. They offer you all three-time meals and have their own gin, which is a must-try. Over 150 whiskeys from around the world and locally produced craft beer and boutique wines are also available.
You can enjoy all this with some great live music sessions. This place is a must-visit and one of my personal favourite. If you visit this place, let me know what you tried.
Address: 11 Forster St, Galway, H91 P65D, Ireland
O’Connells
It is home to the best beer garden in the city. The outside bar is decorated in an old street-style way. The ambiance and the lively atmosphere here is the best thing that you can enjoy on a weekend night in Galway. They have live music and DJ sessions, which attracts most of the crowd present here. You will also find many rugby sports fans here, so O’Connells is also known as a sporting bar.
The whole typical traditional-style ambiance will make you feel like you’re a part of some historical story. O’Connells Bar garden is the perfect place for any occasion, birthday, parties, after-work drinks, or family get-togethers.
Address: 8 Eyre Square, Galway, H91 FT22, Ireland
The Quays
This placed is loved by locals as well as tourists. The Quays is known for its traditional Irish style and music events. You can also have a mouthwatering food menu during the day time. Some of the interior here was imported from a French medieval church, and the building itself is 400 years old. The place is known to be a tourist magnet, so be prepared to have some crowd around you.
If you’re around and looking to spend some fantastic time in the night, and at the same time want a taste of authentic Irish culture, Do visit here.
Address: Quay Ln, Galway, Ireland
The Dail’s Bar
The Dail’s Bar is a cosy spot and the best place to go when you want to get a table late at night. Sports fans can enjoy the screening of some popular matches. Their exclusive whiskey selection and award-winning cocktails make them one of the most visited bars by tourists. They also arrange themed parties and get-togethers. The food here is of the best quality and served at a very affordable price. The fantastic ambiance and great food add a plus point to the place.
It is the perfect place to have a night out in Galway and enjoy the DJ music till 2 am.
Address: 42 Middle St, Galway, H91 R8W3, Ireland
Front Door
It is one of the city’s largest pubs, spread over two floors and five separate bars along two streets. The place serves a wide variety of drinks and the right music playlist, which is perfect to set up the vibe. You can also enjoy the screening of all famous games with a large HD TV.
The Front Door is also home to the popular Sonny Molloys whiskey bar, including the well-known Galway Bay Irish Whiskey, which provides a wide whiskey range.
They offer traditional Irish food with an international twist in the day time, and you can enjoy the live DJ there till 2 am. It is undoubtedly the best place to socialize and meet new people. If you’re visiting Galway for the first time, I recommend you spend some fun time here and have drinks with your friends.
Address: 8 Cross Street Upper, Galway, H91 YY06, Ireland
King’s Head
It is one of the most iconic pubs in Galway. It is known for its live music and good food. A Grealish family now owns this three-floor pub for over 20 years. Research shows that the building dated back to 800 years and was once recognized as one of the tallest and most prominent buildings in the town.
Address: 15 High St, Galway, H91 AY6P, Ireland
Taaffes Bar
It is one of the most famous pubs in Galway city. As it is located in the heart of the town, Shop Street, you might want to go in early if you want to sit. It is crowded with locals, students as well as tourists. The building was built almost 400 years ago, and the pub is about 150 years old.
The most exciting thing about this pub is its music sessions. It is famous for showcasing traditional music and having a live music session every night. In the past, famous musicians such as Sharon Shannon performed live at the Taaffes bar. If you’re around this place and want to experience the cultural side of Ireland, try to visit here, and trust me, you’ll have the best night in Galway.
Address: 19 Shop St, Galway, Ireland
Conclusion
I hope that this list was helpful to you and gave you all the necessary information to decide to hop into which bar from so many options that this city offers. There’s also a weekend itinerary for Galway on my blog. Click here to know more about the itinerary.
Let me know in the comment section which place did you enjoy the most.