The Best Pubs in Galway: Music, Pints, and Irish Craic

Anyone who’s been to Ireland knows that as amazing as Dublin’s pubs may be, the real craic is in Galway. Sure, I may be biased as Galway was once a place that I called home, but I’m not alone in my thoughts. Even the locals agree that Galway’s craic is top notch, with many of them choosing to spend their weekends or holidays in Ireland’s famous west coast town to drink at some of the best pubs in Galway. 

Traditional music, great beer, and friendly locals all add to the draw of Galway’s nightlife. But another huge factor, especially important to solo female travellers in Ireland, is that Galway has been awarded the purple flag; crediting the city for its vibrant, diverse, but most importantly, safe nightlife.

Convinced? Then here are Galway’s best pubs for good pints, great music, and authentic Irish craic.

Roisin Dubh

Address: 9 Dominick Upper Street

The Roisin Dubh, which is Gaelic for Black Rose, is a staple when it comes to Galway pubs and is known for its live music and comedy acts. There a live shows every night of the week, many of which are free. The Roisin Dubh brings both national and international acts and is known not just as one of the best pubs in Galway, but also one of the best pubs in all of Ireland. Without a doubt, this The Roisin Dubh is a must-visit when visiting Galway. 

The Front Door/ Sonny’s

Address: 8 Cross Upper Street

Five bars, two floors, and an outdoor area? The Front Door is MASSIVE and can accommodate about 500 people on its busiest nights. It’s most popular with a younger crowd, and a DJ takes over later in the evening making it more of a club than traditional pub scene. Still, its a good place to dance, and they offer great food until 9pm.

Tig Choili

Address: Mainguard Street

A smaller, cozy Pub, Tig Choili is another well-known pub in Galway’s city centre. If you are looking for a place to experience traditional Irish music, this is where to come. A good mix of both locals and tourists come to spend some time here. Big Choili is one of the best pubs in Galway if you are looking for an authentic trad experience. 

Murphys Bar

Address: 9 High Street

If The Front Door feels like a club, then the best way to descrive Murphys Bar would be as an Old Man’s bar. But don’t let that stop you, it may be small (really small, actually) and cozy, but if you are looking for a quiet(er) spot to enjoy a pint and meet the locals, then this is your spot.

Freeney’s Bar

Address: 19 High Street

While it’s a popular spot for the locals, most tourists will walk right past Freeney’s; not even realizing it’s a pub. It’s their loss though because Freeney’s is part of the Irish Whisky Trail and has over 50 different Irish whiskeys to choose from. If you’re a whisky fan, don’t leave Ireland without visiting this Galway pub. 

The Kings Head

Address: 15 High Street, Galway

A Galway classic known for its morbid history which, you guessed it, involves a king losing his head. This pub can trace its history back over 800 years, but today is known as a great spot to grab a pint and listen to the live music. The Kings Head also make amazing beer battered fish and chips (along with other pub fare) served all day long. Without a doubt, it’s a favourite when it comes to Galway’s best pubs. 

O’Connors

Address: Salthill House, Upper Salthill. 

O’Connors, which is in Salthill rather than Galway proper, is probably the most famous pub in Galway. It brands itself as being the first singing pub in the country. Whether this is true or not is up to debate, but it’s absolutely worth a visit with great pints, and good music. It’s also where Ed Sheeran filmed part of the video for his song, Galway Girl.

The Quays

Address: 11 Quay Street 

The Quays (pronounced ‘Keys’) is one of Galway’s prettiest pubs with stained glass and Gothic additions that were imported from a medieval church in France. It’s very popular with tourists, but locals and other Irish from around the country will stop in as well. There’s often music here but expect it to get incredibly busy, especially during the summer months.

The Dail

Address: 42 Middle Street

A newer pub in the city, The Dail was opened in 2008 by the same man that owns The Front Door. Like The Front Door, The Dail attracts a younger crowd and has a DJ on the second floor giving it a more club like feel at night. Even if that’s not quite your scene, stop by for a meal during the day; they serve up some great food.

 Garavan’s Bar

Address: 46 William Street

Another traditional style pub, Garavan’s, like Freeney’s, is also on the Whisky Trail. It’s won the title of Irish Whisky Bar in the year from 2014-2017 for the Connacht region. A family style pub, it has more of a laid back and friendly atmosphere that attracts locals and tourists alike. Live music sessions happen here a few times each week.

Tigh Neactain

Address: 17 Cross Street

A Galway classic, Tigh Neactain is another historic Galway pub and has been run by the same family for over 100 years. The history alone makes it a great fit for the list of best pubs in Galway. Tig Neactain attracts a diverse crowd and puts on some great live music shows, especially on Sunday night.

An Pucan

Address: 11 Forster Street

Recently redesigned, An Pucan now has two live music stages. It was originally best known for its traditional music, which can still he heard during the evenings. However, on late nights there are often cover bands or DJs making it one of the best pubs in Galway for music lovers. 

Galway is full of pubs but as someone who lived in the city for awhile and goes back regularly, I would argue that these are the best pubs in Galway. 

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