So, in early 2019 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 with many a passionate and, at times, over passionate argument taking place.
Roughly 723 people commented, DM’d and emailed over the course of two days.
The guide below takes you through what the majority of those 723 people thought were the best pubs in Galway for a pint or 5.
The Best Pubs in Galway
According to the people that voted, the best bars in Galway are:
- An Pucan
- The Front Door
- Tigh Neachtain
- The King’s head
- Taaffes Bar
- O’Connell’s
- The Crane
- The Quays
- The Dail Bar
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 guide makes picking a pub on your next venture to the city a little bit easier.
1 – An Púcán, 11 Forster St, Galway (the best pub in Galway according to those that responded)
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!
Easily one of the best late bars Galway has to offer.
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.
If you’re visiting Ireland for the first time and you’re not sure what to sip away on, give one of these Irish beers a shot.
3 – Tigh Neachtain, 17 Cross Street, Galway (my favourite of the many bars in Galway)
If you’re in search of pubs in Galway that are loved by locals and tourists alike, then head for Neachtains.
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.
You’ll find 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.
Hotels and hostels in Galway
- Check out our guide the best hotels in Galway
- Have a flick through our guide on the best-reviewed and most central cheap hostels in Galway
4 – The Kings Head, 15 High St, Galway, Co. Galway
You’ll find the Kings Head in Galway’s bustling Latin Quarter, surrounded by great restaurants and bars.
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’.
Well worth nipping in.
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
Up until last year, this was one of the few pubs in Galway that I hadn’t visited.
When we were there, 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 one 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.
I visited here for the first time when we went to Galway’s Christmas Markets a few years ago.
It really is a deadly little pub.
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.
The best bars in Galway
As always, I’m keen to hear what you think!
Is there a pub you’ve been to that should have made the list? Is there one there that shouldn’t?
Let me know in the comments section below!
