Covid 19 update. As things are up in the air as of October 2020 the information below may be out of date. We’ve seen over the past couple of months places change opening times, close for a period of time, change hands, or unfortunately close for good.
Covid update July 2022. Everything is open in Galway and the bars are in full-swing.
One thing we’re not short of in Galway is bars. Despite the small size of the city there’s over 100 bars to choose from and if this is your first time visiting or if you’ve visited before it can be a bit daunting finding a bar that reflects what you enjoy.
Most of the bars will stock the usual selection of well-known beers, spirits and a selection of wines along with a small selection of international and local craft beers. At time of writing only two bars that we know of don’t stock the most famous stout in the world.
Coffee and tea are available in most places although the quality in some cases is not so good. There are also a dozen or so places that carry a huge selection of artisan beers, gin and whiskies from international, national and local producers.
Wine can be hit or miss in some bars but there are a few places that take their wine seriously.
Almost every bar offers food of some description or another, ranging from just soup and a sandwich to a full on gastro menu, with some places offering something that little bit different from regular everyday meals. Most serve food from midday through until 8:00pm and a few places up to 10:00pm or later. The few places that do not serve food will usually have some snacks available in the form of crisps, chocolate bars etc.
Service in bars is usually a friendly affair. However during very busy times things may seem a little abrupt as staff are usually run off their feet dealing with the onslaught of orders.
Opening times for bars can vary, some open as early as 10:30am and if it’s a weekend may have what’s known as a bar extension – serving drinks up until 1:30am and later. Mid-week most places stop serving at 11:30pm, Friday and Saturday until 12:30am and Sunday until 11:00pm. Nearly every bar has a TV screen, or several as sporting is hugely popular, expect soccer to feature everywhere during the season.
The smoking ban came into effect in Ireland in 2004 so if your inclined to have a smoke it’ll be outside. A few bars have an outdoor “smoking” area, but this seems to be phasing out, however, several bars do have beer gardens.
Accessibility access in most bars is limited but is improving.
Prices for drinks can vary from bar to bar and from one part of the city to the other. On a recent night out we paid €11:60 for a Guinness and G&T and €14:10 in another bar for the same two drinks, so you get the idea.
So hopefully the following brief description of Galway bars that we’ve visited, will help you decide. (We’ve not eaten in every bar but we have had a drink or two). Also, the following are not reviews or recommendations, just a view of what to expect from the bars mentioned, however, you will find a link to a full review, of some of the bars. On a side note, not all bars have a web page, they usually use FB or other social media outlet.
Woodquay and surrounds:
Most visitors to Galway bypass this part of the city and while not as lively as the Quay St or the Eyre Square areas, it still has a good choice of places to grab a drink or a bite to eat.
Barr An Chaladh (3 Daly’s Place Woodquay Galway – www.https://barr-an-chaladh.business.site)
A cosy bar that attracts a mixed crowd of locals. There’s the usual standard of drinks on offer and a few TV screens for sporting events, there’s also a small stage which features live music most evenings.
McSwiggans (3 Eyre St. Woodquay Galway – www.mcswiggans.com)
An older crowd frequents McSwiggans offering a standard selection of drinks, it is also a popular choice with families during the day as it offers an extensive food menu. It’s a large bar with several areas where you can sit and enjoy a drink. There’s also a few TV screens scattered around.
The Hole in the Wall (Reopened Oct 2020) (Eyre St. Galway)
Under new management things have changed in the Hole in the Wall. Before it was known for it’s young crowd and cheap drinks. Now it attracts an older mixed crowd. They have a decent selection of drinks and the decor is slightly quirky and we like it. Check out the pianos stuck on the ceiling. As of July 2022 they do not do food, but this could change and we think it will.
McGinn’s Hop House (19 Woodquay Galway)
Hosed in the old “Stage Door Inn” premises, the Hop House is bright and comfortable, it has a decent choice of drinks, although wines are served via a tap system if you’re having a glass. There’s a decent food menu along with pizza from their wood-fired oven. It gets busier as the evening goes on and attracts a mixed crowd.
The Lough Inn (32 Woodquay Galway)
Does not seem to be reopening as of July 2022 and is probably closed for good.
Caribou (31 Woodquay Galway)
This (always) busy spot has a great selection of drinks, friendly staff and a young hip vibe that anyone can enjoy. Expect cool tunes in the background and DJ’s on occasion. There’s also a good selection of food on offer with (better than most) typical gastro affair done with a slight twist. For a full Caribou review click here.
Blakes bar (25 Eglinton St. Galway – www.brasseriegalway.com)
Part of the brasserie on the corner restaurant Blakes is used for a pre dinner drink before dining. However the bar is a comfortable spot to enjoy a drink even if not dining there. It carries the usual selection of drinks with the wine choice been particularly decent.
The Buddha bar (14 Mary’s St. Galway – www.buddhabar.ie)
Like Blakes just up the road a drink can be enjoyed before dining in the Asian tea rooms right next door. However in its own right the place is popular and the decor is, as the name suggests, Asian inspired. Cocktails are the winner here with a decent selection and good prices.
The Cellar (12 Eglinton St. Galway – www.thecellar.ie)
Long established and local favourite The Cellar attracts a mixed crowd and is a lively spot with bands downstairs. It stocks a good selection of drinks and there’s a decent food menu. It’s a popular late night spot especially at weekends.
Our two choice picks: Caribou and The Hole in the Wall.
Eyre Square and surrounds:
The large green area in the centre of the city is surrounded by bars and hotels. It’s also close to the rail and coach stations and is probably the first site you’ll see on arrival into the city. It’s busy during day and late into the night as most local buses arrive and depart from here and the main taxi rank is here too.
The Skeff (Skeffington Arms Hotel) (27 Eyre Square Galway – www.theskeff.ie)
Known simply as “The Skeff” by locals, is worth a visit for the interesting decor. It may seem more of a sports bar these days given the amount of TVs around the place but it’s hugely popular with locals. It gets high praise for its cocktail menu and has a decent selection of beers and wine. Food is served all day and attracts a mixed crowd.
The Gaslight Brasserie (Formally the Meyrick Hotel now the Hardiman) (The Hardiman Hotel Eyre Square Galway – https://www.thehardiman.ie
We’ve yet to visit since changing hands to the Hardiman Hotel.
13 on the Green (formally Garvey’s) (13 Eyre Square Galway
We’ve yet to visit 13 on The Green, but from what we gather like Garvey’s before it, it offers accommodation in the form of B&B.
An Púcán (11 Forster St. Galway – www.anpucan.ie)
This local and visitor favourite is a busy spot, it gets a young crowd who are planning a “busy” night out. It has a huge whiskey selection and serves food with a good choice of other drinks on offer. The music on offer is traditional Irish and a (session) takes place most evenings.
O’Connells (8 Eyre Square Galway – www.oconnellsbargalway.com)
As if O’Connells did not need to be more famous and popular, Ed Sheeran shot parts of his Galway Girl music video here bringing this bar to an international audience. It heaves at the weekends with locals and visitors, it gets particular busy during rugby matches. It has a good selection of drinks and an award winning G&T. The Dough Bros guys and the Pratai crew serve up chips and winning pizzas in the large beer garden.
Le Petit Pois (Victoria Place Galway – www.lepetitpois.ie) (has yet to reopen as of October 2020)
One of the few wine bars in the city, but one of the best, it’s also a restaurant. This French restaurant and wine bar has a regular changing menu. The wine list is short, but any of the (all French) wines we’ve tried have been enjoyable. There’s a small courtyard with outdoor seating with heaters if it gets a little cold. It may not have a view of the Eiffel Tower but it’s a great spot to enjoy a glass or two with a few nibbles. The Staff are very friendly. As of July 2022 has not reopened and is deemed closed for good.
Tribeton (1-3 Merchants Rd. Galway – www.tribeton.ie). (appears to be closed for good, October 2020)
If you could lift Tribeton up and place it in a major city such as London or New York, it’d probably fit right in. It’s a huge space with impressive interior that has an industrial elegant look to it. There’s a good choice of drinks and a better than most cocktail selection. Food is served all day, but is a little pretentious and a tad pricey. Attracts a young and young at heart crowd, who dress to impress.
As of July 2022 Tribeton has indeed closed for good and has been replaced by the Galway Distillery – review coming soon.
Our two choice picks: Galway Distillery and O’Connells.
Shop street William’s street and surrounds:
Shop street and William’s street are the main terra fare from the Eyre Square area to the top of High Street and Mainguard Street. While there are not as many bars as other parts of the city, there’s still a good choice of places to enjoy a drink. The crossroads midway down where Williams Street ends and Shop Street begins is Abbeygate street, upper and lower.
Garavans (46 Williams St. Galway – www.garavans.ie)
A busy spot with locals and visitors, Garavans enjoys a great location on William’s street. There’s outdoor seating when the weather improves and it’s a great place for people watching. Traditional Irish music is usually featured in the bar albeit a smaller affair than some of the other bars. The staff are friendly, has a very cosy feel and it has a decent choice of drinks.
Barcade also knows as Electric (formally Biteclub) (36 Abbeygate St. Upper – www.electricgalway.com)
While food is probably the main reason for visiting Electric and deservedly so, the bar is also an enjoyable spot. The background music is a mix of rock, pop and everything in between. The decor has a retro, post modern look to it. The beer choice is ok but it has a better selection of decent cocktails. Attracts a young crowd usually starting a night out before hitting the late night spots. Plus as the name suggests you can play arcade games.
Closed for good July 2022
Sally Longs (33 Abbeygate St. Upper – https://sallylongs.business.site)
Looking for a dive bar, you’ll find it here. More than any other bar in Galway, Sally Longs has its own crowd, locals who’ve been enjoying a drink here for as long as the bar has been in business. It’s a bit dark and grungy, but that’s the attraction. A DJ usually features, rock music all the way and bands feature on occasion. There’s no food except for a few snacks. Check out the famous mural on the outside of the building.
De Burgos (15 St Augustine St. Galway)(appears to be closed indefinitely, October 2020)
A late night spot has a tiny bar serving the usual standard of drinks. It’s also one of the few bars in Galway that are below street level. Live music features on occasion and the stony ceiling adds a certain character to the place. If you’re looking for a place void of visitors, this is the place.
Closed for good July 2022
Ti Colie (Mainguard St. Galway – www.tigcoiligalway.com)
Traditional Irish music – now you’re talking! Busy day and night Ti Colie (house of music) has music playing from soon after opening to late into the evening. You’ll find as many locals as visitors enjoying the entertainment. It offers a decent choice of drinks and has outdoor seating. Prepare to squeeze in during busy times, which is pretty much all the time.
Sheridan’s Wine Bar (14-16 Churchyard St. Galway – https://sheridanscheesemongers.com/shops/galway-wine-bar/)
Blink and you’ll miss the small door leading upstairs to this excellent wine bar. It’s above Sheridan’s cheese shop. All the wines on offer are European, mostly Italian and the many glasses we’ve had over the years have been fantastic. Which is helped in part with the knowledgable staff who will help you find a wine to your liking. Food is served on boards with a selection of cheeses, olives, hummus and the like with some charcuterie available.
Our two choice picks: Sheridan’s and Garavan’s.
Quay street, Cross street and High street:
Here it is, this is Galway in full swing, also known as The Latin Quater. If your visiting your going to end up here at one point or another. Friends that have visited Galway will no doubt have told you about this part of the city, mentioning places such as Buskers, The Front Door, The Quays and so on. For most locals this is where a night on the town both begins and ends given the choice of places to eat and drink along with loads of entertainment on offer. Expect slightly higher prices in this part of the city.
The Kings Head (15 High St. Galway – www.thekingshead.ie)
A very busy spot and local favourite with plenty of room over its two floors. Bands feature regularly, has a good selection of drinks and food is served all day. Outside look up to see the “King” losing his head.
Freeneys (19 High St. Galway)
Want to see what a bar in Ireland looked like 100 years ago, then step right in. Not a lot has changed in Freeneys, bar the modern TVs. It’s a great spot for a drink and gets busy at the weekends. No food snacks only.
Murphy’s (9 High St. Galway – www.murphysbargalway.com)
Directly across from Freeneys, Murphy’s (bar) not the ice cream parlour a few doors up is wort a look in. Mostly locals and in the middle age and up bracket frequent here. There’s Irish music on occasion.
Bunch of Grapes (2 High St. Galway)
At the lower end of High Street, this is a delightful little bar, given the size of some of the venues around it, it’s nice to have a places that feels a little more homely. There’s a stove towards the back and on accosion some music playing.
The Front Door (also Sonnys and Ti Nora) (8 Cross St. Upper Galway – www.frontdoorpub.com)
One of the BIG three made up funny enough, by three bars. The Front door is pack to the rafters at the weekend and busy most nights during the tourist season and holidays. Ti Nora is first and foremost a gin bar with an array of gins available. The staff are very helpful in helping you find your gin of choice. Sonnys seems completely different but is all part of the one place. Food is served all day.
Busker Browns (8 Cross St. Upper Galway – www.buskerbrownes.com)
A huge bar spread over three floors and a busy spot at weekends. It attracts a mixed crowd out for a good night out. Food is available all day until about 8:00pm, however, you can pop next door to Kirbys restaurant which serves almost the same choice but until later in the evening. There’s a large screen for sports and its also a popular lunchtime spot with families at the weekends. There’s a famous Jazz brunch on Sunday’s which is always popular.
The Dáil (42 Middle St. Galway – www.thedailbar.com)
At a glance the Dail may seem like an old bar but it’s actually one of the newest in the area. It serves food all day and has several screens for sports. Like all bars in this area it gets busy at weekends but unlike some of the other bars there’s a bit more breeding room.
The Quays (Quay Lane Galway – www.quaysgalway.ie)
Know world wide the famous Quays bar is busy day and night. Upstairs features bands and dancing and gets a mixed crowd of locals and visitors. The decor inside is that of an old Scottish church, apparently. Food is served all day and there’s a good choice of drinks. There’s outdoor seating available but can seemed a little cramped at busy times.
Tigh Naughtons (17 Cross St. Galway – www.tighneachtain.com)
Right on the corner of Cross street and Quay Street this is one of he best bars in the area and is packed to bursting at the weekends. If you can squeeze your way in, you may be lucky and grab a “snug” if someone if leaving and if you do, you’ll be hard pressed to give it up. There’s a good choice of drinks and the bar staff are excellent, coping seamlessly with the crowds. It’s a local favourite and popular with visitors. There’s outdoor seating and an always interesting window display. Also see if you can spot the hare on the outside.
Bar Seven (5-7 Bridge St. Galway – www.sevenbridgestreet.ie)
Often still referred to as its old name Kelly’s, it gets busier later in the evening. There’s usually a DJ downstairs with room for dancing and live music upstairs featuring up and coming new artists as well as more established acts. Food is served all day and there’s a decent cocktail menu along with the usual range of drinks. It also has a large screen for sports.
The Dew Drop Inn (Miles Lee) (Mainguard St. Galway)
Another small busy bar which has not changed in decades. It’s wort a stop in for an early evening drink before hitting some of the busier places. However, you could easily pass a couple of hours as it has a good atmosphere. There’s seating outside and a small upstairs area.
Jury’s Inn (Beer Garden) (Quay St. Galway – www.jurysinns.com/hotels/galway)
At the bottom of Quay street you’ll find Jury’s Inn hotel. Aside from the main bar, there’s a large beer garden and is a great spot when the sun shines. There’s the usual standard of drinks available and food is served all day, as it’s a hotel expect a lot of families.
Our two choice picks: Ti Naguhtons and Freeneys.
The Westend and surrounds:
The always “up and coming” part of the city has changed a lot over the last couple of years, with new bars and dining options including a Michelin starred restaurant. It’s busy at weekends and is a great night out alternative, to the busier Quay street area, which is a short 2 minute walk away. Also, unlike the Quay street area, the roads are not pedestrianised so it can be busy with traffic day and night.
Monroe’s (14 Dominick St. Upper Galway – www.monroes.ie)
You can’t miss this monolith of a bar on the busy corner of Dominick Street and Ravens Terrace. There’s music every night downstairs with an eclectic mix of bands playing. There’s also live music upstairs featuring national and international acts. There’s a decent choice of food available with pizzas been very popular. There’s a good choice of drinks and friendly bar staff.
Rósíne Dubh (9 Dominick St. Upper Galway – www.roisindubh.net)
One of the most famous live music venues in the country the Rósíne Dubh has had a slew of artists over the years before they made it big. Live bands still feature on a regular basis in the very cosy live lounge at the back of the building which is great for getting up and close to your favourite band. It’s a good size space spread out over several floor including a beer garden. It also features DJ’s spinning an alternative mix of tunes. It opens late evening.
American Village Apothecary (31 Dominick St. Lower Galway – www.americavillage.com). (Unfortunately closed for good October 2020)
This is defiantly something different and well worth a visit. The tiny space can seat all of about 20 with a squeeze. It’s short but tasty list of cocktails is the main draw and it changes on a regular basis. Using locally sourced plants, shrubs and the like the team put together some very tasty cocktails. There’s also some food available. Perfect spot to have a pre-dinner drink.
Bierhaus (2 Henery St. Galway – www.bierhausgalway.com)
One of the greatest things to happen the bar scene in Galway was the Bierhaus. It was the first place to really bring a huge selection of international beers from craft breweries, as the craft beer phenomenon was taking off. This continues today with an always changing and fantastic choice available, both on draft and bottles. It also has as small but good choice of cocktails. Food is available in the form of gourmet hot dogs.
Nova: (Had closed, now reopened as Nova Bar – we’ve yet to visit)
Tiny Nova is a colourful place with the emphasis on cocktails. It’s LGBT friendly and gets a mixed crowd. It’s also one of the few places in the city that have a Karaoke night. They also serve food.
Taylor’s Bar (7 Dominick St. Upper Galway – www.taylorsgalway.ie)
Before our time, Taylor’s was a bar, grocery store and butchers. This was of course nothing new as a lot of bars offered all theses services and more many moons ago. Taylor’s closed for a few years but reopened as a bar with a nice beer garden and the obligatory T.V. screens. It’s a small space inside but has a really good sized beer garden. Food is served by “Roost” expect lot’s of chicken.
John Keows the Lock Keeper (22-24 Dominick St. Upper Galway – www.johnkeoghs.ie)
One of the newer kids on the block is a large bar and almost a carbon copy of the likes of the Front Door or the Dail bar. It carries the standard selection of drinks and food is served from a fairly standard choice menu. If it looks busy head in any way, it stretches very far back.
E Brun (55 Dominick St. Lower Galway)
(Reopened as MT Walsh, same pub different look and name – July 2022) This tiny local place is a nice spot to enjoy a drink early in the evening or during the day. It has the usual selection of drinks on offer and a very cosy feel.
Galway Arms Inn (65 Dominnick St. Lower Galway – http://galwayarmsinn.com-galway.com)
Friendly staff and decent prices at this very local bar. if your looking for an early evening midweek drink it’s worth a stop in. It offers food during the day and is never too busy. They also offer accommodation on a B&B basis.
Blue Note (3 Williams St. West Galway)
A young trendy crowd frequents the Blue Note. It has a good outdoor area and is busiest late in the evening. It’s got a good choice of drinks and background music playing a mix of rock, dance, tecno and everything inbetween.
Salthouse (Ravens Terrace Galway – https://www.galwaybaybrewery.com/salthouse/)
No food, no bands, grungy and tiny, for a no frills bar, this is one of the better places in this part of town. It’s got a great location beside the canal and like the Beirhaus near by, has a fantastic beer selection from local and international breweries. It’s always busy and has a great atmosphere.
Massimos (10 Williams St. West Galway – www.massimogalway.com)
Has always been a late night spot but over the last few years has offered a better dining experience in the evenings. It still gets the late night revellers bobbing away to the tunes been spun by a DJ. There’s a good choice of drinks and the staff are a friendly bunch. On a side note the management of the food on offer has changed recently and we’ve yet to try it, but previously the food was pretty good.
The Universal (9 Williams St. West Galway – https://theuniversal.business.site)
There’s a cool and hip vibe at the Universal, which can do no wrong. Despite its small size it makes up for it with a great choice of draft beers, cocktails and a short but fantastic wine list. Not too sure what you fancy to drink, the helpful staff will help you decide. Food is also a key element to its success offering a changing menu with a selection of Asian and Mediterranean inspired flavours. If you fancy a bite to eat reserve a table at busy times or you can always just eat at the bar. For a full Universal review, click here.
The Crane (2 Sea Road Galway – www.thecranebar.com)
The best bar in the area for traditional Irish music the Crane hums of fiddles and baurans as you walk past. The brown tarnish on the walls is a result of smoking rather than paint, apparently. The real action is upstairs and it’s always busy, it offers the standard selection of drinks but in true irishness, Guinness is the drink of choice.
Our two choice picks: The Universal and Bierhaus.
Salthill area:
The seaside village of Salthill just a hop, skip and jump from the centre of Galway has a limited choice but a few of the bars are very good. Salthill has been up and down over the years, it was once upon a time “the” place to go out in Galway with over half a dozen night clubs to choose from. Alas the nightclubs are long gone swallowed up by the clubs and late night bars in Galway. But the last few years have seen an upturn in part, due to people moving further out from the centre of Galway.
O’Connors (famous bar) (Salthill House Upper Salthill Road Galway – www.oconnorsbar.com)
What’s it famous for I hear you ask, well a look inside will reveal all. It’s it’s like stepping into an old farmhouse or cottage or even a stately home. There’s a large fireplace which is very inviting and the place is wall to wall with old Irish antiques. It’s busy 7 nights a week and there’s always live music playing, Irish with a twist depending on who’s playing. There’s the usual choice of drinks on offer from the friendly bar staff.
Lonergans (256 Upper Salthill Galway)
This tiny local bar is a nice, no nonence place for a quiet drink. It has a standard selectoins of drinks and some snacks available. It also has a few small TV screens showing sport. Theres some benches outside which are great for people watching and has a nice view of the Bay.
Kilorans (256 Upper Salthill Galway)
Right next door to Lonergans (above), Kilorans is another local bar, it’s got a larger space than Lonergans and has a pool table and dart board. It also has sandwitches and soup available. It also has a few benches outside for when the sun shines.
O’Reillys (232 Upper Salthill Galway – www.oreillysbar.ie)
At time of writing the rooftop garden had been closed, which is a pity as it had great views of the promenade and bay. Food is popular and is especially busy at the weekends. There’s two sides to the place, the restaurant focusing mainly on food although you can just go in for a drink. The other side is a bar, where you can also order food, it also has a TV screen for sports.
The Oslo (226 Upper Salthill Galway – http://galwaybaybrewery.com/oslo/)
One bar to rule them all…..well once upon a time perhaps. The Oslo is still a good choice for a decent selection of drinks, such as craft beers, ciders, spirits and wine. It used to be much better but the choice is just not as good as it once was. Food also took a bit of a hit and is unfortunately not near as good as it was in the past. However it has the biggest sports screen in the city and is always busy especially during the summer when you can sit outside. There’s also a good size outdoor area out the back and the staff are a friendly bunch.
SALT: (Closed – has reopened as McCabes – we’ve yet to visit)
More of a restaurant than bar but you need not be dining to just have a drink. While you can sit upstairs downstairs is better if your just having a drink. There’s an ok selection of drinks and on our visit the bar staff were very friendly. It’s a busy spot for food.
Our two choice picks: O’Reilly’s and O’Connors
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