So, a little while ago I popped out a post on Instagram asking the Irish Road Trip community what they thought were the best pubs in Galway City.
A fiery debate ensued.
Hundreds of people commented, DM’d and emailed over the course of two days.
I took the most recommended pubs and created the guide below.
The Best Pubs in Galway City
Now I don’t know about you, but I love Galway – the only trouble is, I always find myself spoiled for choice when it comes to picking a pub.
Hopefully this makes picking a pub on your next venture to the city a little bit easier.
For the most part, this list is in no particular order, except for the first pub. An Púcán pulled in the majority of votes by a long-shot!
1 – An Púcán, 11 Forster St, Galway
You’ll find An Púcán a short stroll from Eyre Square on Forster St.
I was here for the first time on a Saturday night last year (2017). The place was hopping.
We stood out in the beer garden for a while soaking up the atmosphere before heading to the front section of the pub and grabbing a seat in a cosy little booth.
The only issue we had was queuing for a pint – it was, however, Saturday night in Galway, so everywhere was packed out!
2 – The Front Door, 3 High Street, Latin Quarter, Galway
I love the Front Door.
It’s great for a few pints while watching a match during the day, and it’s just as good later in the evening if you’re looking to buzz away until the early hours.
3 – Tigh Neachtain, 17 Cross Street, Galway
You’ll find the insanely Instagrammable Tigh Neachtain on the corner of Cross Street and Quay Street in the heart of Galway City.
Whether you’re after a seat by a fire on a chilly winter’s evening or in search of a great pub to soak up some of the city’s atmosphere, Tigh Neachtain’s should be on your to-nurse-a-pint-in list.
In my opinion, this is the best pub in Galway City.
There’s nothing like kicking back in one of the seats outside on a sunny day and watching the colourful array of tourists and locals swarm through the Latin Quarter.
4 – The Kings Head, 15 High St, Galway, Co. Galway
This pub is one of the oldest in the city and it boasts live music every night and ‘fresh wholesome food all day every day’.
You’ll find the Kings Head in Galway’s bustling Latin Quarter, surrounded by great restaurants and bars.
5 – Taaffes Bar, 19 Shop St, Galway
Taaffes has been tipping away as a pub for over 150 years, with the building itself over 400 years old.
Personally, I find sitting/standing inside Taaffes on a weekend a tad uncomfortable as it gets fairly packed, but this place was shouted out plenty of times in the comments, so here it is.
6 – O’Connell’s Bar, 8 Eyre Square, Galway
I visited this place for the first time a couple of months back.
The rain was hammering down and we were sat outside in the enormous beer garden (the seating area was covered, thankfully) out the back.
A lovely pub for a pint with friends… even if it is pissing down.
7 – Crane Bar, 2 Sea Rd, Galway, Co. Galway
The Crane Bar is arguably on of Galway’s best known traditional music pubs.
If you’ve a hankering for a pint (the Guinness is delicious in this place) while soaking up some live music, the Crane Bar is the place to be.
Upstairs in this pub has seen many a lively session – get there early as seating and standing space is limited.
8 – The Quays, Quay Street, Galway
You’ll find the Quays located smack-bang in the middle of Galway’s Latin Quarter.
This place holds a tonne of nostalgia for me.
I remember well the very first trip to Galway I ever went on with friends. We spent the evening drinking in a pub on Eyre Square before having the craic until the early hours in the Quays.
9 – The Dáil Bar, 42 Middle St, Galway
I’ve always found the Dail Bar to be a handy spot for getting a seat if you arrive pre 21:00.
The second floor is a lovely base for an evening of drinking and chatting with friends.
