Must-see nightlife in County Galway

  • Tigh Neachtain

    Galway City

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

  • Garavan's

    Galway City

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

  • Tí Joe Watty's Bar

    Aran Islands

    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…

  • Tig Cóilí

    Galway City

    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…

  • Crane Bar

    Galway City

    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…

  • King's Head

    Galway City

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

  • O'Connor's

    Galway City

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

  • O'Connell's

    Galway City

    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…

  • Róisín Dubh

    Galway City

    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 Bar

    Aran Islands

    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…

  • Buddha Bar

    Galway City

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

  • Teach Ósta

    Aran Islands

    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…

  • Quays

    Galway City

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

  • Gaynor's

    Connemara

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

  • Bierhaus

    Galway City

    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…

  • Shamrock Bar

    Connemara

    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…

  • Secret Garden

    Galway City

    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…

  • Front Door

    Galway City

    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…

  • Monroe's Tavern

    Galway City

    Often photographed for its classic two-storey black-and-white facade, Monroe's has been at the heart of local nightlife for more than 50 years. Expect a…

  • Taaffe's

    Galway City

    Stone-fronted Taaffe's is well loved for its nightly Irish music sessions beginning at 5.30pm, followed by bands belting out ballads at 9.30pm. The front…

  • Nova

    Galway City

    Rainbow flags and motifs adorn Galway's premier LGBTQ bar, where Wednesday is student night, DJs spin dance music on Friday, Saturday brings drag acts,…

  • Tí Joe Mac's

    Aran Islands

    Informal music sessions, open fires and a broad terrace with harbour views make Tí Joe Mac's a local favourite.

  • Arabica Coffee

    Galway City

    Baristas brew up fairtrade coffee in this sleek dark-wood-floored cafe in a historic stone building. There are other branches scattered throughout Galway…