Must-see nightlife in County Galway

Painted a bright cornflower blue, this 19th-century corner pub – known simply as Neáchtain's (nock-tans) or Naughtons – has a wraparound terrace for…

Irish whiskeys are the speciality of this genteel old boozer. Incredible 'tasting platters' generally cost €11 to €14 – choices include an Irish Writers'…

Warmed by peat fires, the island's oldest and most popular pub has trad sessions every night in summer from 9pm or 10pm, and weekends the rest of the year…

Two live céilidh (traditional music and dancing session) a day (at 6pm and 9.30pm) draw the crowds to this authentic fire-engine-red pub just off High St…

West of the Corrib, this atmospheric, always crammed two-storey pub is the best spot in Galway to catch an informal céilidh (traditional music and dancing…

With more than a hundred different whiskeys on shelves behind its bar, which looks ready to collapse, this 1865 pub is quite a sight. Painted peppermint…

Sprawling over three floors, this vast, ancient pub dating from the 13th century has medieval details including cut-stone windows, fireplaces and the…

Antiques fill every nook, cranny, wall and ceiling space of this 1942-established pub: clocks, crockery, farming implements, gas lights, sewing machines,…

Right on Eyre Sq, this traditional, garrulous pub has a great, huge heated beer garden, which is home to two outdoor bars and regular music events…

Emerging acts play here before they hit the big time. It's the place to hear bands but it's also renowned for regular stand-up comedy, along with a silent…

The buzzing Bar provided last pints for those emigrating from Galway to the USA, hence its former name, the American Bar (and its photos of Elvis, Bob…

Neighbouring the Asian Tea House, this lantern-lit bar decorated with Buddha statues mixes inventive cocktails such as the Shanghai Kiss (passion-fruit…

A local linchpin, the island's only pub has outdoor tables with great views. Live music plays most nights in July and August, with spontaneous weekend…

With endless rooms and passageways, this enormous tavern has great vantage points from which to watch live music (mainly rock and country, with occasional…

A crackling peat fire, dark-wood panelling and spontaneous trad sessions make this cosy pub an essential stop. Pavement picnic tables overlook the harbour…

At any one time 20 stouts, ales, Pilsners, wheat beers and ciders from around Europe rotate on the taps of this beer specialist, in addition to over 60…

Roundstone's best bet for live music is this red-trimmed, timber-lined pub on the main street, where musicians play at weekends throughout the year and…

Back-lit bottles behind the bar create a beautiful setting for a time-worn, third-generation-run local pub. A place to enjoy céilidh sessions at least a…

Sip tiě guān yīn oolong tea – or any other leaf from an impressive selection – in the comfy front room of this art-filled teahouse or in the charming…

Five bars, including Sonny Malloy's Whiskey Bar, are spread over two floors at this rambling venue, a maze of dark wood, hidden nooks and stained-glass…