Galway City is a vibrant and charming place, located in the West of Ireland. It is known for its lively atmosphere, friendly locals, and, of course, its pubs. There are plenty of pubs in Galway to suit all tastes, whether you're looking for great food, the perfect pint of Guinness, or some traditional Irish music. In this blog, we'll explore the best pubs in Galway City and what makes them special.

Best for Traditional Music: Tig Coili

Located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, Tig Coili is one of Galway's most famous traditional music pubs. The pub is named after the owner, Coiliín Ó Flatharta, who is a well-known traditional musician himself. Tig Coili is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, with live music every night of the week. The pub has a cosy and intimate atmosphere, and the music sessions are always lively and fun.

Best for Food: The Kings Head

The Kings Head is one of Galway's oldest pubs, dating back to the 17th century. It is located in the bustling Latin Quarter and is known for its excellent food. The menu is a mix of traditional Irish dishes and modern cuisine, with something to suit all tastes. The pub has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with plenty of nooks and crannies to relax in. The Kings Head also has a great selection of craft beers and whiskeys.

Best for Guinness: O'Connell's Bar

O'Connell's Bar is a family-owned pub that has been serving pints of Guinness since 1960. It is located in the Westend of Galway and is known for its perfect pints of the black stuff. The pub has a traditional feel, with a cosy fireplace and wooden bar. O'Connell's is a great spot to catch a game of rugby or soccer, and the friendly staff are always up for a chat.

Best for Whiskey: Garavan's

Garavan's is a tiny pub located in the heart of Galway's Latin Quarter. Despite its small size, it is home to one of the largest selections of whiskey in Ireland, with over 400 varieties to choose from. The pub has been around since 1937 and is a popular spot for whiskey enthusiasts. The atmosphere is cosy and intimate, with a traditional Irish feel.

Best for Culture: Tigh Neachtain

Tigh Neachtain is located in the heart of Galway's Latin Quarter and is known for its literary connections. The pub has been around since 1894 and has hosted many famous writers and poets over the years, including Seamus Heaney and Mary Robinson. Tigh Neachtain has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with plenty of nooks and crannies to explore. The pub also has a great selection of craft beers and whiskeys.

Best Pub Overall: Taaffes Bar

While all the pubs mentioned above have their unique charm, Taaffes Bar in Galway is often regarded as the best pub overall in Galway City. Located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, Taaffes is a classic Irish pub with a warm and inviting atmosphere. It has been serving customers since 1845, making it one of the oldest pubs in Galway City. Taaffes hosts tradtional music sessions everyday at 5:30pm and 9:30pm. These are free to attend and you can stop by anytime. Taaffe's a family-run pub and well known for its excellent pints of Guinness, friendly staff, and lively traditional music sessions. Taaffes also has a great selection of whiskeys, spirits and beers, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Taaffes Bar has a cosy and intimate feel, with plenty of nooks and crannies to relax in. Whether you're looking for a great pint of Guinness, some traditional Irish music, or a friendly chat with the locals, Taaffes Pub has it all.

Undoubtedly, Galway City is home to some of the best pubs in Ireland, each with its unique atmosphere and offerings. From traditional music to great food, perfect pints of Guinness to vast selections of whiskey, and rich literary and cultural history, there's something for everyone. Whether you're a local or a visitor, exploring the pub scene in Galway is an experience not to be missed. So, grab a pint, soak up the craic, and discover the best of Galway's pub culture.

Take a Guided Pub Tour of Galway City:

If you want to experience the best pubs in Galway City for yourself, why not try the "Evolution of the Irish Pub" Guided Walking Tour with Experience Galway. This tour takes you to four pubs in four neighbourhoods in Galway: Eyre Square, the Latin Quarter, the Westend, and Woodquay. You'll try four traditional Irish drinks and learn more about the history and craic of each pub. It's the perfect way to experience the best of Galway's pub scene and learn more about Irish culture.

Learn more about our Pub Tour here.