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County Galway

Pub entertainment in County Galway

  1. A

    Séhán Ua Neáchtain

    Painted a bright cornflower blue, this 19th-century pub, known simply as Neáchtain's (nock-tans) or Naughtons, has a wraparound string of tables outside, many shaded by a large tree. It's a place where a polyglot mix of locals plop down and let the world pass them by – or stop and join them for a pint.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Joe Watty's Bar

    This is the best pub in Kilronan, with traditional sessions most nights and rather posh pub food (noon to 8pm) from June to August. Turf fires warm the air on the 50 weeks a year when this is needed.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Crane Bar

    An atmospheric old pub west of the Corrib, the Crane is the best spot in Galway to catch an informal céilidh most nights. Talented bands play its rowdy, good-natured upstairs bar; downstairs at times it seems right out of The Far Side.

    reviewed

  4. D

    American Bar

    Two large rooms fill with happy pint quaffers throughout the year. In low season sloshed locals anticipate the next year of tourists (especially the namesakes of the bar). The room on the right as you enter, with its windows and access to the terrace, is the best bet.

    reviewed

  5. E

    Tig Cóilí

    Two live céilidh (traditional music and dancing sessions)a day draw the crowds to this authentic fire-engine-red pub, just off High St. It's where musicians go to get drunk or drunks go to become musicians…or something like that. A gem.

    reviewed

  6. F

    Tigh Fitz

    Near the airport, this jovial pub has traditional sessions and set dancing every weekend and does excellent bar food (noon to 5pm) from June to August. It's 1.6km from Kilronan (about a 25-minute walk).

    reviewed

  7. G

    Front Door

    Heated balconies and cosy timber booths make this a popular spot for a pint, especially among local women on the 'lap circuit' checking out the male talent.

    reviewed

  8. H

    Garavan's

    A genteel old boozer in the city centre that is a place of refuge for those in search of a pint and a seat on a busy Saturday night.

    reviewed

  9. I

    Róisín Dubh

    From the rooftop terrace you can see sweeping views of Galway; inside emerging acts play here before they hit the big time. It's the place to hear bands.

    reviewed

  10. J

    Tí Joe Mac's

    Informal music sessions, turf fires and a broad terrace with harbour views make Tí Joe Mac's a local favourite. Food is limited to a few sandwiches slapped together between pints.

    reviewed

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  12. K

    Quays

    Enormous tavern with endless timber-panelled rooms and passageways, and great vantage points from which to watch live music (ranging from traditional to pop) most nights. Good sidewalk tables.

    reviewed

  13. L

    Murphy's

    A complete anomaly among the partying throngs in the centre, Murphy's is a timeless haven where locals still explore the limits of the art of conversation. The sign on the door says it all: 'No hen parties'.

    reviewed

  14. Mullarky's Pub

    Another Foyle family production, this rollicking pub is a riot of local merriment, with live music many nights. Join the fun and you may need to stay in Clifden longer than you thought.

    reviewed

  15. M

    Monroe's Tavern

    Often photographed for its classic, world-weary facade, Monroe's delivers traditional music and ballads, plus it remains the only pub in the city with regular Irish dancing. A pizza joint buried within turns out good pies.

    reviewed

  16. N

    King's Head

    This vast, ancient pub is often too crowded for its own good so come mid-afternoon when you can appreciate preserved details that date back to the 14th century.

    reviewed